Calderwood pens new Dons contract

Calderwood had been concerned about his transfer budget

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood has ended speculation about his future by agreeing a new three-year contract.

Assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl and coach Sandy Clark have also pledged their futures for the same period.

And Calderwood said: "We would just like everyone to understand just how much we love the club and the city.

"There may have been a lot of speculation and a couple of things got held up, but they have been ironed out and I am very happy."

Interview: Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood

Interview: Aberdeen director of football Willie Miller

Calderwood had consistently hinted that he could leave if the club did not match his ambitions.

And speculation heightened when key players Barry Nicholson, Chris Clark and Michael Hart rejected offers of new contracts with the SPL club.

We were always confident we would have a positive outcome to the situation Aberdeen director of football Willie Miller

But, while that trio appeared poised to accept bigger offers from English clubs, defender Zander Diamond signed a new contract.

And that looks to have gone some way to placating Calderwood.

"I think, and hope, we have the money to bring in some quality players," said Calderwood.

"I know it is almost impossible for us to match the likes of the Old Firm and Hearts, but we can still make good selections.

"There has been a steady improvement in the team and I feel the directors have the drive to take things further and this is important for the management squad.

"We will be working hard to strengthen the squad as you know a couple of the lads could be leaving."

As Calderwood was speaking, it was being confirmed that Hart has signed a pre-contract agreement with Preston.

The English club stated their hope that a fee for Hart during January and revealed that another Championship outfit had agreed fees for two other Aberdeen players.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Calderwood has destroyed the game and club that I once loved Just_Chalky

Aberdeen's management team had been presented with new contracts on Saturday.

And director of football Willie Miller was delighted that they had been accepted.

"We were always confident we would have a positive outcome to the situation," he said.

"Obviously I have the opinion that Jimmy has done an absolutely fantastic job at the club and has brought back stability and, this season in particular, we have been extremely successful.

"I am happy with what Jimmy is doing and I have backed him for the last three years and it is great to have the team, all three of them, on board for the foreseeable future."