The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Warnock open to boosting squad
Aberdeen interim boss Neil Warnock insists he will continue to scour the free agent market in a bid to strengthen the squad this season.
However he revealed if no free agents are good enough to improve Aberdeen, he will give rising young stars in the club’s under-18s the chance to shine.
Warnock was appointed interim boss until the end of the season days after the January transfer window closed.
He has already raided the free agent market with the capture of Canadian international winger Junior Hoilett.
The 33-year-old had been without a club since leaving Vancouver Whitecaps at the end of the 2023 MLS season, with his final game in November.
Warnock remains keen to draft in more signings to bolster his squad and revealed he has already been offered up to 40 free agents. However he says none of them so far have been better than young talent at Pittodrie.
When asked if he was still looking at the free agent market, Warnock said: “We are. I must have been offered 35 to 40 players. You can look at them and get a feeling.
“But for example is a lad I’m looking at better than (Jack) Milne or some of the other young lads? I don’t think they are really. So I’m better off giving these lads an opportunity, if that’s what happens, while I’m here.
“That’s what I intend to do.”
Warnock is keeping close tabs on Aberdeen’s under-18 squad and insists he is not afraid to give rising teen talent an opportunity.
He said: “I’m going to watch the under18s and I’ve been told there might be a couple of players that might be of interest.
“I’m not afraid to use these players.”
A number of the Dons youth prospects are out on loan, including Alfie Bavidge (Kelty), Alfie Stewart (Peterhead), Dylan Lobban (Forfar), Findlay Marshall (Edinburgh City), Brendan Hamilton (Banks o’ Dee) and Aaron Reid (Formartine).
Warnock said: “I think it is good for young lads going out on loan, it toughens them up. When I signed Paddy Kenny (former Sheffield United keeper) I sent him to Whitby (Town).
“I remember him ringing me one night saying ‘gaffer it’s cold up here’ I said ‘enjoy it then son while you’re there’. He came back and was a super player.
“It (loans) toughens you up and you need men’s games. I’m all for the young lads getting games.”