The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Former Tangerine swaps Pittodrie for life at the Yankee Stadium
– page 49
Gary Mackay-Steven has joined MLS outfit New York City FC after turning down the opportunity to remain at Aberdeen.
Dons boss Derek McInnes had been desperate to keep hold of the out-ofcontract former Dundee United and Celtic winger.
But the 28-year-old has decided to make his move to America after being lured by the prospect of playing at City’s base at Yankee Stadium.
Mackay-Steven, who will join up with his new side once he secures a US work visa, told the New York City club website: “I’m delighted to finally sign on the dotted line.
“I can’t wait to hit the ground running and make my debut in the blue shirt. I can’t wait to show what I can do to the fans in Yankee Stadium.
“The lure of playing in America and in MLS is really attractive to me. It’s always been a draw for me, it’s hard to say no. I can’t wait to get started.
“You see NYCFC from afar and the way they play football is the way it should be played.”
Mackay-Steven, who scored 15 goals in 68 appearances for the Dons during his two seasons at the club, is convinced he can help New York City win silverware.
“A player like me, coming into an atmosphere when the philosophy is in place, it is going to be enjoyable,” added Mackay-Steven.
“I want to learn as much as I can and hopefully hit the ground running.
“I like to make things happen and to get fans off their seats. Hopefully, I can do that in New York and show what I’m all about.
“I feel everything is in place to win a trophy. A squad like New York, with the structure in place, it’s really in the team’s grasp and hopefully, I can chip in with goals and assists.”
City’s sporting director, and former Rangers midfielder, Claudio Reyna claimed Mackay-Steven is a player City “have been tracking for some time”.
Reyna added: “We’re excited to add him to our squad. He’s an out-and-out winger that can play on both sides of the pitch and strengthens our attacking options.
“He’s played in big games in Europe, has been part of title-winning teams, and we’re really excited to have him join NYCFC.”
The Dons, meanwhile, are preparing for a trip to Finland in the first qualifying round of the Europa League and manager Derek McInnes needs no reminding of the threat posed by RoPS next month.
McInnes knows from experience
I like to make things happen and to get fans off their seats. Hopefully, I can do that in New York and show what I’m all about. GARY MACKAYSTEVEN
the potential dangers which lie ahead having been part of the Dundee United team which was eliminated by MyPa in the Uefa Cup in 2005.
The Dons boss said: “The Finnish league is a strong league. MyPa were a fit, talented side with some really good individuals within it and I see similar traits in this team.
“We drew 0-0 over there in the first leg and then we were 2-0 up in the second leg until we lost two late goals to go out on the away goal rule. We were on a decent win bonus too so that one really hurt.”
The Aberdeen manager, who arrived in Ireland yesterday with his squad for their week-long training camp in Cork, watched a live stream of RoPS’ 2-1 win at FC Lahti and he will have another chance to see Pasi Tuutti’s side in action tonight when they travel to secondplaced FC Honka.
McInnes and his staff will have their side well briefed for what to expect come the first leg on July 11 but the Dons boss has seen enough already to know the opposition’s current 10th place standing after 12 matches is not an accurate reflection on their qualities.
The Aberdeen manager said: “They are a good side, a capable team and there are key players within their team who look as if they have played at a good level.
“Any team that finishes second in the Finnish league deserves respect and that’s exactly what we will be giving them.”