Source: Team_Talk
Butcher blasts Aberdeen dissenters
The Dons boss is in the firing line again, with supporters calling for his head after a disappointing Homecoming Scottish Cup exit to Dunfermline as expectation levels in the north-east continue to rise.
Butcher's side make their shortest SPL trip of the season when they take on Calderwood's men on Saturday.
And the former England captain cannot believe the amount of flak his fellow manager has taken.
He said: "I think the Aberdeen fans are very quick to point fingers, they're still in the top six and in contention for a European place, and that's not bad in my book.
"They have quality players, a good support and a club that has a great tradition of being there when the prizes are handed out.
"I find it amazing to see the criticism handed out to Jimmy Calderwood, a man who's made Aberdeen a top-six side and had to do it by changing his squad round constantly.
"He's always looking to add more quality and take them onto that next level but that's a long, slow process and I think people have to more patient.
"People can look at their cup results and say they haven't been good enough, but only a few teams win the cups in this country.
"When you play against smaller teams, they raise their game against you and anything can happen.
"In the last few years on both sides of the border, teams outwith the top flight have made cup finals and that's an indication the gap between the divisions is getting narrower."
Ironically, Butcher could pile even more pressure on the Aberdeen coaching staff with a win at Pittodrie this weekend, as his team continue to fight for SPL survival.
And the Caley Thistle boss will be showing them no mercy.
"We're stay over on the Friday night to prepare properly and give Aberdeen a real go," said the former Motherwell boss, whose side beat St Mirren last time out to move four points clear of danger.
"I've been there in the past with Motherwell and enjoy going there, especially when you get a good result. When you've won games as a player, you want to play straight away and the guys are raring to go.
"We've done really well against top-six clubs in my time here and it's not one to fear. I regard the match as a bonus; we're not playing one of our relegation rivals and I hope we can enjoy the occasion."
The Highlanders moved up to ninth last weekend after coming back from a goal down thanks to a double from Filipe Morais.
The Portuguese star has forced his way into the side of late and Butcher has urged other fringe players to do the same and leave him with a selection headache.
"The players have responded well to what we've asked of them, whether that be fighting for a new contract or enjoying their football," he said.
"But the guys are certainly giving me everything they have at the moment and trying to get a new deal here or at another club.
"Ultimately, it's my decision who plays and doesn't and I want a competitive squad.
"Players put me under pressure in training and reserve matches to give them a chance and that's good.
"Everybody has a part to play. Roy McBain, for example, hasn't been involved in the last few squads but is very part of it in training and eager to be involved come match days.
"It's hard to leave players out but I have to choose the right 18 to go out there and get a good result. The competitive tempo is training helps keep the first-team players on their toes."
Aberdeen 8/11, Draw 13/5, Inverness 4/1
