Prospective Aberdeen signing Stephen Gleeson has been backed to be a hit at Pittodrie by former team-mate James Vincent.
Gleeson looks set to join the Dons after leaving Ipswich Town, helping strengthen their midfield further following the addition of Peterborough’s Chris Forrester.
Vincent played alongside the Republic of Ireland international during his formative years at Stockport County, when Gleeson joined on loan from Wolves. Also in that side was current Aberdeen midfielder Greg Tansey, who like Vincent had come through the youth system at Edgeley Park.
Dundee midfielder Vincent, a Scottish Cup-winner for Caley Thistle who was on loan at Dunfermline last season, sees similarities between Gleeson and Tansey and believes he would be a great signing for manager Derek McInnes.
“I was coming through the youth team at the time and we got him on loan from Wolves. He had a bit about him and you could see he was a quality player. He would be a great addition for Aberdeen – he’s got a good range of passing.
“I was in the second year of my YTS at Stockport at the time and he came down expecting to play. I played with him a few times and watched him and he was a very decent player. Stephen’s got a lot of quality and you can see why he’s been at some top clubs.”
Gleeson, who has also played for Birmingham City and Milton Keynes Dons, played primarily as a central midfielder last season at Portman Road under Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy. The Dons are keen to replenish their midfield options after the departures of Kenny McLean and Ryan Christie.
Meanwhile, Anthony O’Connor put pen to paper on a three-year deal with League 1 side Bradford City yesterday. O’Connor was out of contract with the Dons and McInnes had made efforts to keep the 25-year-old in the Granite City, but he felt the time was right to return to England, where he played with Burton Albion before moving to Pittodrie.
O’Connor said: “It was a big decision to leave. I met some great people up there – the manager and the assistant were absolutely brilliant. It’s only a matter of time before they go on to bigger and better things. It’s a real family club, the whole staff around the club. But ultimately I felt it was the right decision to come back to England and when I heard of Bradford’s interest, I just wanted to get it done.”