Dimitar Mitov reveals Pittodrie influence over Aberdeen transfer after 'unreal' first impression

Dimitar Mitov knew the first time he walked out at Pittodrie that he would love to be an Aberdeen player.

The problem is that was October last year when the Bulgaria cap was still St Johnstone’s goalkeeper. Mitov was blown away by the atmosphere created by 17,000 fans and immediately felt right at home. That much was clear in the goalless draw and a vital 2-0 win when St Johnstone returned to Pittodrie in February.

HIs luck ran out with a 1-0 defeat after being sent back a third time in May after the split. However by then Mitov had already been earmarked to replace departing Dons No.1 Kelle Roos. New Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin certainly didn’t hesitate in triggering the six figure release clause needed to snatch him from the Perth club.

That three-year contract already looks like a shrewd bit of business and it’s certainly been a dream come true for Mitov. He said: ”Knowing about Aberdeen before I even came to Scotland, then playing at Pittodrie was an influence in coming here.

“I had this unreal impression the first time I walked out to play there when the stadium was almost full. Looking at the fans, looking at the team, you’re just thinking you wish you played for these sort of football teams.

“But you need to experience it for yourself to really realise how big it is and for me it’s been amazing. The welcome I’ve had from the fans, players and everybody involved in the club has been incredible.”

Of course it helps that Thelin also brought Mitov’s goalkeeping coach and mentor Craig Hinchliffe along for the ride. Mitov credits their time together at Perth for his success at club level and with Bulgaria and expects that to continue.

He added: “It’s really important because last season when he signed me for St