VANCOUVER, B.C. - The Vancouver Whitecaps could very well have the next up and coming wing-back patrolling BC Place for the 2016 MLS campaign. The addition of Fraser Aird brings a new and exciting element for Carl Robinson at the right-back position. With the departure of Steven Beitashour, Aird will now compete with Jordan Smith for regular playing time as a coveted attacking flank specialist.
Negotiations between Rangers FC and Whitecaps FC seem to have taken forever. Aird had his Mom visiting Glasgow last week in preparation for his 21st birthday on Tuesday, February 2nd. After a loan agreement was reached, Aird jumped on a plan to Vancouver via London last Saturday.
After meeting his new teammates at Vancouver International Airport on Sunday, Aird and the 'Caps were on their way to Arizona for preseason training camp. After a whirlwind last few days, Aird spoke to the media about how his Vancouver loan spell came about and which former Whitecap helped out.
"It was a few different aspects to be honest. Kenny Miller use to play over in Vancouver and me and him are quite friendly on and off the park. He's my teammate over at Rangers and he spoke very highly of Robbo. Obviously me being who I am I looked up Robbo a little bit. I'd seen him play for Toronto FC when I was younger, I use to have a season ticket. Speaking to him a few times on the phone, he was positive to get me in and he showed that he had visions of me in the future and how I was going to play and how I was going fit into the squad. I'm looking forward to it. Hopefully I can go out and have a good season and they could be a big part of my learning at this club. Hopefully I can go out and give my best for Vancouver."
Whitecaps fans who have high expectations for Aird should allow for an adjustment period as the Canadian international isn't all that use to playing right-back.
"It's quite a new position to me. From the start of the season we didn't have a right-back at Rangers at the time. The gaffer played me there for the first four games, preseason and I done really well. Playing full-back these days they're very attacking in the way that manages want to play, obviously the further up the park as they can be. Kind of defending is the secondary thing after attacking. I can defend, I can attack, I can score goals and I can assist goals. Hopefully I can bring all them attributes into the team and make it better."
While Aird does not appear to lack in the confidence department, moving from the Scottish Championship to MLS is no walk in the park. It's going to take time to build chemistry with his teammates, adapt to the travel distances, learn tactics, a new formation and style of football Carl Robinson wants the Whitecaps to play. All in all, Aird is eager to play where the gaffer decides is best.
"Wherever it is, I’ll give it 100 percent.”
If the Whitecaps and Fraser Aird get on like a house on fire, Vancouver has the option to pay a transfer fee to permanently confirm Aird as a Whitecaps player long-term. Nothing has been set it stone, and you could call this a getting to know you stage for both parties. The life long Rangers supporter is coming to Vancouver to earn playing time and get proper minutes on the pitch.
The end result could see him back with the Rangers, Vancouver, or any other club next year. Aird's goal is to think about the present and not the business end and any future contracts.
"I wouldn't say I would be earning a contract here. It’s a season long loan to get games. My club is still Rangers at the minute. Vancouver is only the club I'm on loan to, but further down the line you can’t predict the future. If I’m come here and I love it, I get on with the manager, I go play 25, 35 games, you never know what can happen. At the end of the day I’m here to play football and just take it one step at a time I don’t want to look too far ahead. I still have 18 months left on my contact with Rangers.”
Not only is Fraser Aird looking forward to a new opportunity and the chance of playing in front of 21,000 fans at BC Place. The Whitecaps are on the verge of becoming one of the elite teams in MLS. By building the roster with young players who want to play for each other and grow and develop together. The Whitecaps organization has made Vancouver a top destination for footballers who want to win now.
RedNation Online asked Aird, just how excited he was about joining a young up and coming hungry Whitecaps team that has the potential to do great things this year.
"I'm as excited as you asking that question. It’s a new challenge for me. I’ll have to get used to the travel, and different style of players."
The lovely Scottish winter hasn't darkened the mood and excitement that Aird has for his new team. Vancouver looks to have found a gem in Fraser Aird and he should fit in perfectly with the type of players Carl Robinson is trying to piece together in Vancouver.
Notes: The Whitecaps are expected to announce the acquisition and MLS rights to FC Dallas striker Blas Perez. In exchange the MLS negotiating rights to Mauro Rosales will belong to FC Dallas.
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