Joe Lewis was one of the top goalkeepers in the Premiership during his seven-year stay at Aberdeen.
The Englishman arrived in the north-east off the back of a loan at Fulham during which he played eight games in the English Championship but had barely featured for parent club Cardiff during his four seasons there.
He still held a good reputation after making a name for himself at Peterbrough and playing a lot of games for them, both in the second tier and in League One.
So it was seen as a good bit of business when the Dons got the deal done on a free transfer. And so it would prove seven years and 271 games later.
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Lewis turned down Rangers to stay at Aberdeen
The shotstopper was part of an Aberdeen side that had second placed finishes in the Premiership and various cup runs behind it, even finishing above Rangers when they first came up. He was hailed for his performances between the sticks.
But it was later, when Steven Gerrard was manager, that a display at Ibrox convinced them to make a move to sign him. But Lewis was happy where he was and opted to sign a new deal at Pittodrie and avoid making a move that always infuriates the Red Army, just ask the likes of Ryan Jack and Scott Wright.
Lewis recalled to the Daily Record: “We played Rangers away and we lost 2-0 at Ibrox. I had a really good game. Rangers made contact with a few people after that game and so I was aware of their interest.
“They had asked a few questions and knew I was into the last year of my contract. I had verbally agreed to an extension with Aberdeen and I wasn’t going to go back on that. Rangers are a big club but I wouldn’t have felt comfortable going to there from Aberdeen.
“It wouldn’t have felt right and also I had verbally agreed a new deal with Aberdeen. I also didn’t want to impact my standing at Aberdeen or to cut ties with people and supporters who I had become friends with. Yes, the interest was flattering and the money would have been great, I’m sure.
“I spoke to Derek and he was also aware of Rangers’ interest. So he got me in and the following day I signed my new Aberdeen deal. I was happy at Aberdeen. I’m a man of my word.”
Former Aberdeen star Lewis retires after Manchester United stint
Lewis yesterday announced his retirement after a year spent training with Manchester United. Having not played a competitive game for almost two years, he took the decision not to attempt to move down the leagues and prolong his career there.
And he will take up a new venture, launching GKHQ Academy with Conor O’Keefe, an academy offering training for goalkeepers all the way up to the professional level.
He explained: “I probably made the decision to hang up my gloves about three months ago. I had been signed as a training goalkeeper with Manchester United. Being in at United was fantastic but then that contract ended in the summer.
“I hadn’t played competitive games for nearly two years and so when I was out of contract I wasn’t high up on anybody’s list to go and play. I thought to myself: ‘Do I want to drop down the leagues and play? The answer was ‘No’.”