Elgin City manager Allan Hale is a lifelong Aberdeen supporter relishing his dream Scottish Cup date with the Pittodrie giants
Facing up to his boyhood heroes Aberdeen was the dream Scottish Cup draw for Elgin City manager Allan Hale.
Hale said after Saturday’s thrilling third round victory over Kelty Hearts that he wanted a big team in the next round, and his wish was granted when his beloved Dons were sent to Borough Briggs.
“I said on I was hoping for a draw that would bring some excitement to the town and that’s exactly what it’s produced,” he said. “We are one of the fortunate ones to get the dream tie, if you like.
“Being selfish, being a lifelong Aberdeen fan I would have loved the experience of walking down the touchline at Pittodrie one time.
“But nonetheless to get them at Elgin and what should surely be a full house and potentially a TV tie as well, it certainly whets the appetite.”
With five of the 16 fourth round ties being screened live, either on BBC or the Premier Sports channel, it’s almost certain that City’s clash with Premiership high-flyers Aberdeen will be chosen for a TV audience.
With the Pittodrie club currently enjoying one of their best seasons in many years, it is also one of the toughest draws Elgin could have landed.
But Borough Briggs is sure to be full to its 4500 capacity for a big day in the history of the Black and Whites.
Hale is a strong admirer for the job that Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has done in hoisting the Dons into second place in the league, only recently surrendering their unbeaten Premiership record to St Mirren.
“Aberdeen have been fantastic this season,” Hale said. “I’ve seen a lot of them, obviously being an Aberdeen fan myself. I watch as many games as I can and seeing them quite regularly, their brand of football has been really encouraging.
“They’ve got a real identity and Jimmy Thelin has done an excellent job so far.
“They play some really good football, they are really aggressive on the press and out of possession they are full of energy. They’ve got so many talented players in their team.
“But these are the games that you want to play in as a player, these are the experiences you want to have in your career and I’m delighted for the players that they’ve managed to get that.
“I’m delighted for the board and everyone associated with the club and more importantly for me, I’m delighted for the players that they’ve got a reward for their efforts so far for coming through two really difficult ties so far.”
The fourth round ties are scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, January 18 but if Elgin’s game is televised it may be moved further back.
BBC screen ties on a Friday and Monday night, but Aberdeen won’t be asked to play on the Friday as they have a crucial Premiership fixture away to Rangers on Wednesday, January 15.
