Boost for Aberdeen as Shay Logan signs contract extension

Shay Logan has become the latest player to sign a new contract with Aberdeen after agreeing a deal to keep him at the club until 2020.

Shay Logan, wearing Aberdeen's new blue away kit, in action against Arbroath's Bobby Linn during a pre-season friendly. Picture: Bruce White/SNS

Logan, who has been with the Pittodrie side for three-and-a-half years, has followed in the recent footsteps of goalkeeper Joe Lewis by committing himself to the club for longer. Lewis extended his contract by two years, also to 2020, at the end of last month.

Lewis said he was reacting to the news of manager Derek McInnes remaining at the club following interest from English Championship club Sunderland. Logan has also been persuaded to extend his contract after noting the settled atmosphere that has returned to Pittodrie.

The defender initially joined the club on loan in January 2014 from Brentford, before signing a permanent deal that summer. He has become a favourite of the Aberdeen fans and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the top flight – if not the best.

Logan, 29, started his career at Manchester City, from where he was sent on loan at a variety of clubs including Stockport County, Tranmere Rovers and Scunthorpe United. He joined Brentford in 2011.

But he looks set to continue in Scottish football until into his thirties after yesterday’s news. Logan signed a new two year extension in April 2016 until 2018 but shortly afterwards looked set to leave Pittodrie to be closer to his family in England.

But he has provided Aberdeen with a boost before their first competitive fixture of the new season, in the Europa League second qualifying round against NK Siroki Brijeg at Pittodrie tomorrow night, by extending his stay at the club by another two years.

“The reason I’m staying is because I have been treated so well by the club and the fans,” said Logan in an interview with the club’s official website. “I have been looked after really well, I’m happy here so the new deal was very welcome. I am glad the club and the manager have faith in me so wants me to stick around.”

McInnes added: “It’s clear how much Shay enjoys it here at Pittodrie and how much affection he has for the supporters. I’m sure the fans would join me in applauding the commitment he’s shown.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen’s pursuit of Celtic winger Gary Mackay-Steven has been placed in doubt due to the player’s high wages. The Pittodrie club wanted to take the former Dundee United player on loan but league rules forbid two players from the same club joining another club in the same division on loan.

Aberdeen already have Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie on a season-long loan.

If they want Mackay-Steven, who started only five games for Celtic last season, they will have to sign him on a permanent deal which would mean trying to match or get near his current salary at Parkhead.

Aberdeen are looking to sign replacements for six departed members of last season’s squad.