peterhead manager neale hopeful coffers can be boosted by high-profile friendlies
Cooper’s message to fans as Dons and Gers visit
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Peterhead manager Neale Cooper is hoping the Blue Toon supporters can help fund his rebuilding programme by going to Balmoor for high-profile friendlies against Aberdeen and Rangers.
Cooper’s already threadbare squad has been drastically reduced by several departures this summer.
Stuart McKay made a move to Highland League newcomers Formartine United, Andy Bagshaw, Michael Kula and Konrad Kozminski have been released, Craig Gunn and Daniel Moore returned to Ross County and Martin Skinner has signed for Huntly.
In addition, midfielder Stuart Anderson has gone on a week’s trial at Conference side Salisbury City.
The Blue Toon have brought back midfielder Dougie Cameron from East Fife for a third spell at Balmoor and Cooper is looking to make further additions.
Finances are tight and full houses against the Dons and Rangers could help swell the transfer kitty.
Aberdeen arrive at Balmoor on Saturday, July 22 while the Light Blues visit on Wednesday, August 5, for Cooper’s side’s final warm-up match ahead of the new Second Division season.
Cooper’s primary concerns are finding at least one defender, a wide midfielder and a forward to his squad.
He said: “It is great to have been able to persuade Aberdeen and Rangers to come to Balmoor. I know both clubs have hectic schedules and I appreciate them coming up. Hopefully we can attract good crowds. It will be Aberdeen’s first of the summer on home soil and Mark McGhee’s first match as manager in Scotland.
“There will also be a bit of an edge after we managed to beat them last summer. It is great to get Rangers up here as well. They have a lot of supporters in the area and they will be good tests for us.
“We had a tight squad last season and we have lost a few more, but hopefully we can bring in a few in the coming weeks. These games can be a boost because every little helps. A lot of players are now out of contract so things might start moving.”
As part of their pre-season preparations Peterhead will also travel to Turriff on Tuesday, July 7, visit Huntly on Saturday, July 11, visit Inverurie Locos on July 14 and travel play to Deveronvale on July 18.
