Respect For Butcher Delayed Hayes Signing For The Dons

27 June 2012 10:05
Jonny Hayes should have a word with his agent before he next goes on holiday

Jonny Hayes did not want to sign with Aberdeen until he had a chance to speak to his former manager Terry Butcher. The Dons confirmed Hayes had signed a two-year deal on Tuesday after he turned down a new contract to stay with Caley Thistle. However, he denied making any decision on his future when Aberdeen announced he had agreed to sign at the end of May. After signing the contract, Hayes clarified his position admitting he did not take his phone on holiday which led to a breakdown in communication. He said: "I was a bit lackadaisical because I didn't take my phone on holiday to Thailand. I had spoken to Craig Brown and was impressed by what he had to say. I left things to my agent and was happy to let him take care of business. The first I knew an announcement had been made last month was when I read it on the internet. I was confused as I felt it was disrespectful to talk about joining another club without first speaking to Terry Butcher at Inverness. But I have signed now and what the manager has said about me gives me confidence and I will do my best to help the team." Hayes arrival at Pittodrie could be considered a coup for under pressure manager Craig Brown. The former Republic of Ireland Under 21 international managed to score nine goals last season despite missing two months with a shoulder injury. This sort of return will be a welcome addition to Aberdeen's efforts as they scored just 36 goals in 38 SPL games - the lowest in the SPL. Hayes went on: "It will take a while before Aberdeen are winning trophies and competing at the top end of the SPL. Hopefully the process will start this season and we will climb the table."

Source: FOOTYMAD