Turriff United boss Dean Donaldson insists Aaron Reid “deserves his chance” at a higher level, after it was confirmed the Highland League’s break-out striker has signed for Aberdeen.
Reid has signed a two-year deal with the Dons and will move to the Pittodrie club in January.
The 18-year-old joined Turriff from League One Montrose on loan midway through last term, scoring six times before the end of the campaign.
He made a permanent move to the Haughs club in the summer and has scored 11 more goals this season in all competitions
It is this return which made Aberdeen take notice of the emerging hitman.
His Turra gaffer Donaldson revealed there “were a few clubs sniffing around” Reid.
Donaldson: ‘Aaron is a top lad and works unbelievably hard’
He thinks the Reds have landed a player with all the attributes to make the grade at Pittodrie – skills which will only be sharpened in a full-time training environment.
Donaldson said: “He deserves his chance, he’s worked really hard. As a person, Aaron is a top lad and works unbelievably hard.
“We had a few clubs sniffing around him, but I’m glad Aberdeen have taken the chance, because over the next few years he’s only going to get better and better.
“In training full-time, playing with and against better players will all make him a better player.
“He’s only 18 and he already stands out for us.
WATCH: Aaron Reid scores for Turriff United against Keith
“Yes he’s had days where he’s not quite at it. But at his age there will be inconsistency, however, to me he’s got attributes every top team would want.
“He’s got so much pace, power, his control is excellent and he’ll have a massive impact on any game he plays and in any team he plays in because of his sheer presence.”
Reid was formerly on the books of the Dons as a youngster, and Donaldson thinks it is a reflection of the player’s work ethic he has climbed back up the footballing mountain, adding: “I would be delighted for Aaron and his family if he makes it with Aberdeen.
“I know the struggles he’s had. He got released from Aberdeen as a youngster and went to Montrose.
“He was let go from there, but I’ve seen the work he puts in and it would mean a lot to see him go and make it.
“I’ve no doubt he can do it, you can see the quality he’s got.”
Turriff keen to keep Reid until end of season – though Aberdeen may have other plans
Donaldson still harbours hopes of holding on to Reid until the end of the Breedon Highland League campaign – where he believes the teen could be in golden boot contention.
He said: “We’ve got him until January and he’ll probably be in with a chance of being the league’s top goalscorer.
“I know we’re not a top side in the Highland League, but he’ll still gain experience playing for us.
“Ideally if we could get him until the end of the season that would be great and would still benefit him.
“But Aberdeen may want to loan him out to a club at a higher level.”
Turriff are one of the Highland League clubs who are going down the route of bringing through young talent, rather than buying older, more experienced players in the transfer market.
If you give these young boys a chance, they won’t let you down”
Turriff United manager, Dean Donaldson
Haughs boss Donaldson thinks Reid’s quick progression at the Aberdeenshire outfit vindicates this approach, saying: “When we took on the job at Turriff we wanted to give young players a chance and it wasn’t really a gamble because we knew they were really good.
“If you give these young boys a chance, they won’t let you down – they give you everything.”
‘I pushed on and tried to better myself as a player… I have made it back’
Aberdeen announced the deal to sign Reid on their website and social media channels.
Speaking to the Dons’ website, Reid – who is already in full-time training with the Premiership club ahead of switching playing commitments in the new year – said: “I came into the AFC youth academy when I was nine, and then I was released when I was 15. I made it up to the U16 side, but did not progress to the U18s.
“I pushed on and tried to better myself as a player and as a person and I have made it back.
“I am very grateful to all my coaches and team-mates who have helped me on my journey back to AFC.
🆕 | The Club can confirm it has reached agreement with @TurriffUnitedFC to transfer rising talent, Aaron Reid, who has signed a contract with the Dons which will officially be executed in January.
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) October 3, 2022
“The first week at training has been tough on the old legs! Of course, training full-time, it was always going to be harder than anything I have done before, but I will get used to it quickly.
“I just need to get my head down and work as hard as I can.
“I will continue to play for Turriff until the end of January and then we will see what the plan is for me after that.
Aaron’s pathway shows the door is never closed young players…”
Aberdeen director of football, Steven Gunn
“I’m very excited for this new chapter at Aberdeen.”
Aberdeen director of football Steven Gunn said: “Aaron’s determination to play at the top level never waned and he returned to training with the club last week.
“Thanks to all at Turriff United with their help in reaching a positive outcome.
“Aaron’s pathway shows the door is never closed for young players and we’re delighted he sees Aberdeen as the place to continue his development, particularly considering other interest he had.”
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