FUTURE’S BRIGHT FOR YOUNG REDS
It’s tough now but Laird says Dons are destined for top
ABERDEEN might be propping up the SWPL1 but Stefan Laird is convinced his players will be challenging for honours at the other end of the table in a few years.
The Dons lost several experienced players last year – including Susan Murray and Rachael Small – and are now rebuilding for the future.
Laird said: “We have a very young team here at Aberdeen.
“There was a lot of turnover at the end of the season as various players retired from the game or moved on.
“The average age in our squad now is just below 18 – and they’re playing in the Premier League.
“It’s very tough this season but for the future it is extremely bright.
“It’s difficult to learn at the top level. They are making mistakes and have been punished for them.
“But in terms of potential the sky’s the limit for the kids at Aberdeen.
“Youth-wise it’s a very exciting time for Aberdeen.
“If we stick together and keep that core group then we will definitely be challenging for the title in three or four years.”
Aberdeen sit bottom with just two points from nine games but Laird believes his young players have what it takes to move up the table.
He said: “Nobody made any secret of the fact at the start of season it was going to be a battle to stay in the league because of the age of the team.
“But have they got the ability to string together three or four wins? Absolutely.
“We play some great football, we just have to be more ruthless in both penalty boxes. A lot of that comes with experience.
“The ability is there to stay in the league but I’m aware of how big a challenge it is.”
Laird, who played for Rangers and Blackpool before injury ended his playing career, took over as head coach of the Dons women last year.
And he added: “When I first got involved I had no knowledge of women’s football at all.
“I was blown away by the technical ability.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s a good learning curve and it’s something I relish.”