Regular readers of this blog will know that under the surface of an otherwise neutral and unbiased body of work beats the heart of a dyed-in-the-wool (if you pardon the expression) Aberdeen fan. Now, I'll be amongst the first to admit that I've not always been too supportive of the man adoringly called 'Tango' by the more cynical supporter of the Reds, indeed, on several occasions having been known to have demanded Calderwood's resignation.
I'm not proud of it, but there have been times, mainly around the start of the season when quite frankly Calderwood's tactics, squad selection and comments to the press have baffled. A beginning to the 2008/09 season was disastrous, the Reds not being able to buy a win at home for love nor money. Defensively poor, a lack of goals from our strikers and, to make matters worse, players coming out blaming the supporters for piling unrealistic expectations on the team did not make Calderwood a popular man around these parts.
But give the man his dues. In recent weeks the team has changed beyond all recognition. At last we seem to be gelling - our defence has gotten its act together, Lee Miller has figured out what those two things at the end of his ankles are for and we have managed to not lose at home now for six games. The win over Celtic earlier this week was the culmination of all that change, not just on the field, but also, we suspect in the dressing room.
For the first time in many years, I genuinely think this is the finest Aberdeen squad since the great teams of the early 80's and early 90's. Since Calderwood has taken over, he's brought in some quality players - Barry Nicholson and Jamie Langfield joined in 2005, Stevie Lovell (now with Falkirk) joined in 2006 scoring 24 goals in over 30 appearances for the club, as did Lee Miller, currently the club's top scorer. In the last year, Charlie Mulgrew, whose ability to put in a decent cross as well as his set-piece expertise has added another dimension to the team, while Sone Aluko, signed on a permanent contract from Birmingham City is proving to be a revelation for the Dons.
Calderwood has made mistakes. Jackie McNamara never lived up to his promise, letting Barry Nicholson go was also a mistake that took a while to repair, at least until Gary McDonald and Mark Kerr arrived at Pittodrie. Calderwood has yet to find a suitable backup for Jamie Langfield, Bertrand Bossu so far failing to impress in the few outings he's had and Scott Severin belongs in midfield, not defence. The obsession Calderwood seems to have with Richard Foster is inexplicable, Foster having pace but a poor first touch and his passing leaving a lot to be desired.
For all that though, Aberdeen are currently riding high. We're in third spot, miles behind Rangers, true, but remaining there will at least meet fan expectation of another European campaign; we're also into the Fifth round of the Scottish Cup.
In the last few days, Jimmy has been linked with the vacant spot at Norwich (a job he's unlikely to get) and, perhaps more worryingly, Dutch Premier League side FC Utrecht. Calderwood has admitted that there has been contact, although not concerning any possible moves, but speculation is rife. Calderwood has played and managed in Holland and is certainly well know and respected there. The unofficial FC Utrecht message forums seems to be keen on Jimmy also, with many posts in the forums in favour of bringing the 53 year-old back to Holland.
In a way you can't blame Calderwood for wanting to leave. He's never going to win the league in Scotland, European football and a domestic Cup perhaps being the pinnacle of achievement. And that's not to say we wouldn't be happy with that. Not winning the league is a given if you're not a follower of an Old Firm team.
But he'll never win the league with FC Utrecht either, the Old Firm dominance in Scotland replaced with a trio of teams, Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord that have won the league on-and-off since 1981. But it's a new challenge, perhaps something that Calderwood needs after four years at the helm at Pittodrie.
What I'm trying to say is that for the first time I can remember for some time, it's clear we need Jimmy to stay at the club. Changing horses in midstream is never a good idea, especially when the club is doing so well. However, that may not be up to me, or the supporters. I hope that Jimmy stays, at least until the end of the season, just to get us to the promised land of non-old Firm teams - a European spot, perhaps a domestic trophy.
If we achieve that at least this season, then we can look back on 2008/09 as another good campaign.
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