'Leader' Happe signs two-year deal with Aberdeen

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson believes new signing Dan Happe will bring leadership and aerial dominance to the Dons' defence.

The 27-year-old centre-back has signed a two-year deal at Pittodrie - with the option for a third - and will join Aberdeen when his contract at Leyton Orient expires later this summer.

Happe has spent his entire senior career with Orient, making over 250 appearances and earning promotion twice.

"Dan is a leader who given his stature is clearly dominant in the air, something which we have missed," Robinson said.

"Given his experience we think he can have an immediate impact while also contributing to our longer-term vision for the club. He's exactly the right type of character and brings the attributes we're looking for."

Happe says he turned down multiple clubs in England to move to Aberdeen.

"Having spent my entire career at one club it was a big decision to move on, but I just felt it was the right time to try something new, and this was an opportunity I could not turn down," he said.

"After speaking to the manager, he was so positive and enthusiastic about the club and what he wants to achieve here. He was very persuasive. I had other options, interest from teams in England, but after the call with him I was in now doubt this was the move for me.

"I know last season was not what anyone at Aberdeen would have wanted, it was disappointing, but I am confident better times lie ahead with the squad the manager is building. I want to help the team get back into Europe and help the team win trophies."