Paul Hartley joins Aberdeen as captain and eyes trophy

Published on Wednesday 28 July 2010 19:52

ABERDEEN last night completed the signing of former Celtic and Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley and instantly appointed him club captain.

The 33-year-old becomes Aberdeen's sixth summer signing after a proposed return to Tynecastle fell through.

The Scotland international was allowed to leave Bristol City halfway through his contract after failing to settle off the park in England. He was impressed with Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee and director of football Willie Miller after his expected move to Hearts failed to materialise.

"Both clubs were looking for my signature," Hartley told RedTV. "It (Hearts) was an option but as soon as I spoke to Mark and Willie I knew I was working with genuine people who really wanted to bring me to the club. They sold the club."

Hartley, who left Celtic Park for Ashton Gate last summer, is keen to impart his winning mentality and experience on the club's younger players such as Fraser Fyvie and Peter Pawlett.

He has been given the captaincy following Mark Kerr's departure on freedom of contract.

"The younger players have potential, they are looking for that experienced player to come in and help them and improve them. Hopefully I can bring that to the team. I have played at a very good level over the last few years.

"Aberdeen have always been a massive club and the challenge is to get them back up there. Hopefully I bring in a winning mentality. The big thing is to challenge for honours. It's been far too long since Aberdeen won any silverware."

Hartley is looking for more than gradual improvement for McGhee's new-look squad.

"People talk about the top six but we have got to aim higher than that," he said.

"Hopefully we can look for silverware."