‘Matured’ Findlay Marshall backed to make his mark at Aberdeen by Gothenburg Great.

The youthful Don has signed a new contract with Pittodrie after maturing during a season-long loan spell with Arbroath.

Neil Simpson, a Gothenburg great, believes Findlay Marshall is ready to establish himself in Aberdeen after maturing at Arbroath.

The 20-year-old midfielder appeared to be leaving Pittodrie, but after a spectacular season on loan at Arbroath, where he scored 15 goals in 47 games, Marshall has been offered a new deal with the Dons.

Simpson, a member of Aberdeen’s great 1980s team, was the Dons’ pathways manager before resigning in the summer of 2024 after 35 years with the club.

Simpson, who has witnessed Marshall develop on loan with Edinburgh City, Cove Rangers, and the Red Lichties, believes Marshall is ready to accept the challenge posed by new head coach Stephen Robinson of establishing himself in the Aberdeen first squad.

Simpson remarked, “I don’t see why he can’t participate next year.

“He understands the game, and I believe he has grown this season at Arbroath and really taken off.

“I used to go watch Findlay when he was at Edinburgh City, and when I came back, I would remark, ‘Findlay Marshall, best player on the pitch. Unbelievable.’

“Then we’d play an Aberdeenshire Cup game on Tuesday, and Findlay was as quiet as anything.

“At that moment, I was like, ‘are you kidding me?’

“But I could see he only needed a little time. Some players take a little longer than others, but he has a good head on his shoulders.”

Fans want to see homegrown players get their chance

There is an increasing trend of young youth players breaking through to the first squad at Pittodrie, with Jack Milne proving himself this season and Dylan Lobban making his debut.

Marshall is the next in line for a chance, and Simpson, who came through the club’s junior levels to win two European titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, has appreciated the inclusion of young Scots from the academy in the team.

He stated, “I believe we want to see more homegrown players involved who have that affiliation and may have been with the club for ten years.”

Everyone they’ve brought through understands the club’s concept. Sometimes the excitement of youth really wakes everyone up.

“The passion grows within the club, and supporters love it as well.

“Obviously, we want a successful squad, but when it’s a little guy giving his all, I believe the people like it.

“We need to reset. I believe we signed too many guys over the summer. There was no continuity.

“You need your key players who have to play every week, as well as others who are competing for a spot.

“If you don’t perform somebody will come in and then it’s up to you to fight your way back into the team.”

Simpson hoping for more stability next season at Pittodrie

Simpson’s affiliation with the Dons may have ended, but his love for the club lives on at Pittodrie, where he is a regular spectator at matches.

Aberdeen struggled throughout the season, regressing after winning the Scottish Cup at Hampden the previous year.

Simpson believes the constant scrutiny has contributed to the club’s dismal atmosphere this season, but he remains optimistic that Aberdeen can recover.

He stated, “The Scottish Cup final last year was one of the best days I’ve had as a supporter.”

“I can picture how it must have felt for Aberdeen to win the league in the 1980s or the cup in 1982, after not having won it since 1970.

“It generates a lot of enthusiasm.

“It’s been difficult to watch this year, but I enjoy going to games as a bystander rather than being a part of it.

“You are now free to express your viewpoint. I would always encourage the players since it is difficult to receive criticism here, there, and everywhere.”I’ve always made an effort to check in with them to ensure their well-being, since it’s a tough world to be a footballer these days.
“You receive criticism from everyone on social media and from the press.

“Previously, folks would just talk about it in the pub. As a player, you wouldn’t know about it.

“There appears to be too much rotation, but look, I’m a supporter of Aberdeen regardless of whether they’re at the top of the league or at the bottom.

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