CALM IT DOWN
Goodwin is clear fans should back Scales as Coulson ties up loan move
ABERDEEN boss Jim Goodwin has dismissed grievances over Liam Scales’ loan move from Celtic and stated supporters should be ‘comfortable’ with the deal.
A small group of Dons fans recently produced a banner calling for ‘no more Celtic loans’ after Scales became the third player to make a temporary switch from Parkhead in recent years.
Ryan Christie was a major hit during an 18-month stint at Pittodrie, but Adam Montgomery struggled to make an impact last season.
Goodwin, who sealed a seasonlong loan deal for Middlesbrough left-back Hayden Coulson last night, hopes to eventually land Scales on a permanent transfer.
While the Irish defender can’t play in Sunday’s Premiership opener at Parkhead, he delivered some impressive early displays in Aberdeen’s Premier Sports Cup group successes.
‘Listen, Liam Scales is a quality player,’ said Goodwin. ‘I tried to get him on a couple of occasions when I was St Mirren manager and he was over at Shamrock Rovers.
‘He’s a top player and he gives us great balance on that left-hand side. He’s the best option available for us right now.
‘We did enquire to Celtic about trying to make it a permanent one, but they prefer to go down the loan route, so I’m quite comfortable with it.
‘I think the supporters should be, too. I think they recognise what Liam has brought to the team so far. He has been one of our standout performers in this early part (of the season).’
Scales’ absence will clearly be a negative against Celtic but Goodwin is confident his rebuilt squad can cope.
‘We knew the situation prior to bringing him in,’ continued the ex-St Mirren boss.
‘That’s unfortunately one of the negatives about the loan market. They can’t play against their parent clubs, which is understandable.
‘We have contingency plans in place. You need to have a competitive squad for injuries and suspensions and obviously with this scenario.
‘We’re going into this game in really good form ourselves. We’ve had a very successful League Cup group stage, winning all four games quite convincingly and keeping four clean sheets.
‘We’ve got a little bit of confidence in the group and we’ll just approach this game the way we did the previous four.
‘We know it’s a step up in quality. Celtic have a team full of real, class international players.
‘They haven’t changed their style of play. Ange Postecoglou has added a little bit of quality in terms of recruitment but you know what you’re going to get with Celtic.
‘It’s high tempo, it’s intense, it’s free-flowing football.
‘We’re going to have to be good with the ball but also very good without to make sure that defence is protected.’
Goodwin has now made nine signings this summer after tying up a 12-month loan for 24-yearold Coulson and is in the market for more.
‘Hayden fits the profile of full- back we’ve been looking to recruit,’ said Goodwin. ‘He is athletic, attack-minded and has gained some valuable experience at a high level having played almost 50 games in the English Championship for Middlesbrough.’
Goodwin is also clear he won’t block the exit of any player seeking to leave Pittodrie.
Asked about the futures of Christian Ramirez and David Bates, he told Sky Sports: ‘Christian has had a very good start to the season, scoring three goals in the League Cup.
‘David Bates is probably a bit more frustrated than Christian because he hasn’t played a minute yet of competitive football.
‘I want to have a competitive squad. I think that was one of the issues last season when I came in. There wasn’t enough strength in depth. We were relying heavily on individuals and, when those individuals were out of form or tired, we weren’t able to change it up.
‘I’m not going to stand in anyone’s way, particularly the senior players. One or two are coming into the last year of their contract and want to be playing regularly to get a new contract.’
Goodwin’s overhaul has also included the appointment of a new captain in Anthony Stewart.
The 29-year-old defender, who moved north from Wycombe, believes Aberdeen must target third place in the new Premiership campaign.
‘I know last season was a so-called poor season but this season will be better,’ he said.
‘Aberdeen should be finishing in the top three and that’s what we’re going to go for this season.’