Aberdeen confirm Paterson arrival

Aberdeen FC have confirmed the appointment of Steve Paterson as the club's new manager in succession to Ebbe Skovdahl.

Shearer to act as assistant
Paterson and his assistant, Duncan Shearer, have joined the Scottish Premier League club from Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC. The appointments were confirmed today after a compensation deal was reached with first division Inverness, which includes a friendly between the two sides.

Chairman delighted
Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne said: "We are delighted to have appointed one of Scotland's brightest young managerial talents. Steve is a very determined character and has a great record of success from his early management days in the Highland League through to his time with Caley Thistle."

'Huge opportunity'
Paterson himself said: "To me Aberdeen is Scotland's third largest club and to have the chance to manage them is a huge opportunity for me. It wasn’t easy deciding to leave Caley Thistle after seven wonderful years, but I’m ambitious and want to show I can be a success at the top level." Aberdeen also confirmed today that caretaker manager Gardner Speirs will now be leaving the club.