How Sir Alex Ferguson inspired Kristers Tobers move to Aberdeen and why new signing's dad is DESPERATE to visit

Kristers Tobers has admitted his dad can’t wait to come to Aberdeen to get his photograph taken beside Sir Alex Ferguson’s statue.

The Latvia captain, who has been issued his visa to make his debut against Hearts on Saturday, admitted his father Richard is a massive Manchester United fan and their former boss is one of one his heroes. Tobers admitted his dad was all excited when he learned that he was going to the club where Ferguson first made his name.

The new signing explained: “Yes, actually he didn't know that, I told him about it (the statue) and then he actually googled it yesterday. Then he called me to say actually Sir Alex Ferguson was here. I told him I already knew. Yeah, for sure, (when he comes over and gets his picture taken next to the statue) I think there's going to be a Facebook photo for him now and the profile picture as well. My dad was always a big Manchester United fan and I always watched British football.

“Yeah, but now he's getting angry now because Manchester United aren't doing so well just now at this point, so he's not really happy now. I am passionate about British football, all the fans and the environment, everything that is about football.”

The 24-year-old has previously had Scottish experience because his manager at Latvian side Liepaja was Gordon Young, who is currently head of youth at Hamilton. Young also tried to line him up with a move to Sheffield United but injury scuppered it. He admitted: “Yeah, when I was younger, I had a few trials, but it was in Spain, but in England there was nothing.

“We had a coach from Scotland, actually, before, in Latvia, for one year, I think. Gordon Young was here, so he wanted me to go to trial at Sheffield United, I think, at that point, but yeah,