Mackie signs new deal

Last updated : 29 October 2002 By David Maclennan
Mackie scores against Nistru Otaci
Darren Mackie: Staying until 2005
Striker Darren Mackie has followed Phil McGuire in agreeing to stay at Pittodrie until at least the end of the 2004/05 season.

The pacey forward has signed a two year extension to his current deal which was set to expire in the summer.

The Scotland U-21 hitman said ""I am delighted that everything has been sorted because I grew up supporting this club and I never really wanted to go."

Ebbe Skovdahl added "
“Darren's decision to stay here, along with that of Phil McGuire, is great news for all concerned with the Club. I have said for a long time that we must build our side around a nucleus of good, young, Scottish players and Darren will, I am sure, be a key element in the team as it progresses over the coming months and years.”

The Dons are in talks with Russell Anerson and team captain Darren Young, and expect the duo to sign extensions to their deals shortly.

Talks with Derek Young, Jamie McAllister, Kevin Rutkiewicz, Roberto Bisconti, Patrizio Billio and Peter Kjaer are due to start in the next couple of weeks.

The Dons are confident of keeping all players except from Bisconti. The Belgian midfielder last week demanded the club pay £28,000 a year to send his children to a French speaking school if they want him to stay.

Mackie added  “I'm only 20 and know I still have a lot to learn in football if I'm to achieve the goals I set myself. I've seen Kevin McNaughton and Russell Anderson make the breakthrough at international level and I'd love to follow their lead. It was brilliant playing in Europe this season and I want to sample that kind of football as often as I can. I'm sure Aberdeen can get back to being regular European competitors again if all the young lads stick together. I'm an Aberdeen fan and I can't tell you how much it means to be a player here at Pittodrie, particularly if I can be part of a successful Dons team.”