Darren Mackie, a decade of ‘service’

He`s part of the Pittodrie furniture these days, a decade in the first team. Yet, the Inverurie born striker is still a topic of debate, as if the jury is still out after ten years. In recent weeks his ability and service has again been called into question by many within the Red Army, as his approaching of the 50 league goals milestone, coincides with his tenth anniversary at the Club.

On one hand, he has scored some important goals : remember Dnipro? Nine of his goals, almost a fifth, have also come against the Old Firm. Surely, a good way to endear himself to the Aberdeen support, of which he, crucially, is one. This is one of the arguments put forward by Mackie`s supporters : he is a Red, and always gives one hundred percent for the team.

On the other hand, Mackie has far from developing into the “Scottish Michael Owen” as the sagacious Ebbe Skodvhal predicted. In fact many say he lacks ability and point to the fact that 49 goals in 10 years is barely a prolific strike rate for a main front man. In fact Mackie only scores on average, in every fifth game he plays. In fact Hibs Steven Fletcher is only 2 goals behind Mackie having played 6 fewer seasons in the SPL. These facts considered it is easy to see why much of the Red Army dislike Mackie and are frustrated by the way Calderwood overates him and hinted at a contract extension. For me it seems a testimonial is an idea which should not be considered.