ABERDEEN are hoping that the never-say-die attitude shown in resurrecting his own career by Jim Leighton, yesterday made club captain, will rub off on this new team-mates and help restore the club to its former glories.
The 38-year-old Scottish internationalist, who recently won his eighty-first cap, is seen by manager Roy Aitken as the ideal figure to lead the club forward and challenge Glasgow's dominance of the premier division. Aitken, who is could also be poised to sign former Blackburn striker Mike Newell, said: ''Jim has all the qualities I am looking for in a skipper and he was a natural choice for what I see as a very important role.
''He's a natural leader, both on and off the park, experienced, reads the game very well and is a model professional. Additionally, having done all he has in football, he has the respect of all his team-mates.
''I know he will make a tremendous impact at the club, both as a player and a captain.'' Leighton's career looked in turmoil after he was dropped by Manchester United after the 1990 FA Cup final 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace.
After being left out of the replay, won 1-0 by United, the keeper played on loan for Reading before relaunching his career in his homeland. Leighton signed for Aberdeen last month, the club where he began his playing days after a successful spell with Hibernian.
He said: ''While it is an honour to be asked to captain any team, the fact that it is Aberdeen makes it even more special from my point of view. Having been in a similar position with Hibs, I am well aware of what an extra responsibility this is and it is one I am looking forward greatly.
''There is a real excitement and camaraderie in the squad at the moment, with competition for places in all departments of the team, and, like everyone else, I just can't wait for the new season to start.''
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Newell could clinch a permanent deal with Aberdeen tonight with a good showing in a closed-doors game at Brechin. The former Blackburn and Everton striker, who would cost #170,000 from Birmingham City, has impressed Aitken since joining the club on trial last month.
English side Blackpool have made a second bid for Aberdeen full-back Colin Woodthorpe likely to surpass the #200,000 offer already turned down.
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