Darren Dods will get his time in charge of Brechin City off and running with his boots on in their friendly against Aberdeen.
The 40-year-old will be at the heart of the Glebe Park defence as a makeshift home side look to give the Dons a tough workout as part of their preparations for facing Macedonian side Shkendija in the First Qualifying Round of the Europa League next week.
The Brechin ranks will be bolstered by a number of trialists with Dods taking a pragmatic approach to the meeting as he explained: “First and foremost this is a terrific game for Brechin to host.
“It will be challenging but it will be a great experience for us to face the side that ran Celtic the closest in the top flight last season. It has come very early into my time here, and I would probably say too early, and we do not have a full squad signed up. However, we will get on with things.
Former Hibs, St Johnstone, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Dundee United, Falkirk and Forfar defender Dods has no qualms about listing himself against Derek McInnes’ side as he explained: “My last game for Forfar was just over a month ago and I was keeping myself in shape for playing with them again next season until this job came up so I am OK to play.”
“We also need a bit of experience on the park as we are missing some well-known players. Our goalkeeper Chris Smith is on holiday, Craig Molloy is on honeymoon and Paul McLean has picked up a knock.
“I would have preferred playing Aberdeen after having a couple of friendlies and a few more training sessions under our belts, but it is not to be.
“It is a strange way to start my time as a manager but I am looking forward to it.”
Dods hopes to have added to the nine signed players on Brechin’s books by the time kick-off comes with the remaining gaps in his squad for tonight filled by trialists.
“I have a number of players that are keen to win a deal who are up for the challenge of this game,” he said.
Hopefully I will have a couple of permanent signings before kick-off as well so we can go out and make a game of it.”