Aberdeen eye double Dutch signing

JIMMY Calderwood has revealed that plans for his first European campaign were already well advanced before Aberdeen actually clinched their return after five years exile from continental competition.

First half goals from Scott Severin and Steve Lovell gave the Pittodrie club their first points against either half of the Old Firm this season with Sunday's 2-0 victory over Rangers also securing a highest league finish in 11 years.

It was a remarkable achievement given the financial resources of the other clubs comprising the top four places and the stark reality is that even a UEFA Cup place will not significantly loosen the purse strings at Aberdeen.

Instead, Calderwood will continue to work the midas touch in the free transfer market as contract offers have been made to towering Dutch striker Robert Flik and fellow countryman Jeffrey de Visscher.

Flik is a former Holland youth international who has not gone on to fulfil his potential despite being a prolific goalscorer in that country's lower leagues while De Visscher, a right midfielder, has helped De Graafschap earn promotion back to the Eredivisie.

Both recently travelled to Pittodire to look over the set-up and decisions are expected later this week, but a look at the side that defeated Rangers was an indication of how successful such moves have been for the Aberdeen manager.

In the starting line-up Scott Severin, Lee Miller, Jamie Smith and Jamie Langfield were all acquired for free as were substitutes Craig Brewster and Karim Touzani who were influential when introduced in the second half.

Add in former Celtic captain Jackie McNamara and Lee Mair arriving under freedom of contract from Wolves and Dundee United respectively this summer and you can see why a lot of money need not be the answer. So far, the combined 500,000 paid to Dunfermline and Dundee for Barry Nicholson and Steve Lovell is all Calderwood has had to spend on transfer fees but a long memory and the eye for a player could pay dividends again.

He said: "We took Jeffrey over to look over the set-up at Pittodrie and he was impressed. I know him from my time in Holland and he will give us width and creativity if he comes here.

"The problem is that his club has won promotion as champions and he could opt to stay and play at the highest level in Holland.

"Robert was a Dutch under-18 international who, for various reasons, lost his way a little but the lad scored 27 goals this season which is the highest tally in the country outwith the Eredivisie.

"He's a very tall, strong targetman who is hard to handle as Zander Diamond will testify because he had him on his backside.

"We have made offers of two-year deals to both players who have now returned to Holland to think things over but I'm confident of securing them this week."

Calderwood can confirm that Langfield is ready to commit himself to a new two-year deal to stay at Aberdeen after ruling out a move to Ibrox as back up to Allan McGregor.

Rangers recently had a 70,000 bid for Langfield rejected and the goalkeeper is happy to stay once he stops partying in the wake of the weekend win.

He said: "We've spoken about a new deal and I'm looking to get it done. I'm off to Magaluf for my stag party this week but hopefully it will be completed when I get back home."

DONS' EURO HIGHS AND LOWS

GOOD TIMES...

1981-82: Aberdeen 3, Ipswich 1

Ipswich Town were UEFA Cup holders but were no match for a Peter Weir-inspired Aberdeen. The winger netted twice to seal a 4-2 aggregate win.

1982-83: Aberdeen 3, Bayern 2

Neil Simpson, Alex McLeish and John Hewitt scored to oust the Munich giants from the Cup-Winners' Cup.

1982-83: Aberdeen 2, Real Madrid 1

The Dons' finest hour as Europe's most successful club were defeated in the Cup-Winners' Cup final in Gothenburg. Eric Black and Hewitt (in extra-time) were the scorers.

1983-84: Aberdeen 2, Hamburg 0

Aberdeen became the first and only Scottish club to win the Super Cup when goals from Simpson and Mark McGhee gave them victory at home after a 0-0 draw in Hamburg.

BAD TIMES...

1994-95: Aberdeen 1, Skonto 1

After a goalless draw in the first leg in Latvia the Dons were humiliated by a UEFA Cup preliminary round exit on away goals thanks to a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie. Paul Kane scored for Aberdeen.

1996-97: Aberdeen 0, Brondby 2

The Danish side pulled off a smash-and-grab win in the UEFA Cup second round first leg and secured a goalless draw at home to progress. Their manager was Ebbe Skovdahl who would later take charge at Aberdeen.

2000-01: Aberdeen 1, Bohemians 2

With Skovdahl at the helm, defeat at home to the Dublin part-timers was a new low for Aberdeen in Europe. A 1-0 win in Ireland wasn't enough to prevent the Dons' UEFA Cup exit.