We’ve become market leaders
Budget opens up player hunt for Lee
Lee Sharp admits he and Jim Goodwin were able to cast their net wider this summer thanks to Aberdeen’s transfer budget.
As the new- look Dons prepare to get their season underway today at Peterhead, which boasts the largest fishing port in the UK, the Pittodrie No.2 is delighted with their haul of signings.
After trawling the continent for new faces, they landed Bojan Miovski and Ylber Ramadani from MTK Budapest, Kelle Roos, Anthony Stewart and Jayden Richardson from down south and Liam Scales on loan from Celtic.
Sharp is delighted after he and Goodwin had to chase smaller f ish at Al loa and St Mirren.
He said: “The recruitment team
Gordon Parks
here have scope to look at a wider market so there are more options given the greater budget than the restraints you may have at other clubs.
“I’m not saying there aren’t budget restraints at this club but it is a bigger budget which allows us to look at different players in different markets.
“The aim is always to try and get the best players you can for whatever club you are at.”
The Reds have returned from a training camp in Spain and Sharp says it has been a smooth transition for the new boys.
He said: “It’s all started to shape up wel l, a l l of the boys have worked extremely hard. We had a superb week in Spain, which allowed the new lads to integrate with the rest of the squad and they have all fitted in very well.
“We are now just waiting on Ramadani and Miovski getting their visas sorted.
“We had Miovski over in Spain with us which was great.
“He looks really good and we are looking forward to getting him over here. That goes for Ramadani as well.”
Sharp insists it will be a strong Dons side who take the field at Peterhead for their first competitive match of the season in the Premier Sports Cup.
He said: “We are just looking forward to getting going on Sunday. Nothing beats playing a competitive game. When you’re doing pre- season and playing friendly games, as a player you just want the competitive matches to start.
“It’s alright playing bounce games and friendlies to get your match fitness up but it’s only when it all starts for real that you get that competitive edge where it needs to be, which is so important.
“These cup games are great for us and we have prepared as best we can – the same as we would for any other game.
“We want to try to win every game, regardless of the opposition, and these cup games will be no exception.
“We will be putting out as strong a team as we can and may tweak a few things with a view to where players are f itness- wise regarding any knocks or injuries.”