EXCLUSIVE: Why new Aberdeen goalkeeper Nick Suman is the total package, according to Cove Rangers boss Paul Hartley

June 4, 2025 GG Uncategorized 0

EXCLUSIVE: Why new Aberdeen goalkeeper Nick Suman is the total package, according to Cove Rangers boss Paul Hartley.

New Aberdeen goalkeeper Nick Suman is the total package

Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley believes Aberdeen have found the complete package in new custodian Nick Suman.

The 25-year-old shotstopper last week signed a pre-contract with the Dons and will join his new teammates for pre-season training.

Hartley is disappointed to lose his custodian ahead of the League One restart, but believes Suman has all the qualities to succeed with Jimmy Thelin’s Premiership heavyweights and Scottish Cup winners.

The Cove manager stated, “Aberdeen has just got a really good, solid professional going in there.

“Nick comes and takes things, and he is unbelievable on the ball; honestly, he could be an outfielder because he is so comfortable.

“We worked a lot on possession with the keepers, and it was no problem for him.

“He has great feet, is a great talker, is well-organised, and is a shot stopper.

“He’s simply a good person. A guy who has a great attitude towards training and working and truly believes in himself.”

Suman might have been a Motherwell player.

Suman could have faced the Dons next season rather than joining them, after Motherwell pushed hard to bring him to Fir Park in January.

The Steelmen were turned down in their attempt to sign Suman, but were eager to add the Australian to their ranks this summer, as were Dundee United.

Hartley fought hard to keep his custodian in January, but was quick to praise Suman’s positive attitude following the disappointment of missing out on a Premier League move during the winter transfer window.

He stated, “I spoke with Jimmy about him, as well as (keeper coach) Craig Hinchcliffe, but there were two or three other clubs interested in signing him.”

Nick Suman in action for Cove Rangers. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson

Nick Suman in action for Cove Rangers. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson.

“He could have been a Motherwell player in January; we rejected a couple of bids. It was obviously a situation in which he wanted to leave, but we stood firm.

“We spoke, and I told him that I didn’t want to let him go at the time because we were pursuing promotion.

“I’ve always told him that if he worked hard and kept his head down, he’d get a great opportunity.

“It didn’t really bother him. He did not throw his dummy from the pram. He simply kept working away.

“I’m happy for him. I really like him, and I have plenty of time for Nick.

“He was good in the dressing room for me and he deserves a move.”

‘We took a gamble on Suman based on video footage alone.’

Former Dons captain Hartley took a risk by bringing Suman to Scottish football two years ago, but he believes it paid off handsomely for Cove.

Hartley stated: “It wasn’t really a trial for us. I knew he’d had a trial with Rangers a while back, possibly when Steven Gerrard was manager.

Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley. Image: SNS.

“We were recommended a custodian by an agent from Avid Sports, with whom I’ve worked extensively.

“We watched the footage, liked what we saw, and spoke with some people in Australia.”

“To be honest, we took a gamble – I signed him there and then on a two-year contract based on what I saw on video.

“I liked what I saw of him and the rest is history as they say.”

Cove Rangers can serve as a stepping stone for players.

The Cove manager believes Suman’s progress demonstrates why his club is an appealing option for players looking for a platform to showcase their abilities.

Hartley sees the recent international recognition of another former Cove player as a good advertisement for his club.

He stated: “We are a stepping stone for players.

“When I saw Rumarn Burrell score for Jamaica over the weekend, it gave me a little bit of satisfaction because we give guys opportunities.

Former Cove striker Rumarn Burrell. Image: SNS

“Burrell has had a successful move to Burton Albion over the last two seasons and currently plays for the national team. I simply think it’s a good story for us.

“I am not here to get in his way. If he makes a significant career change, I will be the first to congratulate him.

“I’m really happy for Nick because of how he was during our two years together.

“We had a lot of trust in each other, and he deserves to move on.

“I believe that’s the message for any young player.

“The three young players we had on loan from Aberdeen did fantastic for us. “Hopefully, we have a good relationship.”

Hartley prepared for a busy summer.

Suman’s departure reduces the number of Cove players under contract for next season to nine.

Hartley has offered new contracts to Balint Demus, Mikey Doyle, Will Gillingham, Declan Glass, and Blair Yule, but the Cove manager anticipates another personnel change in the summer.

Cove Rangers defender Mikey Doyle is weighing up a new contract offer from the club. Image: Darrell Benns/DC Thomson.

He said, “It looks like we’ll have a busy summer again.

“I’ve obviously tried to sign a few players, and you’ve seen the guys we’ve offered contracts to and are waiting for them to return.

“We will need to do a little more rebuilding. I’m not sure where we’re going with the loan players, who we’re going to bring in, or whatever.

“So it’s going to be another busy period, but that’s my job.

“I’ve to try to get a squad together and make sure that we’re ready for the start of the season.”

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