Former Ross County manager Derek Adams will be an interested spectator at Pittodrie on Friday night as Aberdeen take on Motherwell, live on BT Sport at 7.45pm.
The 39-year-old, who left the Global Energy Stadium earlier this season, has played for both clubs in a career that also took in spells at Burnley, Livingston and Ross County.
Motherwell head north sitting second from bottom in the Premiership but they won twice at Pittodrie last season and haven’t lost in the Granite City since November 2008.
Adams said: “I am going along to the game between my former clubs and I am expecting an exciting contest. Aberdeen have done well overall in the past year and they have exciting players in their ranks, whereas Motherwell have been a good side over a few years.
“Jonny Hayes and Peter Pawlett have got great pace that can hurt opposing teams. They also have David Goodwillie and Adam Rooney further up and that is before you even consider Niall McGinn.
“The Aberdeen fans have enjoyed having that attacking threat on the pitch and they are certainly a more attack-minded side this season than last season, and they were good then.
“Derek McInnes adapted his approach recently from one man up front to two and that plays to a real strength. However, in the modern game there is a danger that such a system can see your team over-run in midfield.
“Derek may be tempted to revert to the system he used last season after losing to Hamilton last week. One thing he has is options and that is a good position to be in. They can score goals but defensively they have to stem the flow of goals they have been losing.”
Adams played for Motherwell longer than he did for any other team in a 15-year playing career that came to an end when he took over the reins at Ross County back in October 2007.
He added: “Motherwell’s position is unexpected even though it has been recognised they have been punching above their weight for some years now. In fact, I have voted for Stuart McCall to be the Manager of the Season for the past three years due to the fine job he has done.
“They have struggled for results recently but they will turn it around. They have good experience with Stephen McManus, Stevie Hammell, Keith Lasley and John Sutton on board and they are supported by good young players who have plenty of energy. I know Iain Vigurs well from his time at Ross County and he is another player who will add value to their squad.
“Motherwell have a good record at Pittodrie and have had that for a number of years. They usually did well when I played there for them and that has carried on. They won both their games last season, including the one that saw them finish in second place ahead of Aberdeen.
“They changed their shape that day and may be tempted to do it again. They played with what could be called a lop-sided diamond and it was successful.”
Adams will be a football supporter on Friday then will revert back to being a manager-in-waiting as he explained: “I am waiting to see what opportunities come up for me. England is a possibility but I would not mind staying in Scotland if the chance arose.”
Craig Stewart
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