Paul Sheerin is delighted to be back in full-time football as Aberdeen’s under-20 coach.
The 39-year-old former Don has resigned from his position as Arbroath manager to take up the Pittodrie post after being approached by Reds manager Derek McInnes.
McInnes, who is on holiday in Florida, contacted Sheerin on Thursday and it did not take him long to accept the offer.
Sheerin, who led Arbroath to their only senior honour when they won the Third Division in 2011, said: “Things have happened incredibly quickly as I had spent most of Thursday trying to bring new players to Arbroath.
“I signed Mark Whatley earlier in the week and was concentrating on getting the squad assembled.
“The move came right out of the blue but, having worked with Derek and his assistant Tony Docherty before at St Johnstone, I could not turn it down.
“They are two of the best guys in football and the chance to be in football again full time was too good to turn down. Being involved in the training ground day in, day out again will be terrific.”
Sheerin’s last season at Arbroath finished in disappointing fashion as the Red Lichties were relegated.
The Angus club stood by Sheerin which made his decision to leave hard.
He said: “Arbroath’s directors, players and supporters stuck by me last season and I cannot thank them enough for doing that.
“I was determined to lead them back to promotion this season and it was a very emotional conversation I had with the chairman John Christison when I told him I was leaving.”
Sheerin, who started his playing career at Southampton before making his name at Caley Thistle and Ayr United, joined Aberdeen in January 2003 and played a major part in keeping Steve Paterson’s side in the top flight with a run of 8 goals in 12 games.
A move to St Johnstone happened the following summer and he remained there for six seasons, winning the First Division with McInnes and Docherty in 2009 before heading to Gayfield.
The Dons visit Arbroath in two weeks for a pre-season friendly and Sheerin said: “I would like to go to that game and say cheerio to everyone but, of course, Derek may have other plans for me.”
Sheerin’s assistant, Stewart Petrie, has taken over on an interim basis at Gayfield.