Cormack won’t be a distraction, says Lewis

JOE LEWIS believes the future is bright at Aberdeen but the goalkeeper insists he will not let Dave Cormack’s Pittodrie takeover blind him from the realities of the here and now.

Millionaire businessman Cormack is to replace Stewart Milne as chairman next month and is fronting plans to plough a further £5m into the club having already heavily invested in a new training ground for Derek McInnes’ team.

The new Reds chief has declared he wants to see Aberdeen close the gap on the Old Firm, but for the meantime Lewis is more concerned about making sure his side can take care of St Mirren today.

He said: “It is exciting times for the football club. From a player’s point of view you see it, you read about it, you hear a few bits and pieces. Our immediate job doesn’t change, our focus has to be on Saturday. The players won’t be distracted with what has happened off the field.

“It is a positive thing for the club. It is great for everyone involved in the club that we have got a new and enthusiastic chairman. But as a player our focus has to be solely on Saturday and winning the game.”

Aberdeen were caught out at St Johnstone last week as they were held to a 1-1 draw, despite the hosts finishing with nine men. And Lewis admits his team cannot afford to let St Mirren off the hook like they did with Tommy Wright’s team.

“Credit to St Johnstone but I think we contributed to our own downfall by allowing them to get a foothold in the game,” he said. “Even if we are not going to put the game to bed and get two or three goals, we have to be strong enough as a defensive unit to grind out a 1-0 win. We didn’t do that and we need to address that.”

Ryan Flynn, meanwhile, believes St Mirren need to develop a ruthless streak if they are to make life easier for themselves. The Buddies were frustrated following a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian midweek after passing up on several chances.

The 31-year-old said: “It is all fine margins. I just think we need to be more ruthless at the top end of the pitch. We got into good positions but we just have to make sure we’re more ruthless the way Hibs were ruthless. They got two chances and made it 2-1. But I thought we played really well. It’s not all doom and gloom.”