Midfield maestro Bryson the ideal signing for Dons, claims Jefferies
JIM JEFFERIES admits he is gutted Hearts missed out on the signing of Craig Bryson after backing the Scotland international to inspire an Aberdeen title challenge. Jefferies was the man who took a punt on Bryson as an untested youngster, taking him to Kilmarnock for a cut-price compensation fee from Clyde in 2007.
The gamble paid dividends as the midfielder went on to notch 14 goals in 135 appearances for the Ayrshire outfit, securing Bryson a dream move to Derby — and allowing Killie to cash in to the tune of £400,000.
Eight years later, Bryson is returning to Scottish football with more than 250 games in England under his belt and three Scotland caps to his name — and Jefferies reckons Aberdeen have pulled off a sensational coup. He just wishes it was Hearts, the club he used to manage.
Jefferies said: ‘Aberdeen have aspirations to challenge the Old Firm and Craig Bryson is the sort of signing who can help that happen. That is the pedigree he is bringing.
‘He will improve the squad massively.
‘He is only 32 and still has plenty in the tank. He always kept himself really fit and was the consummate professional — always staying behind and doing extra work. It’s a real coup for Aberdeen.
‘I did see Craig linked with coming to Hearts a couple of months ago and I thought: “That would be a terrific signing”. Unfortunately, it was not to be and, honestly, I think they’ve missed out on a top player. I should maybe have tried to have a word!
‘When he was at Kilmarnock with us, Gary Locke was there as well, and he’s now back at Hearts in an ambassador’s role. So, I had my fingers crossed that Lockie might be able to put in a word.
‘At this stage of his life, Craig will have a few different things to consider — family, his future — and he obviously felt Aberdeen was the best place for him. They are certainly a big club and I’m sure they will have ambitions for this season.’
Jefferies still looks back at his capture of Bryson as one of the biggest bargains in his managerial career, with cash-strapped Clyde happy to take an initial lump-sum payment which saved Killie a packet in the long-run.
He continued: ‘Kevin Drinkell, who I knew well from our Falkirk days together, recommended Craig and then I went along to watch him in person and was really impressed. I had a chat with their chairman and it turned out he was available.
‘Clyde weren’t in the best of financial health at the time, so we got a real bargain with the signing.
‘He did terrific for us, he was a brilliant signing and a great lad to have at the club. In the end Kilmarnock got around £400,000 for him, so it was an incredible piece of business.
‘You only need to look at how well he has done in England and how long he has been down there to see his quality and character. He wasn’t a big name when he arrived at Derby, so he has earned his stripes and proved himself. But, knowing Craig, that didn’t surprise me.’
Jefferies reckons Bryson’s influence will be felt as the Dons seek to develop the swathe of youngsters who started to make their mark last season, with the likes of Lewis Ferguson, Connor McLennan and Sam Cosgrove aiming to shine again.
He continued: ‘Aberdeen have started to bring through some really good young players and I’ve no doubt Craig will help them along. He leads by example.’
Meanwhile, the Dons have signed right-back Jon Gallagher on loan from MLS champions Atlanta United. The 23-year-old Irishman can also play in midfield.