Adios Ryan

Well, we knew it was coming. Ryan Fraser has no need to be at AFCB anymore having turned down a short term contract extension beyond 30 June. Some will be disappointed in the Wee-man, but I am just pleased the whole thing is over and the club can move on.

Here's the door Ryan

It seems that Ryan just couldn't risk playing any more and didn't want to pick up an injury ahead of a big summer move. Although AFCB fought hard to retain his services, I don't think  there was any way Ryan was signing anything after January this year, and his departure will now give the group more focus, so I'm happy with the outcome.

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Keeping Fraser hanging around just wouldn't have been fair to anyone. He will have good memories of his time at AFCB, and I'd rather remember him for what he did in season's gone past than this final season. It will be intriguing to see where he finally ends up, and if he manages to get regular starting places elsewhere. His form will also need to pick up and we will see if that is like turning a switch on or if he has lost some of his magic.

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Although some pundits may see AFCB being weaker for Fraser's departure, it has been clear for a while now that his football hasn't been at the level we have seen in the past. His time at AFCB was really over a while ago, and with him moving on Eddie Howe will have a good idea about what he will do on the left side of attack already, even if we have to wait until Saturday to see what he does.

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It was interesting to read some of the comments on the Echo's post on Ryan's departure. It looks like a lot of fans are happy to open the door for Ryan, but others are thankful for the great games he played in. I think he will split opinions, but I believe he represented an important period in Eddie Howe and AFCB's development, when a £400,000 player from Aberdeen was coached to become a full international in the Scottish side. We didn't have many international players at the time, and Ryan worked hard to get to that standard, but he has had to wait perhaps a little longer to get that big move afterwards.

While we have our views as fans, it is the players that will feel the departure of Ryan Fraser more than anyone and that is what Eddie Howe has to deal with.

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