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RED-HOT
EXCLUSIVE by Alan Potts
Greg Leigh has backed the Red Army to roar Aberdeen to the Europa Conference League against Qarabag — and regrets not being about to say goodbye to them properly.
The defender joined the Dons on loan in 2019 before Derek McInnes handed him a permanent return the following summer.
Niggling injuries and Stephen Glass taking over as boss ultimately ended his spell.
Leigh, now with English League One side Morecambe, is disappointed Covid prevented him getting a proper send-off but insists he will always cherish his time in the North East.
He said: “The Aberdeen fans could have a massive part to play in this game. They always help the team.
“When they’re struggling they drive you on and when you are doing well they keep you focused on the job.
“Having them back this year could really help, especially in a game like this.
“A packed Pittodrie is an amazing place to play football and the fans are so passionate.
“In Scotland you have the Old Firm, but for me Pittodrie is the next best atmosphere.
“My spell in Scotland was decent. The only issue for me was it was littered with injuries.
“I got injured during my loan and when I did sign permanently, I think not having a proper pre-season hindered me last year.
“I was thrown in the deep end a little bit. That’s football, but I have learned from it.
“I was in and out all season and it was so frustrating. It was a place I felt I could really flourish, but it wasn’t to be.
“The fans were great with me. Right from the start they seemed to like me.
“Even when I was out injured or not playing, the fans were always so supportive. They were really interested in me and how I was doing. Even when I was doing my shopping, people would stop me to talk about the team.
“It was great and I loved all of that. It made you feel really part of it.
“I can’t thank them enough for the way they supported me. One of the most disappointing things about the way it ended was the fact I never got the chance to say a proper goodbye to the fans.
“With Covid and things, it took the chance away from me, which was a shame.
“I’m fit now and I want to show people what I can do, something I never really got the chance to do at Aberdeen.”
Leigh was snapped up by ex-Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson at Morecambe and has met up with some old rivals.
Former Aberdeen defender Anthony O’Connor, ex-St Mirren favourite Jon Obika and Josh McPake, on loan from Rangers, are part of the squad.
Leigh reckons the former Premiership men have helped him feel at home already.
He added: “It’s nice to have a manager who had seen me play before and then wanted to bring me to his new club.
“We’ve a few guys, including the gaffer, who have been involved in Scottish football. When you first come into the dressing room it gives you something in common with a few of the lads and helps you settle in.
“I have played against big Jon and he can be a handful. It’s a shame he’s injured.
“I’ve been really impressed with Josh so far. The manager has been working with him on his game off the ball.
“If he can add that then he has a real chance of competing for a spot at Rangers in future.”
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