Summer signing Dan Happe vows to help solve costly Aberdeen problem

Summer signing Dan Happe aims to help solve a damaging problem that was a key factor in derailing Aberdeen last season.

A weakness at defending set-pieces was costly in the 2025-26 campaign when the Dons were threatened with the threat of a relegation play-off.

In the Reds’ 2-1 Premier Sports Cup win against Queen’s Park the Championship side scored a header from a corner.

In the aftermath of the game boss Stephen Robinson emphasised how the bid for success in the new season could hinge on defending set pieces.

Towering at 6ft 6in, Happe signed a two-year deal with Aberdeen as a free agent after rejecting the offer of a new contract at Leyton Orient.

He is determined to bring an aerial presence for Aberdeen both defensively and offensively.

Happe, who netted with a header from a corner after only three minutes against Queen’s Park, said: “I feel like I am a presence at set-plays.

“That was probably half the reason why I was brought in here, to defend and score set pieces.

“It is a big part of my game and I want to bring it to Aberdeen.

“Set-plays are a massive part of the game now.

“A lot of goals are scored and conceded from set-plays.

“If you are strong in that department then you can go far.”

Robinson recently revealed Happe rejected a lucrative move to a club in England in favour of signing on at Pittodrie for less money.

Summer talks with boss Robinson

The Dons boss made securing Happe a priority in the summer to shore up a defence that registered only 14 clean-sheets in 47 games last season.

Happe, 27, said: “We had a few conversations back and forth.

“I was weighing up the pros and cons as it is a long way from London.

“And this is my first ever move.

“He (Robinson) convinced me.

“Aberdeen is an attractive club, I could see that from the get-go.

“I had a couple of options, but this was the standout one for me.

“It was a no-brainer due to the size of the club and it was something different for me.

“I didn’t want to do something I have already done.

“Aberdeen is a massive opportunity and a whole new experience for me.

“Last season, wasn’t really great for Aberdeen, where they finished in the table.

“I want to help us climb the table.

“I have high aspirations for myself and getting into the top six and Europe is definitely an aim.

“You have to dream big to achieve big.”

Aberdeen were 2-0 up against second tier Queen’s Park within 11 minutes after another summer signing, winger Lewis Smith, netted.

Happe: ‘We learn from our mistakes’

Despite that explosive start the Dons were unable to add more goals with Robinson’s side twice hitting the woodwork.

Queen’s Park hit back with a goal in the 61st minute.

German keeper Marius Muller delivered key saves on his debut to prevent a penalty shoot-out.

Happe said: “We got a little bit complacent but will learn from our mistakes.

“It was only our second competitive game.

“We will take that into Wednesday (away to Queen of the South) and I’m sure we will not do it again.

“There is still a lot to work on but there were also a lot of positives to take.”

On his Pittodrie debut Happe netted his first goal in more than 18 months.

Pittodrie debut goal and seagulls!

He last found the back of the net in a 3-0 win for Leyton Orient against Bristol Rovers in League One on December 3, 2024.

Happe said: “Hopefully, it will be the first of many goals.

“I didn’t actually score last season.

“I scored a few the season before but I dried up a bit last season.

“Hopefully, I can bounce back this season by scoring a few.

“It was a good start and hopefully we can move forward from here.

“I loved every minute of it (Pittodrie debut).

“The fans were great and the pitch was lovely, but there were a lot of seagulls!

“If we keep playing like that and the crowds keep coming then we can create something special.

“However, we are going to take it game-by-game.

“We don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves. It’s a journey.”

New-look Aberdeen gelling quickly

Happe is one of 11 signings secured in a summer transfer window squad rebuild.

Despite the influx of new additions the defender reckons the Dons have quickly gelled.

He said: “I think the squad has been class.

“We want to Holland for a week and really gelled.

“We stayed up having conversations and a laugh, and played Wolf every night.

“The boys got on together.”

[Source: Press and Journal]