The Scottish Sun

Fans tell Dons to Kari on

KARI ARNASON would be happy to stay at Aberdeen — if they come up with the right deal.

The Iceland midfielder, whose contract ends in the summer, has so far rejected Dons' new contract offers.

Now the fans are playing their part in backing the skipper, whose goal earned a weekend draw at Ibrox.

They've started an online petition to pressure the board into ensuring the ex-Plymouth player doesn't leave under freedom of contract. They have also raised "Arnason must stay" banners at matches — and the player says he would like to oblige.

Arnason, who has attracted interest from France and England, said: "There's no reason to think at this stage I'll not be staying. I am very comfortable at both the club and the city.

"The team are a great group of lads and I have slotted in really easily.

"Nothing has happened since the last talks so I am waiting for things to develop with them.

"There is also nothing at this stage to suggest I won't stay.

"It's brilliant to see the banners, as they show the support the fans have for me. By doing stuff like that they really make me feel at home. The fans are fantastic and it is a great club."

The Scotsman

Mark Wotte oversees SFA setting up of seven new Performance Schools

MARK Wotte has a clear vision of where he believes the SFA's new Regional Performance Schools can take Scottish football. A 2020 vision, in fact.

For eight years from now, when the clutch of 12-year-old boys and girls who will be enrolled later this year in the seven secondary schools across the country chosen for the scheme reach the age of 20, Wotte hopes at least five of them will be making an impact at the highest level of the professional game.

The SFA Performance Director yesterday unveiled the seven coaches who will each be in charge of an intake of 20 pupils per year at the schools in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Falkirk, Motherwell and Kilmarnock.

"We want to create an all-round football player. Whether he is a striker, defender, full-back or midfield player, they must all be able after four years to accept the ball, pass it, dribble and make the right decisions. Not only do we want them to be a good football player, but also a good person."

SPL Fanzone: Aberdeen

GIVEN the predictable tone of some of the coverage of the "skirmishes" either side of our match at Ibrox at the weekend, it's surprising that Aberdeen fans haven't also been blamed for the crisis in the Eurozone or it being a bit nippy outside.

To more important matters, namely the hard-earned point at Ibrox. Dreams of our first win there in more than in two decades looked like becoming reality for four glorious minutes. Yet, as much as the deflected equaliser turned the ultimate dream into another crushing reality, the cold light of day shows it as being a point gained. Steely determination and steady improvement are the name of the game in 2012 so far.

The Evening Express

Aberdeen FC boss throws down gauntlet to Ryan Fraser
'Show me you can be a giant on the wing'

ABERDEEN FC youngster Ryan Fraser was today challenged to prove he's ready to become Pittodrie's new wide boy.

Fraser, 17, has remained on the fringes of the Aberdeen FC first team since making his top team debut as a substitute against Hearts in October 2010.

But Aberdeen manager Craig Brown admitted he is a great admirer of the tricky teenager who, at only 5ft 4in, is the shortest player on their books.

Brown's praise for unsung hero of Aberdeen FC
'Fallon has been outstanding in recent weeks'

RORY Fallon was today hailed as the unsung hero of Aberdeen FC's SPL revival.

Aberdeen FC head into Saturday's clash with Dunfermline after only one defeat in nine games.

Boss Craig Brown said: "Rory has done an outstanding job for the team in recent weeks."

The Press and Journal

Arnason rejects Dons offer

Aberdeen must make a second improved offer if they want to keep midfielder Kari Arnason at Pittodrie.

The Icelandic international, who turned down the club's first offer, has also rejected improved terms.