Former Toon Star Upsets Fans Over Celtic Quote!

Last updated : 13 June 2009 By Footy Mad - Editor

Mark McGhee was delighted to be named the new manager of Aberdeen but admitted bossing Celtic would have been his first choice.

The 52-year-old has signed a one-year rolling contract to return to the club where he enjoyed a glittering period as a player between 1978 and 1984, that included a European Cup Winners' Cup triumph.

McGhee takes over at Pittodrie following Jimmy Calderwood's departure on the final day of the season.

But the former Newcastle star got himself in hot water at a press conference, and has had to try and put things right with Aberdeen fans who were unhappy at his comments.

He stressed that Aberdeen's supporters should not worry about the fact that Pittodrie was not his initial preference.

He said: "Aberdeen fans know that in Scottish football on a scale of one to three you have Rangers and Celtic and then Aberdeen comes in third.

"I think that any player or manager has the right to want to play or manage at the best club possible.

"I have looked at that opportunity, I didn't get that job but I then moved on to come to Aberdeen quickly with a total positive feeling and a total commitment.

"The Celtic thing should not in any way undermine things - quite the opposite actually. Maybe Aberdeen fans should be thinking that they have a manager that was considered by Celtic."