Dempo To Stay

Last updated : 01 May 2006 By Stand Free Ed
Dons midfielder Gary Dempsey will remain at Pittodrie to fight for his place next season.

As reported on Aberdeen-Mad last week, boss Jimmy Calderwood was considering whether or not to call time on Dempsey's Dons career after an inconsistent season.

The former Dunfermline player, who played as an amateur in order to win a contract last season, had also been concerned about a lack of first-team opportunities earlier in the year.

But the 25-year-old has been an integral part of the Dons side that has been unbeaten in the last 6 games, climbing up to 5th in the table and challenging for a potential UEFA berth.

And the Aberdeen boss said: "Gary has told me he wants to stay here next season, which he is contracted to, and that is really good news."

Meanwhile, Calderwood confirmed at the weekend that Ryan Esson is to leave the club, and the Dons gaffer is not hanging about waiting for a replacement.

"There could be an announcement about a goalkeeper this week, but we will just have to wait and see what happens," he said.

Former Dundee United goalkeeper and Elvis lookalike Paul Gallagher, currently at Norwich City, is reportedly a target.