Aberdeen stand by 'flawed' manager

The Aberdeen manager, Steve Paterson, who expected to be sacked for missing Saturday's draw with Dundee after a drinking binge, has been given a second chance.

The 44-year-old Paterson is now seeking professional help with the support of the club after alcohol-induced stomach problems left him bed-ridden.

Paterson, who replaced Ebbe Skovdahl as manager of the Scottish Premier League club in December, said. "I'm just a human being who is flawed. I don't need a drink all the time but, when I do drink, I don't know when to stop.

"I've been humbled by the club's attitude towards me. Keith [Wyness, the Pittodrie chief executive] and Stewart [Milne, the chairman] showed kindness and understanding. I expected, and deserved, to get the sack and I'm sorry that all of this has taken away from what was a good performance from the boys [against Dundee].

"I prefer to own up to the problem and take the professional help I need. The only way I can repay the club is by turning things round. I felt completely hopeless on Saturday afternoon. I did have stomach cramps, but the problem was drink-induced."

Wyness said Paterson's honesty had kept him in his job: "If Steve had come in a state of denial, we would have considered sacking him. He was so upfront and honest that we decided to give him the support he needs."

Paterson had had a traumatic week before Saturday's game following the death of a family friend's son.