Jonny Hayes reaped the rewards of the dressing room leaders in his first spell at Aberdeen. Now the returning Don wants to repay the favour to the new generation at Pittodrie.
Hayes completed the formalities of his return to the Dons yesterday when he put pen to paper on a two-year deal following the expiry of his deal with Celtic.
The former Caley Thistle winger, who left the Dons in a £1 million transfer in 2017, insists he is returning a better player following his spell in Glasgow.
He said: “Being a bit older, I learned from senior players when I was younger. I’ve probably evolved and become a bit more sensible. It’s fine telling players or giving them advice but the biggest thing is taking it on the pitch.
“When I was here Barry Robson and Russell Anderson’s experience was huge in helping us see out results. There is a good nucleus of senior players here and they know what is expected of the club.
“Whatever it might be, golf, football or whatever, I don’t like losing and it’s good trait to have. The manager knows that. If I can come back here and win some medals it would be ideal.
“The club deserves it. There have been a few near misses in finals and it would be nice to come back and win some trophies.”
Aberdeen were kick to make their interest in Hayes known and for the Dubliner, the decision to come back to Pittodrie was an easy one.
He knows the club, the manager and the expectation levels.
Hayes said: “The manager and I have always kept in touch. It was a big factor in coming back. I know what he expects but I think I’ve grown as a player in the last few years and I will slot back in with the level of expectation he wants and demands of the club. With the chairman too everyone is pulling in the right direction.
“There is a sense of familiarity. When I left I always kept an eye on results and the team. Everybody that moves on, even the likes of Mark Reynolds and Adam Rooney, everyone keeps an eye on the club. You build up a bond when you are here.
“The family loved it and we had plans to move back to the north of Scotland anyway so it made sense. Myself and the club, we were willing to come to any sort of agreement that was suitable for all parties.
“It was tough in the current climate of Covid-19 but everyone wanted to make it happen and thankfully we have.”
Following three years at Celtic Park it’s Cormack Park where Hayes will now spend his days and the returning Don is excited at the prospect of his new surroundings at the club’s training ground.
He said: “It’s exciting. The club has made great progress since I’ve been away, I’ve been looking around the training ground, so the overriding emotion is excitement. It’s strange not knowing if we are going to get started for sure but it’s great to catch up with some old faces and some new ones.
“It looks brilliant and was a major attraction in wanting to come back. When the manager phoned it was my preferred choice. I’d seen pictures on social media but having looked around the place it’s fantastic.”