May 022013
 

By David Innes.

As every Dons fan knows, 11 May this year will be the thirtieth anniversary of Aberdeen’s historic, memorable and emotional capture of the European Cup-Winners’ Cup in Gothenburg. I think my jacket may be dry now after three decades in the airing cupboard.

It wis an affa nicht o rain. And beer. Even at Swedish prices.

We’re the fans who celebrate success, you see. There are others who mark the jubilee of losing, yes losing, a European final by arranging a dinner. Then again, we’ve never lost a European final.

We’re the last Scottish club to win a European trophy and are the only Scottish club to have a 100% record in winning European finals.

It was Real Madrid who we cuffed too – European fitba royalty, Franco’s team, dumped on its Iberian arse by a team of swaggering Scots loons who played with pride and passion, fuelled by oatcakes and Aitken’s rowies.

Proper mannies’ fitba, if you will.

Never desist from making that known to our critics and foes. It’s your duty. Go to it.

We reviewed Richard Gordon’s marvellous commemorative Glory In Gothenburg when it was published at the end of last year. Some lucky readers won copies in a Voice competition at the time.

Now, courtesy of Black and White Publishing, we have a further two copies, this time of the paperback edition, to give away. We’ll set the prize question during the week leading up to the anniversary celebrations, so look out for it.

Those who can’t wait that long and who are pessimistic about their chances of landing one of our giveaways, can get their hands on a signed copy however. Author Richard Gordon and The Best Penalty Box Defender In The World, according to Sir Alex Ferguson, the blessed skipper and sweeper Willie Miller, the man who held the trophy aloft in cool, gallus trademark one-handed fashion as the bedlam ensued, will be signing copies of the book at Waterstones, Union Bridge, Aberdeen on Thursday 9 May at 1830.

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Apr 262013
 

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

A North East subsea services and training company is the latest organisation to provide financial support for Aberdeen tennis player Bruce Strachan, in his bid to build a full time career in the sport.
Tullos-based SUBC Engineering Ltd, which operates globally, will assist the 18-year-old with equipment, training, subsistence and tournament entry fees.

Colin Burney, the Managing Director of SUBC believes it’s vital to give Bruce every chance of succeeding in what is one of the world’s most competitive sports.

“It’s fantastic that Bruce is attempting to follow in Andy Murray’s footsteps and SUBC is only too happy to play a small part in helping to make that happen. He’s a real talent and certainly deserves to succeed in his quest.”

Bruce recently lifted his first title of the year, winning the Stirling Grand Prix and in the process defeating former Australian Open Junior Doubles champion Graeme Dyce 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the final.

In addition to SUBC Engineering, Bruce is supported by a number of organisations and individuals including the Paul Lawrie Foundation and David Lloyd.

The North East Open Men’s Singles champion for the past two years, Bruce is currently in the middle of a hectic competition schedule featuring the AEGON British Tour and the ITF Futures event, with a couple of events on mainland Europe planned for later in the spring.

For further information contact Dave Macdermid on 07710 580148,  dave.macdermid@tennisscotland.org

Apr 182013
 

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

AFC is now travelling in style, thanks to the Club’s official vehicle supplier Morrison Motors, who have very kindly donated a brand new Volkswagen Golf for AFC in the Community staff as they travel the length and breadth of the north-east.

Head of AFC in the Community, Ally Prockter commented:

“We’re really indebted to Morrison Motors for what is a fantastic gesture. The guys run up a huge mileage travelling to and from courses, training camps and other events and the new vehicle is going to be a tremendous asset. The branding is great too and you most certainly can’t miss it! It’s basically a mobile advert for AFC on the Community and we’ve already received numerous positive comments as we drive around.”

Eddie Morrison of Morrison Motors added:

“As a long standing partner of Aberdeen Football Club, we work extremely closely with the Club and  we were more than happy to supply the vehicle which will assist in delivering the much lauded community programmes that AFC are involved in throughout the area.”

*Picture shows Brian Morrison (Morrison Motors), Steven Sweeney (AFC), Mark Astridge (Morrison Motors), Max Stewart, Aaron Chapman, Leyton Boyd, Reece Maryan, Lauren Chambers who all attended the recent holiday programme at Turriff Sports Centre.

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Apr 122013
 

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

The chances of the north east of Scotland producing future Olympic champions in Freestyle Snowboarding and Skiing are set to increase dramatically with the recruitment of the UK’s first specialist development coach in those particular disciplines.

Applications for newly created position of Freestyle Ski and Snowboard Development Coach for the area are now invited.

Garthdee Alpine Sports General Manager Dave Jacobs believes the successful applicant, who will commence his or her new role in June, will have a massive part to play in further developing a sport that already enjoys a substantial profile:

“Thanks to support from UK Sport, Aberdeen Snowsports Centre and The Aberdeen Snowsports Club, we have a fantastic opportunity to develop the sport through a programme that encompasses the use of available facilities in the locality as well as other sporting facilities to participate in a range of cross training activities.

“We anticipate interest from throughout the country and beyond and the successful candidate will develop, promote and run programme that will complement the objectives set out by the three supporting organisations. Having an individual dedicated to these disciplines can only improve the overall standard of our athletes and I am certain this will be reflected by our accomplishments in the years to come.”

 The potential referred to was underlined at the British Freestyle Championships in Tignes, France with six medals won as follows :-

Gold

Ben Kilner [snowboard] – men’s ½ pipe

Finlay Bremner [snowboard] x2 golds – youth ½ pipe and slope style

Silver

Grant Donald –[ski] men’s slopestyle

Abbie Dorwood – [snowboard] girls Slope Style

Bronze

Abbie Dorwood[snowboard] – girls ½ pipe

Finlay Jacobs[ski] – kids slope style

Other places

Finlay Jacobs[ski] – 6th Kids ½ pipe

Cameron Smith [snowboard] 7th Snowboard, Kids slope style, 8th Boarder Cross, 4th kids half pipe

Abbie Dorwood [snowboard] – snowboard cross 5th

Apr 122013
 

If you are fond of a flutter on races such as the Grand National or simply enjoy watching horse racing on TV, you might like to consider what you are buying into. Duncan Harley writes.

Equestrian sport has a long history with records indicating that horse racing occurred in ancient Greece, Babylon, Syria, and Egypt.

In the Roman Empire, chariot and mounted horse racing were major industries as anyone who can remember the film Ben Hur will have realised.

Thoroughbred racing was, and is still of course, popular with the aristocrats and royalty of British society, earning it the title “Sport of Kings.”

I met a man in a pub a few years ago and during the course of a conversation about the world and everything he revealed that his job was to supervise Health and Safety on construction sites. The company he worked for he revealed used to “kill around 26 employees each year” due to accidents and he was very pleased to report that the figure had now dropped to 13 per year.

Jaw dropping figures however you look at them but small fry when the scale of equine death in the name of the Sport of Kings is examined.

Over the past five years around 940 race horses have died on the UK’s 60 race courses. That’s an average of 188 per year and average 3 per race course per year.

The Grand National at Aintree has a fairly poor record in this respect with an average over the last 2 years of two deaths per year for a single race, although this pales into insignificance in comparison to the Aintree’s 28 deaths over the past 5 years which equates to 5.6 horses each year.

What is the problem? Attitudes for a start say Animal Aid. The public like a flutter, the bookies like a profit and many owners view the animals as expendable once the economic value they represent has declined. In fact, leading jockey Katie Walsh has been quoted as saying “I hope to god there are no accidents but these things do happen,” and “they are horses at the end of the day!”

The style of racing, the distances and the type of events vary significantly by the country in which the race is occurring, and many countries offer different types of horse races. There are three major types of racing: flat racing, steeple chasing (racing over jumps), and harness racing, where horses trot or pace while pulling a driver in a sulky.

A major part of horse racing’s economic importance lies in the gambling associated with it, an activity that in 2008 generated a world-wide market worth around US$115 billion.

Big business however you look at it and big profits, but at what expense? Where is the Health and Safety for racehorses I wonder? Much has, of course, been made recently of the changes to the jumps at Aintree.

The Aintree course authorities have seemingly made the jumps more visual and in an effort to reduce falls at Becher’s Brook -where 13 falls and 2 fatalities have occurred in the last 5 Grand Nationals -there have been major changes.

The fence took its name from Captain Martin Becher, who fell there from his mount, Conrad, in the first official Grand National in 1839. The Captain seemingly took shelter in the brook to avoid injury. The jump originally consisted of an 8ft-wide brook with a fence set back a yard in front of the water, the ground on the landing side 3ft lower than the take-off side.

In 2011, Aintree announced new modifications to Becher’s Brook following a review of the course in the aftermath of the 2011 Grand National calamity where the public nationwide were treated to views of mayhem and dying horses.

The Daily Mail reported afterwards that:

“Death came again to the Grand National yesterday – and the horror was played out in front of a worldwide television audience of 600 million. They and the thousands who had packed Aintree for the annual cavalry charge looked on as two horses died in appalling falls.”

Amongst the changes to the course, the landing side of Becher’s was re-profiled to reduce the current drop by between 4 and 5 inches across the width of the fence. The drop is now approximately 18 inches on the inside of the course and 13 inches on the outside of the course.

This difference in drop from the inside to the outside of the fence has been retained to encourage riders to spread out across the width of the fence and also to retain the unique characteristics of the fence. The height of the fence remains unaltered at 4 ft 10 inches. All well and good, some would say, but still a real challenge when you consider that the riders and animals typically reach speeds of over 30mph when jumping this obstacle.

A fall at this speed is very likely to cause injury and death to both horse and rider.

Becher’s Brook is of course only one of the sixteen jumps which horse and rider are faced with in the Grand National. Animal aid has named Aintree as the most dangerous racecourse in the country with Becher’s Brook being seen by campaigners as a jump which should be removed forever from the circuit.

critics continue to wonder why these animals are often slaughtered rather than being put out to grass in their old age

But it’s not just deaths during races which concern animal charities however.

Animal Aid, a leading animal welfare charity,  claim that for several years more thoroughbred horses have been bred than have been needed by the racing industry.

A report by the British Horseracing Authority says that in 2011 the number of thoroughbreds reported dead to the horse passport issuing authority rose by 29%, from 1,994 in 2010 to 2,574.

The report titled The Effect of the Recession on the Welfare of British Thoroughbred Horses notes: “Of these, 1,127 horses either in training, breeding or out of training were reported as killed in abattoirs, from 499 horses in 2010, an increase of 126%.”

“To solve this problem we’ve got to stop breeding so many, and then we won’t have to put so many down,” said Carrie Humble, an independent equine welfare consultant. “But I would rather see these overproduced horses dead than suffering.”

All well and good but critics continue to wonder why these animals are often slaughtered rather than being put out to grass in their old age despite the existence of the racing industries own charity for pre-loved racehorses Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). This charity has four centres in the UK and aims to re-home animals which are no longer required in the sport and give advice to those wishing to purchase at bloodstock auctions.

The situation will only get worse say campaigners, as racecourses across the UK suffer dwindling revenues and face closure. Hereford and Folkestone racecourses closed in 2012 and more may follow in their footsteps in 2013.

The British Horseracing Authority, also known as the BHA, is the regulatory authority for horse racing in Great Britain.

Its stated objectives are to:
1. Provide the most compelling and attractive racing in the world.
2. Be seen as the world leader in race day regulation.
3. Ensure the highest standards for the sport and participants, on and away from the racecourse.
4. Promote the best for the racehorse.
5. Represent and promote the sport and the industry.

Critics feel that the BHA is ineffective  in promoting the “the best for the racehorse” and point to the BHA’s own admission in the Thoroughbred Owner and Breeder magazine during 2009, that 7,500 horses leave racing annually but that they could not say what happened to between 3,500 and 4,000 of that total.

A staggering admission indeed by the regulatory authority for horse racing in Great Britain, albeit from 2009, that they simply had no idea of the fate of around 50% of the animals whose welfare they purported to be promoting.

Perhaps its time for some major regulation in the racing industry.

Sources:

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Mar 212013
 

The Paul Lawrie Foundation and David Lloyd Leisure are the latest organisations to assist teenage tennis star Bruce Strachan in his bid to forge a full time career as a professional player.

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

Bruce Strachan, the 18 year old Aberdonian tennis player who trains full time at Stirling University, has received financial support from the Paul Lawrie Foundation which also donated auction items for a recent fundraising dinner, hosted by David Lloyd Aberdeen, which raised over £7,000.

David Lloyd Leisure has also granted Bruce use of the facilities at all of its leisure complexes throughout the United Kingdom while, in the north east, various individuals and organisations have assisted to help him with equipment, training, subsistence and tournament entry fees.

Bruce, who has been the North East Open men’s singles champion for the past two years, is currently in the middle of a hectic competition schedule featuring AEGON British tour and ITF Futures events, with a couple of events on mainland Europe planned for later in the spring.

Mar 142013
 

With thanks to Claire McBain.

N.E. charity VSA, with principal sponsors Brewin Dolphin and Munro’s Travel Group, and Golfers Scotland have launched the 2013 VSA Tartan Pro-Am golf day, encouraging local businesspeople to sign up for a day of golf and entertainment that will keep VSA’s desperately needed Family Contact Centre – the only one of its kind in Aberdeen – running.

The VSA Tartan Pro-Am, part of the PGA Professional Tartan Tour, will take place on Thursday 15 August at Aboyne Golf Course, followed by a prize giving dinner at The Marcliffe.

Anna Garden, general manager of VSA’s Children and Family Services, said:

“Our Family Contact Centre is a volunteer-run facility where children from separated families can spend valuable time with the mum or dad who no longer lives with them.  Just think what that would mean to a child.  And for parents, it means they don’t have to meet, so there’s less chance of hostility in front of the children.  It’s actually a really happy environment to be in.”

Bruce Angus, divisional director for Brewin Dolphin Aberdeen, said:

“The Family Contact Centre is an amazing local facility.  But it depends entirely on voluntary income.  It’s thanks to the success of fundraising events like the Pro-Am, and the enthusiastic, generous local people who attend, that VSA can continue to provide much needed facilities like this in the north-east.”

Murray Burnett, managing partner at Munro’s Travel Group, said:

“The Pro-Am is an opportunity to be part of a fantastic golf day and entertaining evening but more importantly, in supporting the event you are playing your part in helping the VSA bring vital assistance to families across AberdeenCity and Shire.  The charity and the Family Contact Centre in particular provide an invaluable service to the local community and we are delighted that through our participation in the event we are able to help ensure that VSA can continue to carry out its outstanding work.”

Former footballer Alex McLeish attended last year’s event:

“The atmosphere was brilliant and the course was in excellent condition.  The prize giving and fundraising dinner was a great end to a fun-filled day.  The entertainment was second-to-none and a welcome change from your usual after dinner speakers.  I’m already practicing my swing for this year.”

Debbie Fotheringham, events co-ordinator at VSA, said:

“As well as supporting a really important cause close to home, the Pro-Am is a great opportunity for companies to treat clients and staff.  I’ve re-launched the corporate sponsorships this year, with an extended range of cost-effective ways to get involved.  It’s the perfect way to promote your brand to some key north-east businesspeople.”

For more information about VSA’s Tartan Pro-Am, or to book a place at the golf, dinner or both, contact Debbie Fotheringham on 01224 358617 or e-mail debbie.fotheringham@vsa.org.uk

Feb 282013
 

With thanks to Dave Macdermid. 

Aberdeen Football Club has appointed a former Grampian Police Inspector as its new Head of Community, a role that will see its areas of responsibility grow considerably over the coming months and years.
Although born in Dundee, Ally Prockter considers himself to be a life-long Dons fan and, as he explains, his new position will involve community in its widest meaning:

“When George Yule outlined his vision to me for AFC in the Community, one which encompasses far more than the club has previously been involved with, I was totally ‘sold’.   It is also a marvellous opportunity for me personally to continue to develop my own skill-set whilst contributing positively to the North East of Scotland, and of course to Aberdeen Football Club.”

Health, nutrition, fitness, education and social inclusion are just some of the far reaching areas that the 49 year old will be responsible for.

“AFC is an important and visible part of the fabric of the north east community and I’ll be looking to develop and engage in initiatives that will add value in all areas of our community, not just those involving football supporters.

“An additional aspect of my job will be as a visible and identifiable link between the Club and our fans, and my colleagues and I will do everything we can to ensure that all those interested in positively supporting this fantastic club will have the opportunity to be involved in getting the various, two way, messages across.”

Ally, who moved to the north east at the age of eight, is married with two daughters and a son, plus two step-daughters and a step-son.  His youngest daughter already plays football at Aberdeen Sports Village at the tender age of 5 while his mother remains a regular Pittodrie attendee at 80!

His career with Grampian Police began in 1980, when he joined straight from Bankhead Academy as a cadet, spanning thirty-one years before retiring in November 2011.  During his time in the force, Ally gained experience in a variety of aspects of police work including staff development and training, recruitment, community policing and a spell with the Scottish Drug Enforcement Agency.

Pittodrie Vice Chairman George Yule, who is well aware of the importance of the Club’s latest appointment, said:

“This is a hugely challenging position and one for which Ally ticks all the boxes.  Aberdeen Football Club needs to be seen to be more accessible and transparent and one of the main driving forces in bringing the community as a whole together.

“One of his initial tasks is to review the overall structure of AFC in the Community and identify appropriate initiatives going forward.  

“Ally will work closely with all of our stakeholders to enable the Club to fulfil its duties and responsibilities as a role model across the region in the promotion of health, fitness, education and life skills in addition to supporting local community sector groups involved in drug and alcohol abuse programmes, special needs disability groups, female football development, unemployed and socially disadvantaged communities.”

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Dec 162012
 

It is difficult to show more empathy towards  injury-stricken Dons when the fare on offer is as drab as this! Andrew Watson reports from Pittodrie.

The way things were going initially, it looked like this was heading towards a rather unremarkable 0-0 draw.

As it was though, we were served up controversy and bookings aplenty just on the edge of half-time as a Killie man came one on one with Langfield before being taken down.

Although he was the last man, a red card for Langfield seemed a bit harsh as the felled man was not exactly in the best of positions to score.

The weight of expectation fell on the shoulders of substitute keeper Brown, who came on for Fallon after 45 minutes to face the resultant penalty kick.

0-1 (Kelly) after 45 minutes.

Ignoring the fact they were a man and a goal down, it seemed a curious decision to take Fallon off the pitch.  Now, I must admit that I’ve given the Kiwi a hard time of late, but maybe his resurgence since scoring at Fir Park merited a longer stay on the pitch?

The only fault I could find with him is something I’ve observed throughout his stay at Pittodrie.  This is his propensity not to go for headers and try and win high balls that come towards him.  Why put a ‘big man’ at the top of the pitch if he doesn’t pose an aerial threat?

Back on for the second half, and the Dons were dominating possession.  Plenty of passing in and around the Killie box, but nothing incisive.

Magennis did manage to bundle it over the line, but was cautioned for his clash with the Killie keeper.  Masson then came on for Considine after 70 minutes.

It wasn’t the Dons’ day as the same Ulsterman rocketed a high ball towards goal.  We hoped for a miracle earlier, and that Brown would save the penalty.  Maybe the ball would burst the roof of the net?  Not a chance, the ball smacked right off the crossbar!

However, if every dog has its day, eventually, then the terrier-like efforts of Shaughnessy were applauded when he was replaced after 80 minutes.

He was the only good thing about this game, from an Aberdeen point of view.  He’s in the mould of Ryan Jack, but surprisingly silky and a bit taller.  That can only be a good thing, as a defender!  Youth replaced youth as McManus came on for Shaughnessy.

Six minutes later, the Rugby Park men then got away on the break and cut the ball back across the mouth of the Dons goal.  The ball was expertly dispatched.

0-2 (Kelly) after 86 minutes.

To be honest, the angle available to the scorer favoured Brown more than anyone else.  Would Langfield have got a touch to it?  Who knows, and truth be told, who cares?

Well, some of the Main Stand faithful did.  They remained adamant the delivery into the box was received from an offside position.

Perhaps they were right.  I noticed a tendency of our back four to try and spring the offside trap upon wayward attackers prior to this point in the game.

No joke, I spent many moments earlier thinking ‘what if the next time, they put their hands up for offside, and neither the referee nor linesman agree?’

Anyway, it came to fruition and I have no reason to be smug.  Why would I be when it’s at the expense of my own football team?

Another rather annoying tendency also became apparent.

Perhaps after realising that plenty of possession in and around the penalty area without forward motion was pointless, they changed tack  and began lumping the ball forward in hope of that elusive long ball that would unlock Killie’s back four.

Unfortunately these balls were lacking in accuracy, and very disappointing to watch.

It’s therefore I admit, in a rather shamefaced manner, that I couldn’t wait for the game to end.  When they announced four extra minutes I could have cried.

Final score:  0-2.

As I have previously expressed, I worry what will happen to the Dons when Fraser leaves.  They’ll really have to rethink tactics to salvage this season.  When you lose a player with so much creativity, coupled with the frustrating inconsistency of fellow wingers like Hayes, attacking plans go out the window.

I remain convinced any victory gained in Fraser’s absence will come out of dogged endeavour rather than the skill and incision he brought to the fore.

Dear Santa, a Scottish Cup – against all odds – for Aberdeen, please?

Dec 062012
 

Baby, it’s cold outside, but thanks to Black & White Publishing, three Voice readers will shortly be settling down in comfy chairs with a glass of vintage port, carpet slippers singeing before an open fire, to read Richard Gordon’s Glory In Gothenburg.

We asked, Everybody knows that the Dons’ goalscoring heroes that night were Eric Black and John Hewitt, but who scored most goals for the Dons in the whole tournament?’

As if any true Red needs reminding, the top European scorer that season was Andy Harrow.

Just kidding! It was, of course, Mark McGhee, bustling, intelligent line-leading striker of legend, the man who got in an ill-advised, bleezin’ scrap with Fergie in the boot room the day after the final. The man whose picture graces the cover of Glory In Gothenburg greeting the well-refreshed Red Navy as it disembarked from the St Clair, 48 hours after the wettest and most joyous evening of our lives.

So, who are the lucky fans whose names were randomly generated by Fred the Ed’s quincunx from a bulging virtual postbag?

Step into the spotlight:

Andrew Mackie, Stonehaven

David McLean, Aberdeen

Russell Cranna, Aberdeen

Congratulations from all at Voice and Black & White Publishing. And probably from the author himself, he’s that kind of guy!

We’ve sent the winners’ names and addresses to the publisher, who assures us Richard’s terrific tome should be delivered shortly, possibly in time to read on the bus to Motherwell on Tuesday!

Thanks to all who entered.

Come on you Reds!