Aberdeen face a Maybury blow

Dons Defender looks set to depart pittodrie in favour of a move to england

By Paul SMith

Published:

Irish defender Alan Maybury is ready to deliver a second blow to Aberdeen inside a week after admitting he has stalled on the club’s contract offer because he is keen to secure a return to England.

Aberdeen’s move to sign Richie Foran from English League 1 club Southend United broke down on Thursday and the Dons’ hopes of retaining Maybury are now in the balance.

The Ireland international was a solid performer during his loan spell with the Dons last season. He is a free agent after his release by Leicester City and has been offered a permanent deal at Pittodrie.

The Dons expected a decision from the 29-year-old this week but have been told they will have to be patient.

Maybury said: “I would probably prefer to return to England. We will just have to wait and see what happens. I enjoyed my time at Hearts previously and I have enjoyed my time at Aberdeen and I know they are keen to do something. I’m still waiting to hear from my agent, who has been speaking to clubs.”

Nick Mandic, the player’s representative, has confirmed interest from England to rival Aberdeen’s offer.

Despite opportunities on both sides of the border, Maybury admits he has had a difficult summer as he weighs up his options.

The player said: “It’s all a bit unsettling really and you have bad days and good days about your worries over it.

“It’s a waiting game at the moment but, hopefully, I will know what is happening in the next 10 days.”

Maybury has been offered a two-year contract by Aberdeen after 19 appearances during his loan stint.

The former Hearts defender spent more than three years at Tynecastle but the lure of another crack at the English game is proving tempting.

Maybury, who joined the Edinburgh side from Leeds United in 2001, has not been set a deadline by Aberdeen.

Dons manager Jimmy Calderwood said: “Alan has a decision to make and, like every player in his position, is taking his time to do that.

“There are no timescales in place for the deals we are trying to finalise but we are confident the pieces will fall into place in plenty of time for the new season.”