Ahead of tonight's game in Perth against St Johnstone, Aberdeen manager Craig Brown is playing it cool regarding the possibility of re-signing defender Russell Anderson. The former Dons captain was released by Derby yesterday and has been linked with a return to Pittodrie, but Brown says finances and fitness will dictate if a move is possible.
The Dons manager said: "I know him from way back and I have the highest regard for him as a person and a footballer. It would be a wonderful acquisition, if he's fit. We'd love to have him back on the staff here, but it would require someone buying one of our players or one of our players being attracted elsewhere. That might happen. Our player budget has reached its limit - he knows that.
That reduces the immediate chance of him signing. For someone to come in, someone has to go out.'' Former Scotland defender Anderson began his career with Aberdeen before leaving in 2007 for Sunderland for £1million.
However, injury has blighted his career since his move south and he made just two appearances for the Black Cats, while also going on loan to Plymouth and Burnley, before joining the Rams in January 2010. He made 33 appearances in almost two years at Pride Park and left by mutual consent with six months left on his contract. Anderson injured a hamstring last month in what turned out to be his final game for Derby, against Cardiff.
Brown knows all about Anderson's situation as the defender has been using the Dons' facilities to aid his recovery. Brown had previously asked Anderson about a return to Pittodrie but has yet to see if there is money available this time around. Brown said: "He's coming back for rehabilitation after his injury. I spoke to him a couple of days ago and he requested the use of our physiotherapy facility.
I had already spoken to him in the summer about the prospect of him coming here as a player. He was on a good contract at Derby and wanted to fight for his place. He got his place in the team and was playing.
But now he has a long-term injury. It's a two-month job at least.'' If finances can be juggled to allow Anderson to return, the defender's experience could be vital in Aberdeen's fight to avoid relegation from the SPL.
The Dons travel to Perth knowing a win could move them up to ninth in the standings. They head into the game in 10th place after moving off the foot of the table despite letting a two-goal lead slip in Saturday's 2-2 draw with St Mirren, while Saints are fourth and seeking to respond from their 3-0 loss to Motherwell. Brown said: "I expect a good, competitive game. I don't think their defeat will have any affect on their performance.
Although we lost a two-goal lead, we've recovered from a couple of two-goal deficits. Every game is critical. I would expect to take a good number of points between now and the end of the season.''
Source: FOOTYMAD
