Tommy Wright gave Matty Kennedy confidence- and the new Aberdeen signing says he owes a lot to the St Johnstone boss.
The winger has signed for the Dons on a three-and-a-half year deal. It’s stability like he’s never had before, having already had 10 clubs by the age of 25.
Aberdeen are his 11th but a lengthy stay looks likely for Kennedy. He made his debut over the weekend in a 0-0 draw with St Mirren.
Derek McInnes had penned him on a pre-contract but moved to sign him this window instead. The winger wasn’t allowed to play at St Johnstone until his future was sorted for sure but he’s glad to have finally made his Pittodrie switch on a long-term basis, paying homage to former boss Wright.
“I am delighted to have made my debut,” said Kennedy. “I didn’t know wherever I was coming or going from St Johnstone but I am happy to be here. St Johnstone obviously wanted to keep me but they said that until its solved I wouldn’t play, that is why I never played the last couple of games.
“I am delighted to get it out of the way and be at Aberdeen. Tommy Wright told me he wanted to play me. I chapped his door and said I’m not happy not playing.
“We had a bit of a laugh about it but he said I wouldn’t play until I was sorted. He said he didn’t know if my head would be right, I told him it was right. The club did a lot for me, Tommy did a lot for me.
“I made I clear to him that I wanted to play every minute. Tommy’s the reason I went to St Johnstone and I think he got me back to my best. All I wanted to do is repay him.
“I’ve been on loan loads of times in my career. When I went to St Johnstone I think it was a two-year contract and it’s three-and-a-half here. I play better when I’m settled.”