Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has claimed that new signing Craig Bryson has “given up a lot” to move to Pittodrie – and admits he didn’t think he’d have been able to lure the ex-Derby midfielder to the Granite City.
McInnes thought the former Scotland international would have been out of his reach after spotting his name on a list of players whose contracts would be expiring.
Bryson apparenty had offers way beyond what the Dons had on the table but the veteran wanted to come to Aberdeen and do well.
“Craig had a lot to decide and had offers that were financially way out of our remit,” McInnes told the Evening Express.
“Derby wanted to keep him and Craig had a strong offer from another Championship club so he could have benefited financially from staying in England.
“When we looked at the out-of-contract list 18 months ago he was someone who stood out to us. But we didn’t really think we could get him, truth be told.
“The reality usually is that you don’t get certain ones and initially we assumed he would be in that bracket.
“Craig has given up a lot and has come to Aberdeen wanting to do well.”
Bryson was a regular in Frank Lampard’s Derby side before an ankle injury prematurely halted his campaign and forced him put of the reckoning.
The move to Pittodrie should suit both parties with Bryson keen to show what he can do and Aberdeen looking for someone to fill the gap left by Graeme Shinnie’s exit.
McInnes’ side still need one or two more new faces but the addition of Bryson will almost certainly be their most important.