Marley Watkins says joining a ‘massive club’ in Aberdeen was something he couldn’t turn down after completing a short-term switch from Bristol City.
Manager Derek McInnes has had no luck on the injury front so far this season. He is missing Sam Cosgrove, Curtis Main and Bruce Anderson in attack currently and Ryan Edmondson was brought in from Leeds on a short-term loan to try and provide cover.
He too suffered injury, picking up a horror ankle knock that will keep him out of action for three-four months. Bristol City man Watkins has now been brought in on a six-month loan to further bolster McInnes’ final third options.
Known to Scottish football fans for time at Inverness when he helped the Highland side win the Scottish Cup, Watkins has also had spells with Barnsley, Bristol and Norwich City, plus a stint with Cheltenham Town.
Having only played nine Championship matches for Bristol City last term, Watkins is in need of regular first-team football. Not thinking beyond his six-month loan, he hopes to get that at Pittodrie.
“A few days ago my agent mentioned it to me – the possibility of coming to Aberdeen,” said Watkins (Red TV). “As soon as I heard I was very keen to come. It is a massive club and beautiful part of the world. I have not been playing regularly, and the manager showed real interest in me.
“So I jumped at the chance. I have a massive amount of respect for the gaffer here. He has had a great managerial career so far so it will be great to learn from him. As a player you are always learning and trying improve your game.
“I really am looking forward to it. I know about the history of the club and the size of the club. So it was a great option for me. The move is taking place quite early in the window, I could have waited longer, but I just want to play games and be part of the team.
“There are so much exciting things to challenge for over the next few months including European football. I am not thinking about what happens beyond January. I just take it a day at a time. Hopefully I do well here and then we will see what happens.”