Ex-Aberdeen stars keen to come back to Thurso after youth coaching sessions and Q&A event
Two former Aberdeen stars have said they are keen to come back to Thurso after a weekend visit in which they took part in youth coaching sessions and attended an evening function in the town.
Ex-Scotland defender Brian Irvine and Dutch forward Theo ten Caat were invited north by Thurso Football Academy, with sponsorship from the Holborn Hotel and MLG Electrical.
More than 90 youngsters participated in indoor coaching sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
Players of the event were Lachlan McLean (3-5), Lily-mae Robertson (6-9) and Kenzie Nicholson (10-15).
On Saturday evening a question-and-answer session was held in the Red Pepper, and a sell-out crowd enjoyed hearing stories from the former Dons' playing days – from Brian recalling his winning penalty against Celtic in the 1990 Scottish Cup final to Theo telling of his time at Pittodrie under managers Alex Smith and Willie Miller. It became evident that Theo still holds a grudge over Miller letting him go as a player.
Brian said: " I had a great weekend in Thurso and I was very well looked after. I'm really looking forward to coming back in the future."
Theo said: "I had a wonderful time in Thurso – I have made friends. It was the first time I had seen Brian in 30 years and I have Thurso to thank for that. Hopefully I will see everyone again next year."
Thurso Football Academy's head of coaching Alyn Gunn said: "On behalf of myself and Richie Campbell, we would like to thank everyone who attended the Aberdeen legends events over the weekend.
"Special thanks should go to our sponsors and also to Derek Manson for being the master of ceremonies and Kevin Tait for supplying the PA equipment – it was really appreciated.
"Our events are unique in what we are able to offer the county and we are delighted that people continue to support our ideas in what is now our 10th year of the academy. See you all again in April for our next event."
Commemorative glasses were presented to Jilly Calder, of the Holborn Hotel, and to Michael and Luke Wilson, of MLG Electrical.
