Kenny Miller’s talks with Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes in Florida have surprised many members of the Red Army.
The released former Rangers striker has admitted to the “chance” conversation, although it remains to be seen what kind of offer, if any, has been tabled to get him to Pittodrie.
He is also rumoured to be wanted by several other Premiership teams and keen on a player-coach role at Livingston.
There are good reasons for Dons fans to be unsure about Miller joining Aberdeen.
One of these reasons is of course Miller’s time at Ibrox, one of the Reds’ main rivals.
However, when you’re talking about the merits of signing a proven goalscorer and international, such things should perhaps not come into the reasoning.
Miller, at 38, is obviously at a stage in his career many professionals don’t see, so you’d imagine any offer from McInnes is short term – a year or less.
He is clearly meticulous when it comes to his fitness, he wouldn’t still be playing if he wasn’t. But given his sporadic appearances at Ibrox last term, Aberdeen will have to be sure he is still up to the right level.
Miller’s goalscoring record is clearly the appealing thing about him.
In his three spells with Rangers, Miller has scored more than 100 times, and also had a productive spell with Wolves earlier in his career. He’s also played in the Premier League with Derby.
Last season Aberdeen didn’t have that single talismanic goal machine Adam Rooney has been in previous seasons, with Rooney falling behind Stevie May in the pecking order.
Rooney managed nine goals in the league, while May got four, so McInnes probably feels he needs another man who can pitch in around the goal.
However, where does Miller fit into the current Aberdeen team?
Does he play off another striker or up front alone?
I can’t imagine him being able to hold down the central striker role week in, week out, at this stage in his career.
For me, Miller fits into the Barry Robson mould.
He’s got the experience and savvy to know what to do at big moments – when players with those attributes become available you have to go for them.
It’ll be good for the other players to work with someone of his stature.
It could be he plays loads of games, or it could be he just plays a handful of really important ones.
Miller could turn out to be the difference between winning a trophy and not winning a trophy for McInnes’ men next season.
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