Angus MacDonald felt pretty hard done by when Swindon Town ruthlessly axed him in January.
He was club captain, with 18 months left on his contract and a wealth of experience that could have helped their promotion push. But all of that counted for nothing as the English League Two side told him he was free to go. The 30-year-old was worried that it might be the start of a downward spiral for his career.
But instead, it might just prove to be the best thing that has ever happened to him. MacDonald took a gamble by signing a six-month deal with Aberdeen. Now he’s a stalwart of a team that has been transformed since Barry Robson took over as gaffer. The centre-back has extended his stay for two years, is dreaming of Europa League football – and is now talking about a potential Scotland cap.
If that happens, the decision-makers at Swindon might have a few serious questions to answer. MacDonald has been a revelation at Pittodrie as Robson’s men have charged up to third spot in the Premiership table.
He’s loving life in the Granite City and he hopes a few individuals at the County Ground are regretting how they treated him. MacDonald now believes he’s with the biggest club he has ever played for in his career.
Ahead of today’s clash with Rangers at Ibrox, he said: “I could say a lot about what happened at Swindon. But they wanted a few older bodies out the door to bring through the new generation.
“That doesn’t always work if you don’t have a mix of experience and younger lads. From where they were when a few of us left, to where they’ve finished the season (mid-table), you can see that.
“I was really enjoying my time there. They have a great fanbase and I can’t fault the club. But some things behind the scenes helped twist my arm.
“I still had a year-and-a-half left there so it was a big risk for me to leave. I had to back myself but luckily it paid off. I hope the people at Swindon are maybe looking at me now and thinking they made a mistake.
“The way it ended there wasn’t how I’d imagined or hoped it would end. But I think it was a mistake on their part. That’s not me being big-headed. We made a difference in helping the young lads on the pitch.
“I still keep an eye out for their results, I still follow them. They’ve gone 1-0 up in games and lost it in the last 10 minutes. That’s where experience can probably help. I wish them all the best.
“But Aberdeen are one of the biggest clubs I’ve played for with their history, fanbase – and in terms of what the club can achieve. That’s exciting for me. I didn’t expect to get this opportunity at this stage of my career.
“When I dropped down to Swindon at 30, I didn’t think I’d ever get the chance to build myself back up again.”
MacDonald is used to rejuvenating himself. As a kid at Reading, he suffered from the bowel condition ulcerative colitis before being released by the club. He was forced to drop down to non-league outfit Salisbury before earning a move to EFL side Barnsley.
Then in September 2019 he got the fright of his life when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. He faced two life-saving operations before getting the all-clear to get back on the pitch.
MacDonald’s mental strength is as impressive as his performances for the Dons so far. He said: “Getting released by Reading after 10 years and playing for England youths – when Manchester United had scouted me – that was a big blow.
“Having to drop down to non-league was a kick in the teeth. But that shows the type of character and personality I have. It’s tough for young lads when they get released because suddenly they don’t have the nice pitches and changing rooms anymore.
“You don’t have the security of a big club behind you. It’s not easy. But it has stood me in good stead for the stuff that challenged me later in my career. Dealing with the cancer seems a bit of a blur now but it was tough.
“It was even tougher on my family because they didn’t know what the outcome would be. My mum and dad just saw me lying there in a hospital bed. But I had the focus of getting back on the pitch again, which made it a little bit easier for me.
“At 15 I was actually told by a doctor that I’d never play football again. So having my dreams shot down meant I probably didn’t tell people or doctors when I had symptoms.
“Luckily, I was diagnosed early and I’ve come through the other side. So I don’t get too low or too high now with football. I try to stay level-headed. If we get beaten, it’s not the end of the world.
“Before, I would go home and not speak to the family if we’d lost 1-0 or if I’d played badly. But it has probably changed my perspective a little bit.”
MacDonald now feels like his career is on an upward trajectory again. The prospect of European football made it a simple decision to stay at Aberdeen – despite interest from clubs back in England.
In Robson, he has found a manager who has faith in him and the stopper wants to repay it by helping secure third spot.
He said: “I’ve enjoyed being here, the buzz around the city, the fans, the staff. That’s why I wanted to stay. Barry signing for the longer-term also convinced me because he’s someone who has helped me perform on the pitch.
“I had a few offers down south but once I got in the building, I always wanted to stay at Aberdeen. Once I’d had a few games, it was a no-brainer. Europe is tempting as well. We’ve still got that focus and top three is definitely our aim.”
