Aberdeen U20s clinch Development League title

Last updated : 09 May 2015 By Stand Free Ed

Aberdeen Under20 champions

The young Dons clinched the title when Celtic failed to beat Falkirk and sealed deal with a 3-1 win over Dunfermline in front of around 2000 fans at Pittodrie.

Under-20s manager Paul Sheerin said: "It has been great, really enjoyable and good that the fans turned out. It's incredible for the young boys to get a trophy at the end of a long hard campaign, its credit for what they have done throughout the season.

"Since I have come in the boys have been excellent, that's the young boys and the first team players who have come in to help them too. I couldn't have asked for any more, they have been a credit to themselves and the football club.

"We do say that it is not all about the silverware and that it is about developing footballers but when you get the chance you want to take it and they have showed a real winning mentality to get through and finish the league campaign like this."

Dons boss Derek McInnes added: "It's a great achievement.

"We've tried to get the balance right there by loaning some players out and bringing in experienced players who need game time, who also have a responsibility to help the younger lads along. We had 16 and 17 year olds playing with and against senior players and, while the development league isn't always about results, it's also good to have that winning mentality within your youngsters, something that will hopefully stay with them throughout their careers.

"There have been some key, regular performers within that squad and while others have come in and out, there has been a real core of lads who have played regularly and these boys deserve a special mention for maintaining performances at such a consistent level throughout the campaign.

"Paul Sheerin and Scott Anderson deserve a lot of credit for focusing the players and achieving a high level of performance week-in and week-out.

"It shows what can be done.

"We lack facilities as we're all aware, but what we have got is a good work ethic at all levels throughout the club right now."

Source and image: RedWeb