BROWN IS A HISTORY BUFF
New Dons skipper learns about Fergie’s heyday
SCOTT BROWN has already been getting the lowdown on Aberdeen’s great European era under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The new Dons captain has been learning about his new club and has been gleaning all he can from Gothenburg great Neil Simpson, who was part of the famous Pittodrie side who lifted the 1983 European Cup Winners’ Cup and then the Super Cup.
‘Simmie’, like Brown, is part of Stephen Glass’ backroom team.
Brown is no stranger to big European nights from his time at Celtic but now he wants to sample even more in the red of Aberdeen, starting at home against BK Hacken tonight.
The skipper, who has confirmed that he won’t be taking the pre-match huddle to Pittodrie, said: “I came here to keep playing as long as I can and to come here at 36, to a club that pushed Celtic all the way for the last 10 or 11 years, it’s great.
“The history is great as well. I was speaking to Simmie about his days with Fergie, all the experiences he’s had, plus Stephen’s experiences as well.
“It has been great learning about the history of the club from players the club means so much to.”
Brown has come in and taken the armband from keeper Joe Lewis, who remains as club captain.
The ex-Scotland international said: “Joe has done a fantastic job and it’s just because I will be further up the park than he will be.
“It is about dictating play and helping the younger lads out because I have experience and if I can help them any way possible then I’m willing to do it.
“Joe is fantastic about the building, he always has been and always will be.
“The lads have so much respect for him, as do I. We get on great.
“Do I see it as a job share? Yes, Joe is always going to be like that because it’s natural for him.
“He’s great at dealing with the lads, sorting the bonuses, speaking to the management staff – doing everything a captain does.”
Lewis has also given him his new nickname of The Hybrid because of his dual role as player and coach.
Brown is hoping to get Aberdeen motoring.
He said: “Joe started the nickname because I am getting the best of both worlds!
“I am in the dressingroom with the lads but also in with the coaches doing all the work that goes into it. “I am trying to learn as much as I can now. I am at the stage of my career where I want to play as much as
possible but also want to learn as much as possible.
“That’s what the opportunity to come here gave me and I couldn’t turn down the chance to be a coach in a first-team dressing room.
“Stephen, Allan [Russell] and Henry [Apaloo] have been fantastic with me and I am getting to see the other side of things. I am seeing how much the coaches put into it, the hours they work and things they do.
“It’s not just about organising training, it’s watching things, working on shape, looking at opponents, players.”
Brown, however, still has plenty to give on the park and has no plans to take the foot off the gas at Pittodrie.
He said: “The day before a game I have to switch on to being fully focused on playing.
“Stephen said that himself, the day before a game we are hopefully 95 percent organised.
“So straight after training he was like ‘you go home, switch off, rest and get ready for the game’ so that’s what we’re doing.
“From there I am a player – I go into the changing rooms with the lads before the game and I am part of it.
“We are all together and that will be the case even if I am not starting a game.
“Whether it’s the 11 who are starting or the subs who are there as well, everyone is in it because they could change the game for us.
“That’s why you all have to stick together and that’s what the management has brought to us.”
Aberdeen have been one of Celtic’s main rivals over the last decade and he has been impressed with the squad he has come into.
Brown said: “I really liked Ryan Hedges beforehand. He is an incredible player.
“Fergie [Lewis Ferguson] has been fantastic as well.
“All the lads have been brilliant. Their attitude to learn under new management has been great. It’s about us sticking together.
“Whoever the manager picks, it’s important the other guys are there supporting and not taking the cream puff.
“We need to show that unity.”