Sport Archives - Page 9 of 22

The Sheep Are On Song – New AFC Anthem Launched

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport 1 Response »

Apr 112014

With thanks to Sid Ozalid.

A new anthem for Aberdeen Football Club has been launched ahead of the Dons’ Scottish cup semi final with St Johnstone.

Topically titled The Sheep Are On Fire it has been described as:

“a comedic but very groovy tune that celebrates everything that is great about Aberdeen FC”.

To celebrate the birth of his son, Matthew, on the 21st March, just five days after the Dons lifted the League Cup, their first cup triumph in 19 years, best selling author and award winning poet, Sid Ozalid wrote a 18 verse poem about all the Dons players he has watched since the first match he attended in 1969. (AFC v Morton – Reserves)

He shared it with his friend Jim Shepherd of Jasmine Minks (Creation Records / Poptones Records / Alan McGee Signings) and the rest they say is history. Sid did have to cut it back to 3 verses, but thankfully, such lyrical gems as ‘Heid like a spud, Willo Flood’ and ‘Big Eck, Powder keg, face like a scrambled egg’ survived the edit.

When the Dons last won the League Cup in 1995, Sid was broadcasting weekly on Northsound Radio and had lots of ‘fitba’ chat with a young sports reporter called Richard Gordon. Sid had no choice but to invite him to take part in the recording.

Richard, now BBC Scotland Football Commentator, was happy to oblige and duly provided a spoof commentary which name-checks many Dons greats of the past as well as a few more recent red shirted heroes.

Sid also invited friends from other Aberdeen bands he had worked with from the 70’s, 80’s through to the present day. He likes to call them ‘The Sheep Shaggers Male Voice Choir’ and they – Fred Wilkinson (Toxik Ephex), Alan Davidson (The Kitchen Cynics), Wattie Duncan (Jasmine Minks) and Jeremy Thoms (Cathode Ray) to name a few – don’t appear to have any objections.

Sid’s only regret is that he feels he would have mustered a much larger flock had he not sent the invites out in the early hours of April 1st, but conversely, has come to the conclusion that this ploy was essential in rallying the ‘right’ kind of people for the task.

Play it loud and proud!

The Sheep are on Fire by Sid Ozalid, Jimmy Jazz, Richard ‘Fitba’ Gordon and the The Sheep Shaggers Male Voice Choir.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhF3r4QVLo0&list=UUyPKRrSSwnYVYKIyxyQyn2A

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Summer Fitness Drive for Female Football Fans

Aberdeen City, Events, Sport No Responses »

Apr 072014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

AFC female staff with Emma Fisher (centre front). Newsline Media Limited.

Following the very successful ‘Football Fans In Training’ initiative, Aberdeen Football Club, in partnership with the SPFL Trust, has announced that it’s running a similar programme for female supporters.
The 12-week physical activity and healthy eating course, commencing on Monday 21st April, is designed to help women become fitter and lose weight, and to maintain these changes on a long term basis.

Each week will involve a level of physical training at Pittodrie. A classroom session will advise fans on how to eat more healthily, and introduce easy steps that can be taken to become fitter.

The sessions will be delivered by AFC’s Claire Garrett and Emma Fisher. Claire commented:

“We are really pleased to offer our loyal female supporters the opportunity to participate in this enjoyable programme which, to date, has only been available to males. However, it has been recognised that there is both a requirement and a demand for our female fans to be included in the initiative.”

Emma added:

“The sessions will be taken by female members of staff for female participants and will create a comfortable environment for people to discuss any issues relating to weight loss or body confidence. We would also encourage fans to bring a friend along and give FFIT Women at AFC a go!”

For further information or to register for the programme, contact scott.duncan@afc.co.uk. Participants must be aged 35 and 65 and be at least a dress size 16.

Dons Bike Draw On Monday

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Mar 282014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

The raffle for the most famous bicycle in the history of Aberdeen Football Club will take place on Monday with former manager and current board member Craig Brown doing the honours.

A Club spokesperson said: “The bike won by Stephen Glass after his League Cup winning man of the match performance in 1995 is up for grabs along with a custom made cycling top from theCyclejersey.com and this is a fantastic chance for one Dons supporter to get their hands on a significant piece of AFC history as well as a unique cycle jersey as well!”

The raffle for the unique piece of AFC history, is being undertaken in conjunction with the AFC Heritage Trust, with tickets costing £5 which can be purchased via www.afcheritage.org by clicking ‘donate’ on the home page, after which a unique number is allocated to each ‘ticket’ purchased.

Alternatively, numbers can be purchased at Aberdeen Football Club reception, ensuring that those buying leave their contact details, including telephone and e-mail.

All money raised is going to youth development at Pittodrie and Head of Youth Development Neil Simpson said:

“The picture of Stephen being given the bike in the soaking rain at Hampden is one of the most memorable images of that day and it’s a real opportunity for someone to own something that was very much part of that occasion! Everyone who buys a ticket will also be helping to invest in the future of AFC and that can only be a positive.”

Tickets for the raffle can now be purchased up until 23.59 on Sunday 30th March 2014 with the draw taking place at Pittodrie Stadium at 12 noon on Monday 31st March 2014 with details of the winner published on the Club website that afternoon.

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Still Chance To Win Iconic Dons Bike

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Mar 112014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

There is still time to have the chance of winning the iconic Coca-Cola branded bicycle won by Stephen Glass the last time the Dons won the Scottish League Cup and seen here modelled by midfielder Ryan Jack.

Alternatively, numbers can be purchased at Aberdeen Football Club, ensuring that those buying leave their contact details, including telephone and e-mail.

AFC Head of Youth Development Neil Simpson is confident that supporters will be eager to get their hands on such an iconic vehicle.

“It’s a fantastic gesture by Stephen and really appreciated. The picture of Stephen being given the bike in the soaking rain at Hampden is one of the most memorable images of that day and it’s a real opportunity for someone to own something that was very much part of that occasion. Everyone who buys a ticket will also be helping to invest in the future of AFC and that can only be a positive.”

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased up until 23.59 on Thursday 13th March 2014 with the draw taking place at Pittodrie Stadium at 12 noon on Friday 14th March 2014 with details of the winner published on the Club website that afternoon.

Annual Universities’ Boat Race – Saturday 1st March

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 272014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

(L-R) Gillian Paterson, RGU president, and Lauren Cammaert, AU president, head up their final crews

A superb day out for all the family, the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will take place this Saturday, 1st March 2014 with the title race taking place at 1.45pm on the River Dee.

With just days to go, the competing rowers are training furiously to prepare for the annual showdown, often referred to as the Scottish equivalent of the Oxford V Cambridge Boat Race.

The Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will see the University of Aberdeen go head to head with Robert Gordon University for the 19th time in a cut throat 3.5km race, from the Bridge of Dee to the Aberdeen Boat Club, to take home the coveted trophy.

The day begins at 11.35am with the toss for stations followed by the universities’ 2nd crew race at 12.20pm and alumni race at 12.40pm. Local media celebrities will take to the water at 1.25pm in the media challenge race before the main title race at 1.45pm.

The race is supported by Aberdeen Asset Management and spectators can show their support at a number of locations along the course on the banks of the River Dee. To cheer on the university crews, the best locations are considered The Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or WellingtonSuspension Bridge.

For students seeking to support their peers, free transport has been organised by Aberdeen Asset Management for all rowing fans heading to the race. The courtesy buses will allow students to travel from each university campus to the River Dee, with a free return journey also available.

To find out more about the courtesy bus, or to keep up-to-date on the day with exclusive updates, follow the AberdeenAssetManagementUniversities’ Boat Race on Twitter www.twitter.com/2014BoatRace and Facebook www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace.

For further information contact:
Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR
Email: jkelly@trickerpr.com
Telephone: 01224 646491

Courtesy Bus Timetable
AU spectator bus timetable:
11:00: Spectator bus departs from Hillhead Turning Circle, Hillhead Halls, Aberdeen.
11.15: Spectator bus departs from Aberdeen Sports Village, Linksfield Road, Aberdeen.
11.30: Spectator bus departs from the Tilted Wig, Union Street, Aberdeen City Centre.

RGU spectator bus timetable:
11.15: Departs Holburn Street at Union Grove, Aberdeen
11.30: Departs Union Terrace at Caledonian Thistle Hotel, Aberdeen
11.35: Departs RGU Schoolhill, Aberdeen
11.45: Departs Marischal College, Aberdeen

Return buses:
15:00: Departs Aberdeen Boat Club
15:45: Departs Aberdeen Boat Club

Aberdeen 2 Celtic 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 25.02.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport 2 Responses »

Feb 262014

Squeaky bum time for the duration, but a vital victory against an until now unbeaten Celtic side reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The wind blew through Pittodrie, and along with it came a rain which at times hailed horizontally.

The velocity of play was intense and made the mind boggle as to how it could be maintained throughout.

It didn’t take the crowd long to be up in arms.

The home support greeted Virgil van Dijk’s sending off as one would welcome a goal or a cup final. So after only 12 minutes, Celtic were down to ten men.

Although this somewhat evened up proceedings, Celtic managed to put Aberdeen under a lot of pressure regardless.

On the 41 minute mark, Niall McGinn found Jonny Hayes. The Dubliner took a chance from thirty yards and found the top corner, denting Fraser Forster’s clean sheet record.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Only 4 minutes later McGinn found on form Adam Rooney, whose diving header in turn found the net.

2-0 Aberdeen!

What proceeded in the second half was sustained pressure from the Parkhead men, and if I could blame anyone for what followed I would point to Alan Tate. His poor headed clearance handed Celtic a goal, and a way back into the game.

2-1 (James Forrest) after 62 minutes.

From where I was sitting, in the Main Stand, the Englishman could have made a pass back to Jamie Langfield, but opted to head out the box; which inevitably found Scott Brown.

Tate left the pitch on the 83 minute mark, with Joe Shaughnessy coming on. Shaleum Logan also came off to make way for Russell Anderson.

Peter Pawlett came off after 92 minutes to be replaced by Scott Vernon.

The Dons were definitely lucky to win this one, though it must be said that Celtic took for granted they’d eventually win the game.

Final score: 2-1.

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Iconic Dons Mountain Bike To Be Raffled

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 212014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

As the Dons prepare to contest the League Cup Final against Inverness Caley Thistle at Celtic Park, supporters who were around at the time of Aberdeen’s last success in that competition will recall the somewhat bizarre prize awarded to the sponsor’s man of the match on the day, midfielder Stephen Glass – the famous, or should that be infamous Coca-Cola mountain bike.

Now, almost 19 years later, the most photographed bike in the history of AFC is going to be raffled, with the proceeds going to the Pittodrie youth development.

Stephen, now residing in the US and coaching the under-14 and under-16 teams at the North Carolina Alliance Academy, explains:

“I still get asked about the bike and what happened to it. It’s actually at my in-laws and Jack, my father-in-law, keeps it in pristine condition. Having come through the Pittodrie youth system myself, I wanted to put something back into the club, particularly as I’m now involved in that area, and donating the bike seemed the obvious choice, particularly with the impending cup final.

“I will be eternally grateful for the grounding the coaches and staff at Pittodrie provided, so hopefully there is an interest to help them continue their work developing more players for the future.”

Stephen’s father-in-law and former Pittodrie season ticket holder Jack McCombie has kept the bike at his house in Montrose since 1995.

“I’ve been round the block on it maybe two or three times and it’s been cleaned regularly so it’s looking good. It’s an important piece of the Club’s history and I’m sure interest in the raffle will be significant.”

AFC Head of Youth Development Neil Simpson is confident that supporters will be eager to get their hands on such an iconic vehicle.

“It’s a fantastic gesture by Stephen and Jack and really appreciated. The picture of Stephen being given the bike in the soaking rain at Hampden is one of the most memorable images of that day and it’s a real opportunity for someone to own something that was very much part of that occasion! Everyone who buys a ticket will also be helping to invest in the future of AFC and that can only be a positive.”

The raffle for the unique bicycle, which is being undertaken in conjunction with the AFC Heritage Trust, will be limited to 5000 tickets at £5 each. They can be purchased via www.afcheritage.org , clicking ‘donate’ on the home page, after which a unique number will be allocated to each ‘ticket’ purchased. Alternatively, numbers can be purchased at Aberdeen Football Club.

Tickets for the raffle can be purchased up until 23.59 on Thursday 13th March 2014, with the draw taking place at Pittodrie Stadium at 12 noon on Friday 14th March 2014. Details of the winner will be published on the Club website that afternoon.

For info – Dave Macdermid – dave@afc.co.uk; 01224 650406; 07710 580148.

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Aberdeen Universities’ Boat Race: Winner Takes All

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Feb 182014

With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

The final crews for the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race were announced on Monday 10th February, following months of training from the eager students involved. To celebrate their selection, and test their united strength, the crews gathered on the banks of the River Dee to take part in a tug-of-war.

The annual boat race will take place on Saturday 1st March and will see Aberdeen’s two universities, Robert Gordon University and the University of Aberdeen, go head to head to claim the title of boat race champion. Aberdeen [University] Boat Club president Lauren Cammaert and Robert Gordon University president Gillian Paterson carefully selected each crew member, each hopeful that their tactics will lead their university to victory.

The Robert Gordon crew comprises:

Richard Hills (26) from Nairn, Scott Purdie (27) from Dumfries, Adam Luczak (19) from Warsaw, Poland, Morven Shaw (19) from Newtonhill and Holly Reid (19), Iona Reilly (21), Lewis McCue (18), Christie Duff (19) and Emily Geddes (19) from Aberdeen.

Competing in the Aberdeen University team will be:

Lauren Cammaert (23) from Newfoundland, Canada, Ian Walker (19) from Edinburgh, Eilidh Manson (19) from Midlothian, Fiona Bell (18) from Kilmacolm, Inverclyde, Tom Coles (20) from Callander, and Elliot Bruce (18), Henry Gieseler (21), Catriona Bain (22), Jamie Steel (21) all from Aberdeen.

Andrew Laing, Deputy Chief Executive at Aberdeen Asset Management, comments:

“We are proud to continue to sponsor the annual Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. The boat race is a celebrated sporting event in Scotland and both crews have displayed tremendous dedication and passion for the 2014 event, with intense training taking place in all weathers.

“The crews show admirable stamina in their ability to juggle their studies, work and rowing responsibilities and I’m sure, on 1st March, these last few months of hard work will pay off. I wish the best of luck to both teams.”

Hoping to lead her team to claim the 15th boat race victory for the University of Aberdeen is president and cox Lauren Cammaert. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, Lauren moved to Aberdeen in 1998 and is now studying Medicine. Lauren has been rowing for four years, initially starting as a rower and then moving on to become a cox, and has taken part in the boat race on two previous occasions.

This will be Lauren’s first year of competing as president for the University of Aberdeen and she believes she has created the perfect team to make it a winning year for the University of Aberdeen.

Competing against the University of Aberdeen is Robert Gordon University president Gillian Paterson, who is originally from Melrose.

Gillian moved to Aberdeen to study Forensic and Analytical Science at Robert Gordon University, and has been rowing for three years. This will be Gillian’s second boat race appearance, and her first time in the role of president.

Gillian is hoping to add to her crew’s two-year winning streak and has chosen her team carefully to ensure that they have the recipe for success.

Follow the 2014 Boat Race on www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace or Twitter @2014BoatRace

Can You Predict Universities’ Boat Race Winners?

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Feb 142014

Can You Predict The Winning Crew For The 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race? With thanks to Jennifer Kelly, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Rowers from the opposing crews in the 19th Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race will unite this Saturday, 15th February 2014, at three locations – the Bon Accord Centre, Aberdeen Sports Village and Robert Gordon University, as they ask the public to place their votes on who will take home the trophy.

Crew members from Robert Gordon University (RGU) will come face to face with their rivals from Aberdeen University (AU) as they take a break from their hectic rowing schedules to encourage supporters to attend the Boat Race on Saturday 1^st March 2014.

Members of the public will be asked to offer their predictions on which university will claim this year’s title of rowing champion. There will also be free balloons on offer, and visitors will have the opportunity to quiz rowers about the sport, ahead of the anticipated race day.

Last year saw Robert Gordon University win the boat race for the second consecutive year, with a time of 8 minutes 18 seconds. While Robert Gordon University is hoping to make it a hat trick this year, Aberdeen University is also eager to take the lead, to secure their 15th boat race win.

Cheryl Smith, Marketing Manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centres, said:

“Bon Accord & St Nicholas Shopping Centres are dedicated to supporting local community events such as the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race. This will be the 19^th year that students and members of the public have come together on the River Dee to support Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race.

“The pre-race event in the Bon Accord & St Nicholas Centres is a great opportunity for both crews of rowers to unite and showcase their talents to members of the public. On Saturday 15th February, shoppers will have a unique opportunity to speak with the rowers and hear all about the valiant efforts they put in in their attempt to secure the trophy.”

President of the Robert Gordon University crew, Gillian Paterson, said:

“The crew has been working exceptionally hard, in the hope that 2014’s race will see us claim our third win in a row. It is a pleasure to be able to take part in any activity that allows us to demonstrate our dedication to our sport and drum up support from members of the public. The public will have an opportunity to vote for who they think will win, so it will be interesting to see if their predictions prove to be right.”

Lauren Cammaert, president of Aberdeen University boat club said:

“Saturday will see us come face to face with our rivals for the final time before the long-awaited boat race. With only two weeks remaining, we welcome any opportunity to get out there to share our progress and encourage the public to come along on the day. The boat race is always a great family day out with an atmosphere like no other, so support in our quest for victory is always welcomed.”

The race will take place on Saturday 1st March 2014, from 1.45 p.m. It runs from the Bridge of Dee to Aberdeen Boat Club.

To follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race on Twitter go to www.twitter.com/2014BoatRace and become a fan of the race on Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/AAMBoatRace.

Aberdeen 1 Hibernian 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 10.01.14

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Jan 132014

Well, they do tend to bottle the big games but this time the Dons delivered, pontificates Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Anytime Aberdeen are in the ascendency and give their fans the opportunity to pack ‘Todders’ to the rafters, and they duly comply, they disappoint and leave the Red Army irate at the whistle for full-time.

This time, however, was different.

A brisk air with little wind made for ideal weather conditions, especially considering the time of year.

I had my free press pass hot drink and pie to warm the cockles, but felt like a heretic ditching the famous Pittodrie Pie for a more salubrious gastronomical experience – ala steak pie; a shameless premium cut off of one of Angus The Bull’s pals. Sorry Angus!

The Easter Road men dominated early proceedings, but more or less slunk into anonymity, with occasional raids into the opposition’s penalty area. There were also sizeable claims for a penalty by the home crowd, gobsmacked that referee Craig Thomson waved play on.

On the face of it, the only other part of the game worth mentioning lies well into the heart of the second half, three minutes shy of full-time and four minutes after Scott Vernon came off for Calvin Zola.

Willo Flood picked up a seemingly innocuous clearance from the Hibees back four, and thundered it into the roof of the net from twenty-five yards out. Cue home crowd going absolutely bananas, considering they probably resigned themselves to settle for a dull, goalless draw.

1-0 (Flood) after 87 minutes.

Two minutes later, Jonny Hayes left the pitch to be replaced by Russell Anderson. At the 92 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Niall McGinn.

All in all, Aberdeen were almost frustrated by a stubborn and resolutely defensive Hibernian side. I dare say the timely introduction – almost too late – of Zola into the field of play changed the home side’s fortunes.

New boy Alan Tate seemed solid enough if not slightly ungainly at times. I hope to eventually eat my words, and that he goes on to be a worthwhile addition to a promising Aberdeen squad.

Final score: 1-0.

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