Jerel-brate Good Times Come On

Last updated : 12 August 2009 By Stand Free Ed

NEW Dons boss Mark McGhee has made his second signing of the season with the capture of former Swindow Town captain Jerel Ifil on a two year deal.

The 6' 1" centre-back started his career at Watford, and was Swindon's longest serving player making over 200 appearances for the Robins over five seasons.

The 27-year-old played for the full 90 minutes of Sunday's Dean Windass testimonial victory over Hull City.

The big man impressed Dons boss Mark McGhee and the noisy red travelling support at the KC Stadium, who started up chanting his shirt number, "22, 22, 22... 22, 22, 22...", as they were unaware of his name.

Ifil told RedWeb: "I really enjoyed the game and I could tell from our performance that there are a number of top quality players in the Aberdeen team.

"I am delighted to sign for Aberdeen.

"When the opportunity to come here arose it was one I was immediately interested in pursuing."

Ifil could make his competitive debut for the Dons in this Saturday's SPL opener against Celtic at Pittodrie.

Ifil, who passed a medical at Pittodrie yesterday evening, had his contract terminated a year early by Swindon to allow him to move north meaning AFC did not have to pay a fee — as stated by Aberdeen-Mad yesterday.

The Englishman, who was also farmed out for a spell with Huddersfield Town, spent three loan spells with the League One side while with Watford before being sold for £70,000.

However he had slipped down the pecking order at the County Ground, and would not have been a regular starter this season.

Aberdeen made their first signing two weeks ago when they brought in former Norwich City goalkeeper Stuart Nelson on a one year deal.

Next on Dons gaffer McGhee's agenda is to bolster other areas of the squad before the transfer aperture jerks secure, with the cash promised from the Pittodrie board last week.

Dons legend and Director of Football Willie Miller reiterated at the beginning of the week that the new Dons boss has the full support of the boardroom to strengthen the squad after the club's embarrassing exit from the Europa League last week.

He said: "Mark has been working hard to secure new signings and he has the backing of the board every step of the way."

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