I had hoped that in this column I would be able to give my reaction to the appointment of Aberdeen’s new manager, but after a frustrating week for all Dons fans, it seems that the wait is almost over.
Names have appeared, rumors have circulated, but it is rumored that, despite everything, the deal will be closed over the weekend.
Given the overseas hiatus, it would have been the best time to announce the new man, but evidently there were some last-minute issues to resolve that will be resolved quickly.
With a game against Ross County today a week away, time is running out if they hope the next starter influences what looks to be a deciding match.
If things don’t go according to plan, Peter Leven may have to continue in his interim role, and considering what he was given from the squad last week at Motherwell and in the 1-1 draw against Celtic in his brief stint at the previous fee, maybe that’s not a bad thing.
It would be bigger than any other bad date.
Dave Cormack had a lot to think about. We all know the history of his mandate, we all know, as he does, that his credibility will be further damaged if he succeeds again. So it made sense to take all the time you needed. .
But if you end up locating the right person.
There have been so many stories about who it could be and so much erroneous speculation online. At the moment, like most people, I have no idea where he will go, but I hope he has chosen a Scottish manager, or at least who knows and understands our game.
With the recommendation of Bernhard Peters and his BPTC advisory group, there have been strong suggestions that the president would appoint a foreign director, but I pray that he will go down that path.
This is an assessment based solely on the ancient evidence of our play in Scotland.
There have been continental imports that have been a success in Scottish football, but they have been at Celtic and Rangers, where they had the most resources and players, and at Hearts, under the control of Valdas Ivanauskas and Paulo Sergio, at a time when the Tynecastle club were also making expensive signings.
Other than that, I find it hard to think of a foreign manager who has made a positive and lasting impact here in Scotland, and Dons’ past foray into this market, the unfortunate appointment of Ebbe Skovdahl, still gives me chills.
That’s not to say that this path will succeed, although beyond the evidence it suggests that it is unlikely at best.
For now, Stephen Robinson and Tony Docherty would be my most productive options along with Neil Lennon, but I don’t know who Dave will turn to.
It would seem that the waiting game will soon be over; I just hope that in spite of everything they gave it to him.
When news broke this week that Crawford Allan would step down as head referee, the Scottish FA indicated that a review of the paints themselves and how VAR is implemented was necessary.
It is the latter that will be of the utmost interest.
Crawford had a lot of force against VAR and, as the more sensible guy will have to be considered partially at fault, he shouldn’t be the only one to bear the brunt. whose task is to make calls after reading the images, and you can hardly be blamed for the mistakes made in this area.
I think some of the decisions baffled him as much as the rest of us.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell also said: “The VAR processes want to improve”, an admission that is welcome. Let’s hope the system of government makes sure that’s the case next season.