Jay Emmanuel Thomas is aiming to give Stephen Glass ’ Aberdeen revolution an immediate lift off with 20-plus goals.
The big striker is the man the new Dons boss has signed to cure the chronic lack of goals that held the Pittodrie outfit back last season.
The 30-year-old has moved on a free transfer from Livingston and set himself the lofty challenge of getting 20 to 25 goals in all
competitions.
That’s the kind of output the club have lacked since Sam Cosgrove ’s departure for Birmingham in January.
Emmanuel Thomas will make his competitive bow in the Europa Conference League against Swedish side BK Hacken next month. And when asked if he had set a target, he said: “Not as of yet. But altogether, looking at all competitions, you are looking at easily more than 20 to 25.
“That is for me personally but is just something I have to focus on game by game.
“I will try to plan it game by game and on how many matches there are in a month.”
Glass inherited his squad last season but is now putting his own stamp on things.
He has brought in Scott Brown, Declan Gallagher, Jack Gurr and Teddy Jenks.
Former Arsenal youngster Emmanuel Thomas hit nine goals for Livingston last season but is confident he will get even more chances in red and white.
JET admitted:“I played against Aberdeen three times last season and watched numerous games.
“You also watch clips of previous games before you play them. You get to see how many chances are created from wide areas, midfield and stuff.
“How they didn’t score more goals is surprising.
“I know every striker has maybe a different form and can have a tough time.
“But with the amount of chances created last season, I felt like I would score a lot of goals here due to the style of play and the chances created.”
Aberdeen are also set to hand him a new strike partner in the shape of American international Christian Ramirez, subject to a work permit being issued.
JET added: “It is always good to have a partner. I knew I was the only striker but it is good to have another one who likes to get involved.
“I like to drop a bit deeper and to take players on.
“I can do that if there is another focal point in the team, which allows me to get more involved in the game.”
The new boys will also be working under former England striking coach Allan Russell who can help them become even more deadly.
Emmanuel Thomas is likely to get his first run-out against Cove tomorrow and he said: “I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks before the first competitive game.
“We will probably do a lot more striker work and a lot more finishing work.
“I will pick up a lot more techniques from that.”
The striker has a wealth of experience after spells with Ipswich, Bristol City, QPR and the Gunners.
He arrived in Scotland after a spell in Thailand with PTT Rayong and was happy to move north when the Dons made their move.
He said: “Aberdeen are a big club and I was never going to turn them down.”
“I spoke to the club and then I had a phone call with the manager. He explained what he wanted to do and where he wanted to take it.
“We also have Europe and there were a lot of positives to swing me towards Aberdeen.”
