|
LATEST NEWS
8 August: In two frantic days of trading, seven of Aberdeen's original seventeen man squad have left the club, all on good terms. Craig Murray consulted with all before the trades, and all agreed that Murray's style of the squad must meet the strategy, meant that some of the playing squad were not being able to maximise their talent, evident on Sunday, hence, they departed.
Sean Hoppe, Kevin Iro, Danny Arnold, Danny Tickle, Dale Holdstack, Wayne McDonald and Mark Gleeson have been the seven to leave, allowing coach Craig Murray to bring in the following eight recruits:
Dean Busby: Signed from Amsterdam Admirals: Second Row
An ex Saint, now at Warrington. Handling skills, or lack of, must be developed. The "weakest link" of a formidable pack. Like everything from Hull, has no talent, but when compared to Hull, looks great. Buzzer will hopefully raise his game.
Mark Calderwood: Signed from Player Pool: Winger
Attacking winger from Leeds, surprising, only thing known in Leeds is hookers. Calderwood is a dangerous prospect, unlike Chev Walker who put simply, has no skill. No EIRL experience. Massive argument when the player pool coach attempted to charge 15,000, not 5,000 for the winger.
Kevin Crouthers: Signed from Salford Blues: Centre
Crouthers has been in good form as of late for Salford and is set to play in the centres alongside Anthony Stewart. Crouthers, who I only know from scoring two tries against Saints in some play off game which Bradistan went on to lose :D, will ensure that our defence continues to be of a high standard.
Stuart Fielden: Signed from Salford Blues: Prop
Will complete the "FAF" front row. Big Bull, who needs to have the shit taken out of him. In good form, is going to scare defences and attacks, if only cos of that thing called his face. A big name signing was wanted at Pittodrie, and they got him.
Mick Higham: Signed from Player Pool: Hooker
Will be better than Keiron Cunningham. Signed to stop complacency in Malcolm Alker. Will remain healthy, so long as he is kept away from Gary Broadbent. Fiery, gutsy competitor. Despite his miniature size, and his inability to pack down with Pete Shiels due to height differences, the "Elephant man" should be a big success.
Paul King: Signed from Player Pool: Prop
Reserve prop from Hull. England international despite his ratings. Could be one to look out for coming off the bench. King will find game time difficult behind Fielden and Fairleigh.
Garreth Raynor: Signed from Amsterdam Admirals: Winger
Overrated winger with plenty of speed. From Leeds, dispelling the myth that all things Leeds are hookers, is hoping to see a lot of the ball to speed past defences.
Scott Rhodes: Signed from Amsterdam Admirals: Scrum half
Not the man wanted, but the Leeds academy player, cum Scottish international returns home. His atackingness should worry defences. Will improve in a quality side, given game time.
And the new line up, that has been decided, but will be kept secret.
7 August: Aberdeenshire Animals crashed to their first ever defeat in Division 1 as the Animals tumbled down to a semi surprising 22-16 loss. After hammering the Falcons in pre-season, the Falcons came into the game boosted and it took only three minutes for them to concede a penalty for a head high tackle, which Jamie Rooney slotted over for a 2-0 lead.
However, in the 24th minute, Aberdeen conceded their first points for over 200 minutes of league, when prop Paul Southern barged over. Jamie Rooney was on the mark with another penalty, before Logan Campbell scored for the visitors. However, on the stroke of half time, Jamie Rooney scored a try which he converted himself. A crucial score at a crucial time to make it only 12-10 to the visitors and the Animals sensed if they were to score first they would win.
Whether they would, will never be known as Graham Holroyd extended the lead to 14-10 and then with less than ten to go, Matt Toshack scored a try to make the score 20-10. A Peter Lupton try would soon follow, but at 20-16 with Aberdeen looking for the ball, they were penalised, and Graham Holroyd made the final score 22-16.
After the game, Aberdeen's coach was surprisingly upbeat:
"You aren't going to go 20 games undefeated, but to concede three tries at home and lose at home is disappointing. However, our defence has been awesome, before this we had kept three teams tryless, and that is a fact I am very proud of. Changes will be made, but I don't feel any need to force changes onto anyone, but to just improve the side. We have a lot of guys playing out of position, and that is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed but I am confident we can get together, regroup and seek revenge on a Hervé side which inflicted a shock pre season beating on us. Either way, I feel our team on paper could match it with Premiership opposition, and I'm sure we will be contesting for a place in the Premiership come the end of the season. We have the facilities off the field, it is just a matter of performing like we can. and not like today, our completion rate was a pathetic one and we need to keep hold of the ball and I have been in contact with a glue firm."
1 August: Division one leaders Aberdeenshire Animals today announced plans to bolster their squad. Animals coach, director of league and C.E.O Craig Murray announced that the Animals are seeking fresh blood. Requirements are listed below and those who meet the requirements are asked to e-mail Craig or contact him on icq # 2626201, or on MSN - c_moaner@hotmail.com
Winger: 2, 2 (3,2) preferred. Applicants with 3 games experience will be preferred.
Stand Off: 5,2. Non goal kicker. Again, 3 games is helpful. Should be healthy.
Prop: 3, 5. 3 games experience and in good form.
Second Row: 6,6.
Applicants should have played 3 games, try scoring appeciated and should be in good form and looking for a new club.
The following players have been told that they can leave if the deal is satisfactory.
Martyn Holland. 2,2 fullback. Healthy prospect for the future. Ever present.
Mark Gleeson: 2,1 centre. Another young star yet to miss a game.
Wayne McDonald: 3,3 prop. Massive player with a big reputation who has impressed in the centres. Ever present.
Dale Holdstock: 3,4 second row. Has played at loose forward, second row, full back and centre impressively. Ever present.
Danny Tickle: 2,4,3,5 second row. Has played at loose forward, second row, full back, centre and wing. Fiery young star. Ever present.
Sean Hoppe: 6,7 wing. Has played at full back, second row and loose forward. Experienced ever present. 2 POM points.
Aberdeenshire Animals hope to hear from you as we would like to play players in correct positions!
|
|
