Policy to continue for Dons

ABERDEEN chairman Dave Cormack insists the unsuccessful Ronald Hernandez experiment has not put the club off from casting the net wider than Britain for players. Venezuelan international Hernandez looks set to leave Pittodrie next month after failing to make an impact since arriving from Stabaek in January.

Aberdeen’s £800,000 outlay was a significant departure from their recent business in the transfer market and with just three starts in his time in Scotland it is clear Hernandez has struggled in his new surroundings.

Derek McInnes is confident the club will recoup its investment when the right-back leaves and while disappointed the move has not worked out for both parties, Cormack has no regrets.

He said: “We still feel it was the right move to make. Not every move works in every marketplace, but I am going to leave Derek to work with Ronny, who is a fantastic guy, to work through where he takes his career from here.

“We were aware of the player who was highly talented. We have certainly felt it was important for us to spread our wings related to scouting and bringing other players in.

“We made the call with Ronny and he came in what was his pre-season. By the time the season ended because of Covid he was dealing with being in Aberdeen on his own without his wife and daughter.

“He has even been back to play for Venezuela and not seen them.

“So a difficult situation all round.”

McInnes believes Hernandez was a victim of circumstance with Covid-19 and a change of formation conspiring to restrict his opportunities at Pittodrie.