# Aberdeen F.C.
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{{Short description|Association football club in Scotland}}
{{About|the present-day club|its predecessor of the same name in existence from 1881 to 1903|Aberdeen F.C. (1881)}}
{{Good article}}
{{pp-pc}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox football club
| current = 2025–26 Aberdeen F.C. season
| clubname = Aberdeen
| image = Aberdeen FC stars crest.svg
| image_size = 200px
| fullname = Aberdeen Football Club
| nickname = The Dons
The Dandies
The Reds
| founded = {{Start date and age|1903|4|14|df=yes}}
| ground = [Pittodrie Stadium](/source/Pittodrie_Stadium)
| capacity = 19,274[{{cite web|url=https://x.com/AFCspareTickets/status/1959226531563102289|title=AFCSpareTickets|access-date=24 August 2025}}]
| chairman = [Dave Cormack](/source/Dave_Cormack)
| manager = [Stephen Robinson](/source/Stephen_Robinson_(footballer))
| league = {{Scottish football updater|Aberdeen}}
| season = {{Scottish football updater|Aberdeen2}}
| position = {{Scottish football updater|Aberdeen3}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.afc.co.uk/|afc.co.uk}}
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'''Aberdeen Football Club''' is a Scottish professional [football](/source/Association_football) club based in [Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen), Scotland. They compete in the {{Scottish football updater|Aberdeen}} and have [never been relegated](/source/List_of_unrelegated_association_football_clubs) from the top division of the [Scottish football league system](/source/Scottish_football_league_system) since they were elected to the top flight in 1905.[{{cite web |last=Nardelli |first=Alberto |title=Which European football clubs have never been relegated? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/jun/02/which-european-football-clubs-have-never-been-relegated |quote=Only two clubs have always played in Scotland's top division: Celtic (since 1890) and Aberdeen (since 1905). |access-date=7 April 2024 |website=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |date=2 June 2015 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407100141/https://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2015/jun/02/which-european-football-clubs-have-never-been-relegated |url-status=live}}] Aberdeen have won four [Scottish league titles](/source/list_of_Scottish_football_champions), eight [Scottish Cup](/source/Scottish_Cup)s and six [Scottish League Cup](/source/Scottish_League_Cup)s. They are also the only Scottish team to have won two European trophies, having won the [European Cup Winners' Cup](/source/UEFA_Cup_Winners'_Cup) and the [European Super Cup](/source/UEFA_Super_Cup) in 1983.
Formed in 1903 as a result of the amalgamation of three clubs from Aberdeen, they rarely challenged for honours until the post-war decade, when they won each of the major Scottish trophies under manager [Dave Halliday](/source/Dave_Halliday). This level of success was surpassed in the 1980s, when, under the management of [Alex Ferguson](/source/Alex_Ferguson), they won three league titles, four Scottish Cups and a Scottish League Cup, alongside the two European trophies. Aberdeen were the last club outside the [Old Firm](/source/Old_Firm) to win a league title, in [1984–85](/source/1984%E2%80%9385_in_Scottish_football), and also the last Scottish team to win a European trophy. They have enjoyed less success since this golden era, though in the 2010s, the club ended a 19-year wait for a major trophy by winning the [2013–14 Scottish League Cup](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Scottish_League_Cup); this was followed by four consecutive seasons of finishing second behind [Celtic](/source/Celtic_F.C.) in the league. More triumph came in 2025 as they won the [Scottish Cup](/source/2024%E2%80%9325_Scottish_Cup) for the first time in 35 years.
Aberdeen have played at [Pittodrie Stadium](/source/Pittodrie_Stadium) since their inception. The ground has a capacity of 19,274,[{{cite web|url=https://x.com/AFCspareTickets/status/1959226531563102289|title=AFCSpareTickets|access-date=24 August 2025}}] and was the first [all-seated](/source/All-seater_stadium) and all-covered stadium in the United Kingdom. Pittodrie was also the first football stadium to feature a [dug-out](/source/technical_area), an invention of player and coach [Donald Colman](/source/Donald_Colman).
The club's colours have been primarily red and white since 1939; before this, they played in black and gold vertical stripes. In modern times, Aberdeen have almost exclusively played with all-red strips with white detailing.[{{cite web|url=http://historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Aberdeen/Aberdeen.htm|title=Aberdeen|publisher=Historical Football Kits|access-date=23 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201035419/http://historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Aberdeen/Aberdeen.htm|url-status=live}}] Aberdeen attract support from the city and surrounding areas, as they have no geographically close rivals. Lacking a local competitor, Aberdeen have instead developed rivalries with more distant opponents such as [Dundee United](/source/Dundee_United_F.C.) (collectively known as the "[New Firm](/source/New_Firm_(Scotland))" in the 1980s) and [Rangers](/source/Rangers_F.C.).
== History ==
{{main|History of Aberdeen F.C.}}
{{See also|List of Aberdeen F.C. seasons}}
=== Formation and early years (1903–1939) ===
thumb|300px|alt=Chart of yearly table positions|League history of Aberdeen from their first league appearance in 1904
Before Aberdeen FC formed, in 1902 Edinburgh based [Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C), unsettled in the capital, were looking to move to Aberdeen, even going as far as sending a valuer to Pittodrie to decide if the move was plausible.[{{cite web|url= https://www.afc.co.uk/2021/04/14/1903-aberdeen-football-amalgamation/ |title= AFC ARCHIVE ABERDEEN FOOTBALL AMALGAMATION |publisher= Red Matchday Team (Kevin Stirling) (Malcolm Panton) |access-date=11 January 2026|archive-date= 14 April 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210414152256/https://www.afc.co.uk/2021/04/14/1903-aberdeen-football-amalgamation/|url-status=live}}] This kickstarted talks of a merger between three clubs based in the city—[Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen_F.C._(1881)), [Victoria United](/source/Victoria_United_F.C._(Scotland)) and [Orion](/source/Orion_F.C.)—in 1903.{{sfnp|Webster|2003|pp=69–70}} The three clubs came to an agreement and the new Aberdeen FC we know today formed. The new club played its first match on 15 August 1903: a 1–1 draw with [Stenhousemuir](/source/Stenhousemuir_F.C.).[{{cite web|url=http://www.afcheritage.org/history/milestones/index.cfm|title=AFC Milestones and Records|publisher=Aberdeen Heritage Trust|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=24 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160524093432/http://www.afcheritage.org/history/milestones/index.cfm|url-status=live}}] That first season produced a win in the [Aberdeenshire Cup](/source/Aberdeenshire_Cup), but only a third-place finish in the [Northern League](/source/Northern_Football_League_(Scotland)). The club applied for membership of the [Scottish League](/source/Scottish_Football_League) for the following season, and were elected to the Second Division.[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xXvlCwAAQBAJ|title=Aberdeen in 100 Dates|last=McMenemy|first=Elma|date=15 May 2016|publisher=The History Press|isbn=9780750968836|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420033133/https://books.google.com/books?id=xXvlCwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}]
In 1904, the club were managed by [Jimmy Philip](/source/Jimmy_Philip). At the end of its first season, despite having finished seventh out of twelve teams, Aberdeen were elected to the new, expanded First Division.[{{cite web |url=http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/AberdeenDetail/0,,10002~932190,00.html |title=Club Overview – Aberdeen |publisher=[Scottish Premier League](/source/Scottish_Premier_League) |access-date=28 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411072744/http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/AberdeenDetail/0%2C%2C10002~932190%2C00.html |archive-date=11 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}] From 1906, the club made steady progress, with a [Scottish Cup](/source/Scottish_Cup) semi-final appearance in [1908](/source/1907%E2%80%9308_in_Scottish_football) and another in [1911](/source/1910%E2%80%9311_in_Scottish_football).[{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19039673.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924185927/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19039673.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 September 2015 |title=Peterhead ready to settle old scores with northern neighbours |work=[Sunday Herald](/source/Sunday_Herald) |publisher=Herald & Times Group |access-date=7 September 2013|date=4 March 2001 |last=Grant |first=Michael}}] Philip retired a year later, and was replaced as manager by [Paddy Travers](/source/Paddy_Travers).[{{cite web |url=https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1429 |title=Aberdeen's managers |publisher=Soccerbase |access-date=24 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060818184825/http://www.soccerbase.com/managers2.sd?managerid=1429 |archive-date=18 August 2006 |url-status=live }}] He presided over the team's first Scottish Cup final in 1937.[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2qHCwAAQBAJ|title=Team Talk: Sporting Words and their Origins|last=Walker|first=Julian|date=20 January 2013|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|isbn=9780747813125|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420065246/https://books.google.com/books?id=Q2qHCwAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}] Colman conceived the [dug-out](/source/Technical_area), a covered area set slightly below the level of the playing surface to better aid his observations.[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=73aeCgAAQBAJ|title=Tales from the Dugout: Football at the Sharp End|last=Gordon|first=Richard|date=19 October 2015|publisher=Black & White Publishing|isbn=9781785300189|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724204323/https://books.google.com/books?id=73aeCgAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}][{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IdG8BQAAQBAJ|title=The Management: Scotland's Great Football Bosses|last1=Grant|first1=Michael|last2=Robertson|first2=Rob|date=1 September 2011|publisher=Birlinn|isbn=9780857900845|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724205824/https://books.google.com/books?id=IdG8BQAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}] [Everton](/source/Everton_F.C.) visited Pittodrie soon after its introduction, and exported the idea to the English leagues, from where it spread throughout the football-playing world.[{{cite book |first=David |last=Bauckham |title=Dugouts |publisher=New Holland Publishers |year=2003 |isbn=1-84537-478-9 |page=9 |url=http://www.pyramidpassion.co.uk/Text_page_scan_1.jpg |access-date=19 April 2008 |archive-date=28 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528212721/http://www.pyramidpassion.co.uk/Text_page_scan_1.jpg |url-status=live }}] Travers left to become manager of [Clyde](/source/Clyde_F.C.) in 1939.
=== Halliday to McNeill (1939–1978) ===
Travers was replaced by former [Yeovil Town](/source/Yeovil_Town_F.C.) manager [Dave Halliday](/source/Dave_Halliday), one of more than a hundred applicants for the role, and the club moved from their black and gold strip to red and white.[{{cite web|url=http://www.qosfc.com/Legends|title=Queens Legends|website=qosfc.com|publisher=[Queen of the South](/source/Queen_of_the_South_F.C.)|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=8 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708185115/http://www.qosfc.com/legends|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.afcheritage.org/Team/Manager/index.cfm?manager_id=3|title=Dave Halliday|website=www.afcheritage.org|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528053714/http://www.afcheritage.org/Team/Manager/index.cfm?manager_id=3|url-status=live}}]{{sfnp|Miller|2011}} Halliday had barely begun his work when [World War II](/source/World_War_II) halted competitive football in the United Kingdom. For these six years, the club was temporarily taken over by then-directors Charles B Forbes and George Anderson while Halliday served in the war.[{{cite web|url=http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWfootball.htm |title=Football and the Second World War |publisher=Spartacus |access-date=28 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324091123/http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/2WWfootball.htm |archive-date=24 March 2008 |url-status=usurped }}]
Halliday's place in the Aberdeen Hall of Fame was secured after the war when he became the first manager to bring national trophies to Pittodrie. Aberdeen won the [Southern League Cup](/source/Southern_League_Cup_(Scotland)) in the [1945–46 season](/source/1945%E2%80%9346_in_Scottish_football), [defeating Rangers](/source/1945%E2%80%9346_Southern_League_Cup_(Scotland)) 3–2 at [Hampden](/source/Hampden_Park).{{Sfnp|Miller|2011}} They then reached the [1947 Scottish Cup](/source/1946%E2%80%9347_Scottish_Cup) final, defeating [Hibernian](/source/Hibernian_F.C.) 2–1 with [George Hamilton](/source/George_Hamilton_(footballer)), signed from Halliday's former club [Queen of the South](/source/Queen_of_the_South_F.C.), scoring to gain the club's first major trophy.[{{cite web |url=http://www.tankedup-imaging.com/football/scottish.html |title=Scottish Premier League & Cup winners |publisher=Tanked Up Imaging |access-date=24 March 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080428005816/http://www.tankedup-imaging.com/football/scottish.html| archive-date= 28 April 2008 | url-status= live}}] From this early success, Halliday's side reached two more Scottish Cup finals, in [1953](/source/1952%E2%80%9353_in_Scottish_football) and [1954](/source/1953%E2%80%9354_in_Scottish_football), though they lost both.[{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/ec/ec195556.html |title=European Competitions 1955/56 |access-date=29 March 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080315053719/http://www.rsssf.com/ec/ec195556.html| archive-date= 15 March 2008 |website=[RSSSF](/source/RSSSF) | url-status= live}}]
Halliday and Hamilton left at the end of that championship-winning season, and Halliday was replaced by [Davie Shaw](/source/Davie_Shaw).[{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12018997.Tommy_Pearson/|title=Tommy Pearson|date=6 September 1999|website=[Herald Scotland](/source/The_Herald_(Glasgow))|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816053437/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12018997.Tommy_Pearson/|url-status=live}}] He retired in 1965, making way for [Eddie Turnbull](/source/Eddie_Turnbull).[{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/hero-footballers-where-are-they-now-967494#dRTcLLp7GwjBitdB.97|title=Hero Footballers: Where Are They Now?|last=Dow|first=Bob|date=29 January 2008|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=17 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817171949/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/hero-footballers-where-are-they-now-967494#dRTcLLp7GwjBitdB.97|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/four-goal-legacy-of-cup-tie-mckay-1-1164433|title=Four-goal legacy of 'Cup-tie McKay'|date=21 April 2008|website=[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman)|access-date=30 June 2016|archive-date=8 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508175801/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/four-goal-legacy-of-cup-tie-mckay-1-1164433|url-status=live}}] As Scottish Cup holders, Aberdeen once again qualified for [the same competition](/source/1970%E2%80%9371_European_Cup_Winners'_Cup), but were eliminated in the first round following a 4–4 aggregate tie with [Honvéd](/source/Budapest_Honv%C3%A9d_FC). This tie, level after extra time and also level on [away goals](/source/Away_goals_rule), was decided by the first [penalty shoot-out](/source/Penalty_shoot-out_(association_football)) in UEFA competition history, Honvéd winning the shootout 5–4 in [Budapest](/source/Budapest).[{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2153252.html|title=Penalty shoot-outs: the long and the short of it|last=Saffer|first=Paul|date=9 February 2015|publisher=[UEFA](/source/UEFA)|access-date=2 July 2016|archive-date=7 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307041223/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2153252.html|url-status=dead}}][{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=__SwdvPyYN8C|title=Eddie Turnbull: Having a Ball|last1=Turnbull|first1=Eddie|last2=Hannan|first2=Martin|date=29 June 2012|publisher=Random House|isbn=9781780574684|access-date=3 September 2016|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420062249/https://books.google.com/books?id=__SwdvPyYN8C|url-status=live}}]
The Aberdeen side of the 1970s regularly challenged for domestic honours. However, they rarely won trophies, with the exception of the [Drybrough Cup](/source/Drybrough_Cup) in 1971 under [Jimmy Bonthrone](/source/Jimmy_Bonthrone) and the [League Cup in 1976](/source/1976_Scottish_League_Cup_final), under [Ally MacLeod](/source/Ally_MacLeod). During this decade, Aberdeen had five managers: Eddie Turnbull, Jimmy Bonthrone, Ally MacLeod, [Billy McNeill](/source/Billy_McNeill) and [Alex Ferguson](/source/Alex_Ferguson).[{{cite web|url=http://talksport.com/sir-alex-fergusons-10-greatest-european-games-manchester-united-and-aberdeen-11042623369|title=Sir Alex Ferguson's 10 greatest European games at Manchester United and Aberdeen|last=Mendes|first=Chris|date=26 April 2011|website=[Talksport](/source/Talksport)|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921073411/http://talksport.com/sir-alex-fergusons-10-greatest-european-games-manchester-united-and-aberdeen-11042623369|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/15/match.newsstory|title=Uefa Cup: Aberdeen 2–2 Bayern Munich|last=Murray|first=Ewan|date=15 February 2008|website=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=13 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013201153/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/feb/15/match.newsstory|url-status=live}}] They then faced now-defunct [Belgian](/source/Belgium) club [Waterschei](/source/K._Waterschei_S.V._Thor_Genk) in the semi-final. Aberdeen beat them 5–1 at home, and lost for the first time in the tournament, 1–0 away, resulting in an aggregate victory which sent Aberdeen to the final.[{{cite web|url=http://stv.tv/news/north/219028-alex-fergusons-aberdeen-maestros-thrashed-waterschei-30-years-ago/|title=The night when Bell rang the show against Belgians in Europe|website=STV News|access-date=29 June 2016|archive-date=5 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805223651/http://stv.tv/news/north/219028-alex-fergusons-aberdeen-maestros-thrashed-waterschei-30-years-ago/|url-status=live}}] On 11 May 1983, Aberdeen beat [Real Madrid](/source/Real_Madrid_C.F.) 2–1 after extra time to win the cup and become only the third Scottish side to win a European trophy.[{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0081/page06.shtml |title=A Sporting Nation – The New Firm and the Dons' Cup-Winners' Cup glory in 1983 |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 April 2008 |archive-date=24 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024055233/http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/article/0081/page06.shtml |url-status=live }}][{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/sports_talk/1329596.stm |title=The greatest Euro final ever? |work=BBC News |date=16 May 2001 |access-date=30 March 2008 |archive-date=22 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070822161757/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/sports_talk/1329596.stm |url-status=live }}] The club released a song, "European Song", to coincide with the appearance in the final.[{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aberdeen-FC-Come-You-Reds/dp/B000026Y9F |title=Aberdeen FC: Come On You Reds! |publisher=[Amazon](/source/Amazon_(website)) |access-date=20 April 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080601093722/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aberdeen-FC-Come-You-Reds/dp/B000026Y9F| archive-date= 1 June 2008 | url-status= live}}] This was followed up with the capture of the [European Super Cup](/source/UEFA_Super_Cup) in December, when [Hamburger SV](/source/Hamburger_SV) were beaten over two legs.[{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2016/mar/09/aberdeen-scottish-football-alex-ferguson|title=When Aberdeen ruled Scottish football|date=9 March 2016|access-date=20 April 2017|work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420102017/https://www.theguardian.com/football/that-1980s-sports-blog/2016/mar/09/aberdeen-scottish-football-alex-ferguson|url-status=live}}]
Aberdeen reached the semi-finals of the [1983–84 European Cup Winners' Cup](/source/1983%E2%80%9384_European_Cup_Winners'_Cup), before losing to [Porto](/source/FC_Porto) 2–0 on aggregate. In the first round of the [1984–85 European Cup](/source/1984%E2%80%9385_European_Cup) Aberdeen lost to [East Berlin](/source/East_Berlin) side [BFC Dynamo](/source/Berliner_FC_Dynamo) in a penalty shoot-out, following a 3–3 draw on aggregate.{{sfnp|Grant|2014}} Today, both clubs enjoy friendly relations.[{{cite web|url=http://www.liberoguide.com/bfc-dynamo/|title=BFC Dynamo|website=LiberoGuide.com|date=24 December 2014 |access-date=19 January 2015|archive-date=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119153109/http://www.liberoguide.com/bfc-dynamo/|url-status=live}}]
=== Post-Ferguson (1987–1999) ===
After Ferguson moved to England to manage [Manchester United](/source/Manchester_United_F.C.) in November 1986, Aberdeen struggled to compete with Celtic and a resurgent Rangers.[{{cite web |url=http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/managers/0,,10284~976493,00.html |title=Managers 1978–1995 |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |access-date=21 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430045349/http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Squad/managers/0%2C%2C10284~976493%2C00.html |archive-date=30 April 2008 |url-status=dead }}]
Aberdeen signed new co-managers in 1989, pairing [Alex Smith](/source/Alex_Smith_(footballer%2C_born_1939)) and [Jocky Scott](/source/Jocky_Scott).[{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pictures-agony-ecstasy-scottish-football-5645260|title=In pictures: The agony and ecstasy of Scottish football play-off drama|last=Haggerty|first=Tony|date=6 May 2015|newspaper=[Daily Record](/source/Daily_Record_(Scotland))|access-date=7 October 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010112048/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/pictures-agony-ecstasy-scottish-football-5645260|url-status=live}}] Miller was sacked in February 1995, and replaced by [Roy Aitken](/source/Roy_Aitken).[{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tabless/scot95.html |title=Scotland League Archive – 1994/95 |access-date=19 April 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080430151521/http://www.rsssf.com/tabless/scot95.html| archive-date= 30 April 2008 |website=[RSSSF](/source/RSSSF) | url-status= live}}] Despite a Scottish League Cup success in [1995](/source/1995_Scottish_League_Cup_final), the club continued to struggle.[{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19048932.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610170931/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-19048932.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 June 2014 |title=Skovdahl helps Milne put his house in order |work=Sunday Herald|last=Grant |first=Michael |date=19 May 2000|access-date=7 September 2013}}][{{cite news |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/cynics-proved-wrong-as-prudent-milne-put-in-the-frame-for-club-role-model-1-1372950 |title=Cynics proved wrong as prudent Milne put in the frame for club role model |work=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Publishing |date=4 May 2002 |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-date=23 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130923060951/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/cynics-proved-wrong-as-prudent-milne-put-in-the-frame-for-club-role-model-1-1372950 |url-status=live }}]
=== Skovdahl to Brown (1999–2013) ===
right|thumb|alt=Photograph people dressed in red and white in a stadium stand|A display by Aberdeen fans in the Richard Donald Stand
Aberdeen's first foreign manager, [Ebbe Skovdahl](/source/Ebbe_Skovdahl), was appointed in 1999 and his time in charge coincided with some of the heaviest defeats in the club's history.[{{cite web|url=http://stv.tv/sport/football/clubs/aberdeen/166641-statistics-are-just-like-mini-skirts-they-give-you-good-ideas-but-hide-the-most-important-thing/|title=Statistics are just like mini-skirts, they give you good ideas but hide the most important thing|last=Watt|first=Thomas|date=30 March 2010|website=[STV Sport](/source/STV_Sport)|access-date=7 October 2016|archive-date=9 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009174724/http://stv.tv/sport/football/clubs/aberdeen/166641-statistics-are-just-like-mini-skirts-they-give-you-good-ideas-but-hide-the-most-important-thing/|url-status=live}}] The low point of the club's history came in the [1999–2000](/source/1999%E2%80%932000_in_Scottish_football) season, where they finished bottom of the table.[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/1058414.stm |title=Falkirk stadium hopes boost |date=6 December 2000 |access-date=1 August 2021 |website=BBC Sport |archive-date=5 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405042733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/f/falkirk/1058414.stm |url-status=live }}] As the [Scottish Premier League](/source/Scottish_Premier_League) (SPL) was being expanded to twelve teams, Aberdeen were due to take part in a three team play-off with the teams that finished second and third in the First Division.[{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/2527181.stm|title=Skovdahl to quit Dons|date=29 November 2002|work=[BBC News Online](/source/BBC_News_Online)|access-date=29 August 2016|archive-date=19 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919203008/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/2527181.stm|url-status=live}}] This was followed by an early-season defeat to Irish club [Bohemians](/source/Bohemian_F.C.) on the away goals rule in the next season's [UEFA Cup](/source/2000%E2%80%9301_UEFA_Cup).[{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/2994608/Skovdahl-hits-back-at-Aberdeen-dissenters.html|title=Skovdahl hits back at Aberdeen dissenters|last=Lomax|first=Andrew|date=14 December 2000|website=[The Daily Telegraph](/source/The_Daily_Telegraph)|access-date=29 August 2016|archive-date=10 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010222039/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-premier/2994608/Skovdahl-hits-back-at-Aberdeen-dissenters.html|url-status=live}}]
[Steve Paterson](/source/Steve_Paterson) was appointed to replace Skovdahl following his resignation in 2002,[{{Cite news |date=17 March 2003 |title=Paterson: 'I expected to get the sack' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/17/newsstory.sport11 |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625051511/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/17/newsstory.sport11 |url-status=live }}][{{Cite web |date=17 March 2003 |title=Aberdeen manager Paterson will admit to drinking problem |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11900350.aberdeen-manager-paterson-will-admit-to-drinking-problem/ |access-date=18 April 2024 |website=The Herald |language=en |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418192051/https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11900350.aberdeen-manager-paterson-will-admit-to-drinking-problem/ |url-status=live }}] In March 2003 he failed to attend a home game against Dundee due to being too hungover after a night of drinking prior to the match.[{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/exclusive-steve-paterson---being-1041785 |title=Exclusive: Steve Paterson – Being too hungover to attend Aberdeen match was most shameful incident of my life |work=[Evening Express](/source/Daily_Record_(Scotland)) |date=11 November 2009 |access-date=16 January 2015 |archive-date=30 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130212249/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/exclusive-steve-paterson---being-1041785 |url-status=live }}]
[Jimmy Calderwood](/source/Jimmy_Calderwood) took over in 2004 and Aberdeen posted more consistent results than in previous seasons. In the [2006–07 season](/source/2006%E2%80%9307_in_Scottish_football), the club finished in third place in the league and entered the final qualifying round for the [2007–08 UEFA Cup](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_UEFA_Cup).[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/6667579.stm |title=Aberdeen 2–0 Rangers |work=BBC News |date=20 May 2007 |access-date=1 April 2008 |archive-date=29 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070829071359/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6667579.stm |url-status=live }}] Aberdeen defeated [Dnipro](/source/FC_Dnipro) on the away goals rule to progress (the first time Aberdeen had won on away goals in European football for 40 years).[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7019712.stm |title=Dnipro 1–1 Aberdeen (agg 1–1) |work=BBC News |author=McGuigan, Thomas |date=4 October 2007 |access-date=24 March 2008 |archive-date=22 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122080954/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7019712.stm |url-status=live }}] They went on to beat [Copenhagen](/source/F.C._Copenhagen) 4–0, in a game which saw one of Pittodrie's biggest crowds since the 1980s.[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7151528.stm |title=Aberdeen 4–0 Copenhagen |work=BBC News |author=Linsay, Clive |date=20 December 2007 |access-date=24 March 2008 |archive-date=21 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221194807/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7151528.stm |url-status=live }}] This set up a meeting with German giants [Bayern Munich](/source/FC_Bayern_Munich),[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7155860.stm |title=Aberdeen set Bayern Munich test |work=BBC News |date=21 December 2007 |access-date=24 March 2008 |archive-date=24 December 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224102113/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7155860.stm |url-status=live }}] which they lost 7–3 on aggregate[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/7254745.stm |title=Bayern Munich 5–1 Aberdeen |work=BBC News |author=Miller, Stevie|date=21 February 2008 |access-date=26 March 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080225134434/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7254745.stm| archive-date= 25 February 2008 | url-status= live}}] after a 2–2 draw which saw Aberdeen lead twice in the first leg. Calderwood was sacked by Aberdeen on 24 May 2009, hours after he took the club to a fourth-place finish and back into Europe. Poor domestic cup performances were thought to be the reason for Calderwood's dismissal.[{{cite web |url=http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0,,10284~1665990,00.html |title=Dons Management Team Moves On |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |access-date=24 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527070802/http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/News/clubNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10284~1665990%2C00.html |archive-date=27 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}]
[Mark McGhee](/source/Mark_McGhee) of [Motherwell](/source/Motherwell_F.C.) was appointed as Calderwood's replacement in June 2009.[{{cite web |url=http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Football/2009/06/12/SPL-Miller-on-McGhee/gnid-56748/ |title=SPL: Miller on McGhee |publisher=[Setanta Sports](/source/Setanta_Sports) |date=12 June 2009 |access-date=12 June 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090615145331/http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Football/2009/06/12/SPL-Miller-on-McGhee/gnid-56748/| archive-date= 15 June 2009 | url-status= dead }}] McGhee controversially dismissed Aberdeen legend and goalkeeping coach Jim Leighton in August 2009 and replaced him with [Colin Meldrum](/source/Colin_Meldrum_(footballer%2C_born_1975)).[{{cite web|url=http://stv.tv/sport/football/118302-aberdeen-mark-mcghee-defends-jim-leighton-sacking/|title=Aberdeen: Mark McGhee defends Jim Leighton sacking|date=25 August 2009|website=[STV](/source/STV_(TV_channel))|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624215130/http://stv.tv/sport/football/118302-aberdeen-mark-mcghee-defends-jim-leighton-sacking/|url-status=live}}] Aberdeen suffered a 9–0 defeat to Celtic on 6 November 2010, their heaviest ever defeat. McGhee and his assistants were eventually sacked in December of that year.[{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9248781.stm |title=Mark McGhee sacked as boss of Aberdeen |work=BBC News |access-date=1 December 2010 |date=1 December 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101202040947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9248781.stm| archive-date= 2 December 2010 | url-status= live}}]
Aberdeen approached [Craig Brown](/source/Craig_Brown_(footballer%2C_born_1940)), who was working without a contract at Motherwell, to replace McGhee. Brown initially rebuffed an offer, but after further discussions with the club Brown resigned as manager at Motherwell to be announced as the next manager at Aberdeen two days later.[{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9257495.stm |title=Brown confirmed as Aberdeen boss |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 December 2010 |access-date=10 December 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101210045020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/9257495.stm| archive-date= 10 December 2010 | url-status= live}}] The first act of the new management team of Brown and [Archie Knox](/source/Archie_Knox) was to re-instate Leighton.[{{Cite news |date=13 December 2010 |title=Craig Brown justifies his decision to leave Motherwell for Aberdeen |language=en-GB |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/13/craig-brown-justifies-motherwell-aberdeen |access-date=16 June 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=23 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023092027/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/13/craig-brown-justifies-motherwell-aberdeen |url-status=live }}] Aberdeen failed to produce better results under Craig Brown's tenure, and in March 2013 he announced his retirement to take up a non-executive director role on the club's board.[{{cite web |url=http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/aberdeen/217586-aberdeen-boss-craig-brown-to-retire-to-take-up-non-executive-role/ |title=Aberdeen boss Craig Brown to retire to take up non-executive directors role |work=[STV News](/source/STV_News) |date=14 March 2013 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317182828/http://sport.stv.tv/football/clubs/aberdeen/217586-aberdeen-boss-craig-brown-to-retire-to-take-up-non-executive-role/ |archive-date=17 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}]
=== Recent years (2013–present) ===
thumb|alt=Confetti rains around a platform in the middle of a football pitch|Aberdeen collecting their first trophy in 19 years in 2014 [Derek McInnes](/source/Derek_McInnes) was announced as the successor to Craig Brown in March 2013.[{{Cite news |last=Dewar |first=Heather |date=25 March 2013 |title=Aberdeen confirm McInnes as boss |language=en-GB |work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport) |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21911117 |access-date=2 September 2023 |archive-date=7 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707185144/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21911117 |url-status=live }}] In McInnes' first season as manager, Aberdeen won the [2013–14 Scottish League Cup](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Scottish_League_Cup) after defeating [Inverness](/source/Inverness_Caledonian_Thistle_F.C.) 4–2 on penalties, their first trophy in 19 years.[{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-26610193|title=In pictures: Aberdeen win Scottish League Cup final|work=BBC News |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=18 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918021930/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-26610193|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-league-cup/10713008/Aberdeens-Derek-McInnes-the-real-winner-after-Scottish-League-Cup-final-war-of-words.html|title=Aberdeen's Derek McInnes the real winner after Scottish League Cup final war of words|website=Telegraph.co.uk|date=20 March 2014 |access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417170559/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/scottish-league-cup/10713008/Aberdeens-Derek-McInnes-the-real-winner-after-Scottish-League-Cup-final-war-of-words.html|url-status=live}}] Aberdeen finished third in the [Scottish Premiership](/source/2013%E2%80%9314_Scottish_Premiership), and began the [next season](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_Scottish_Premiership) by coming through the early rounds of the [Europa League](/source/2014%E2%80%9315_UEFA_Europa_League), beating Dutch club [FC Groningen](/source/FC_Groningen) before eventually being eliminated by Spanish side [Real Sociedad](/source/Real_Sociedad).[{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28331359|title=Groningen 1–2 Aberdeen (agg 1–2)|date=24 July 2014|work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)|first=Liam|last=McLeod|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017133734/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28331359|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28198272|title=FK Daugava Riga 0–3 Aberdeen (agg 0–8)|date=10 July 2014|work=[BBC News](/source/BBC_News)|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=17 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017133734/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28198272|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/aberdeen-2-3-real-sociedad-agg-2-5-dons-out-1-3502973|title=Aberdeen 2–3 Real Sociedad (Agg 2–5): Dons out|date=8 August 2014|work=[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman)|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211620/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/spfl/aberdeen-2-3-real-sociedad-agg-2-5-dons-out-1-3502973|url-status=live}}] The club ended the season in second place—their best league position since [1993–94](/source/1993%E2%80%9394_Aberdeen_F.C._season)—in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In recent seasons' Europa League competitions, they were defeated in the third qualifying round four times: In [2015–16](/source/2015%E2%80%9316_UEFA_Europa_League) by [FC Kairat](/source/FC_Kairat),[{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33609411 |date=23 July 2015 |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |first=Scott |last=Davie |title=Aberdeen 2–2 HNK Rijeka |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726020519/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33609411 |url-status=live }}] in [2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_UEFA_Europa_League) by [NK Maribor](/source/NK_Maribor),[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36955626|title=NK Maribor 1–0 Aberdeen (agg 2–1)|last=Wilson|first=Richard|date=4 August 2016|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113042243/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36955626|url-status=live}}] in [2017–18](/source/2017%E2%80%9318_UEFA_Europa_League) by [Apollon Limassol](/source/Apollon_Limassol_FC),[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40732258|title=Europa League: Apollon Limassol 2–0 Aberdeen|date=3 August 2017|work=BBC Sport|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820044505/http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40732258|url-status=live}}] and in [2019–20](/source/2019%E2%80%9320_UEFA_Europa_League) by [HNK Rijeka](/source/HNK_Rijeka).[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49324014|title=Aberdeen 0-2 Rijeka (0-4 agg): McInnes' men crash out of Europa League|date=15 August 2019|access-date=23 August 2019|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817010821/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49324014|url-status=live}}]
Aberdeen were league runners-up once more in [2016–17](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_in_Scottish_football) and reached both cup finals, but were beaten 3–0 by Celtic in the [League Cup](/source/2016_Scottish_League_Cup_Final_(November))[{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/27/aberdeen-celtic-scottish-league-cup-final-report|title=Celtic brush Aberdeen aside and claim League Cup as 100th major trophy|last=Murray|first=Ewan|date=27 November 2016|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=9 December 2016|archive-date=8 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208190936/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/27/aberdeen-celtic-scottish-league-cup-final-report|url-status=live}}] and 2–1 by the same opponents in the [Scottish Cup](/source/2017_Scottish_Cup_Final),[{{cite web | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/27/celtic-2-aberdeen-1tom-rogic-shatters-dons-secure-historic-clean/ | title=Celtic 2 Aberdeen 1: Tom Rogic shatters Dons to secure historic clean sweep with Scottish Cup final win | publisher=The Daily Telegraph | date=27 May 2017 | access-date=30 May 2017 | archive-date=28 May 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528071539/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/05/27/celtic-2-aberdeen-1tom-rogic-shatters-dons-secure-historic-clean/ | url-status=live }}] echoing the outcome in [1992–93](/source/1992%E2%80%9393_in_Scottish_football) when Aberdeen had finished second to Rangers in all competitions.[{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-invincibles-cant-match-rangers-10252209|title=Celtic Invincibles can't match Rangers 'class of 92' says David Robertson|last=Ralston|first=Gary|date=19 April 2017|work=dailyrecord|access-date=19 August 2017|archive-date=20 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820034840/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-invincibles-cant-match-rangers-10252209|url-status=live}}] They were again second the following season, earning a first league win against Celtic away from home for fourteen years in the final game of the season.[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44020123|title=Celtic 0–1 Aberdeen|date=13 May 2018|work=BBC Sport|access-date=16 May 2018|archive-date=15 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515232702/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44020123|url-status=live}}] This qualified them for the [2018–19 UEFA Europa League](/source/2018%E2%80%9319_UEFA_Europa_League), where they were defeated after extra time by [Premier League](/source/Premier_League) side [Burnley](/source/Burnley_F.C.) in the second qualifying round.[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45005829|title=Burnley 3–1 Aberdeen: Premier League side progress 4–2 on aggregate|date=2 August 2018|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 August 2018|archive-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805234627/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/45005829|url-status=live}}]
In November 2019, [Major League Soccer](/source/Major_League_Soccer) side [Atlanta United](/source/Atlanta_United_FC) acquired a less than 10 percent stake in Aberdeen for £2 million (US$2.57 million) as part of a strategic alliance between the two clubs. As part of this deal, vice-chairman [Dave Cormack](/source/Dave_Cormack) became chairman of the club, replacing [Stewart Milne](/source/Stewart_Milne). Atlanta United president [Darren Eales](/source/Darren_Eales) also took a seat on Aberdeen's board of directors.[{{cite news |last1=Bull |first1=JJ |title=Aberdeen announce new investment and deal with Atlanta United in sweeping boardroom changes |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/11/24/aberdeen-announce-new-investment-deal-atlanta-united-sweeping/ |access-date=25 November 2019 |work=The Telegraph |date=24 November 2019 |archive-date=25 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125090843/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/11/24/aberdeen-announce-new-investment-deal-atlanta-united-sweeping/ |url-status=live }}][{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50540163|title=Aberdeen: Dave Cormack confirmed as new chairman with Atlanta United deal|last=Smith|first=Tyrone|date=24 November 2019|work=[BBC News Online](/source/BBC_News_Online)|access-date=26 November 2019|language=en-GB|archive-date=28 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128193042/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50540163|url-status=live}}] McInnes left the post of manager in March 2021 after almost eight years in charge.[{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55951677 |title=Derek McInnes: Aberdeen part with manager after eight years |website=BBC Sport |date=8 March 2021 |access-date=8 March 2021 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308214205/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55951677 |url-status=live }}]
[[File:Aberdeen , Scottish Cup Winners 2025 (54544693133).jpg|alt=A football team in red outfits on top of an open air bus with the text Scottish Cup Winners 2024-2025 on the front of the bus. The bus is surrounded by cheering supporters.|left|thumb|The Aberdeen squad which won the [2024–25 Scottish Cup](/source/2024%E2%80%9325_Scottish_Cup) during a victory parade in the city on the day after the final]]
Over the subsequent three years, Aberdeen went through four managers. [Atlanta United 2](/source/Atlanta_United_2) manager and former Aberdeen player [Stephen Glass](/source/Stephen_Glass_(footballer)) replaced McInnes but was dismissed in February 2022;[{{cite web|date=23 March 2021|title=Atlanta Utd 2 boss leaving to manage Aberdeen|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/atlanta-united-fc/story/4344111/atlanta-united-2-coach-stephen-glass-leaving-to-manage-aberdeen|url-status=live|access-date=24 March 2021|website=[ESPN](/source/ESPN)|language=en|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323203909/https://www.espn.com/soccer/atlanta-united-fc/story/4344111/atlanta-united-2-coach-stephen-glass-leaving-to-manage-aberdeen}}][{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Tyrone|date=23 March 2021|title=Glass leaves Atlanta to be Aberdeen boss|language=en-GB|work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport)|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56494598|url-status=live|access-date=24 March 2021|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323214507/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56494598}}][{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60367198 |title=Stephen Glass: Aberdeen manager departs after 11 months |website=BBC Sport |date=13 February 2022 |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213110420/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60367198 |url-status=live }}] subsequent hire [Jim Goodwin](/source/Jim_Goodwin) was sacked following a surprise defeat to [West of Scotland Football League](/source/West_of_Scotland_Football_League) side [Darvel](/source/Darvel_F.C.) in the Scottish Cup and a 6–0 defeat by Hibernian in the same week;[{{Cite news |date=19 February 2022 |title=Goodwin joins Aberdeen from St Mirren |language=en-GB |work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport) |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60430211 |access-date=29 March 2022 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329023707/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60430211 |url-status=live }}][{{Cite news |date=23 January 2023 |title=Sixth-tier Darvel dump out Aberdeen in historic Scottish Cup shock |language=en-GB |work=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian) |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/23/sixth-tier-darvel-dump-out-aberdeen-in-historic-scottish-cup-shock |access-date=5 July 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=5 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705032228/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/23/sixth-tier-darvel-dump-out-aberdeen-in-historic-scottish-cup-shock |url-status=live }}] and [Barry Robson](/source/Barry_Robson), who become [caretaker manager](/source/caretaker_manager) in January 2023 and permanent manager that May,[{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Tyrone |date=1 February 2023 |title=Aberdeen: Barry Robson on lifting squad after Jim Goodwin sacking |language=en-GB |work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport) |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64476945 |access-date=16 June 2023 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203000818/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64476945 |url-status=live }}][{{Cite web |date=1 May 2023 |title=Barry Robson signs two-year deal to become permanent Aberdeen boss |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12870733/barry-robson-signs-two-year-deal-to-become-permanent-aberdeen-boss |access-date=16 June 2023 |website=Sky Sports |language=en |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515074515/https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12870733/barry-robson-signs-two-year-deal-to-become-permanent-aberdeen-boss |url-status=live }}] left in January 2024.[{{Cite news |date=31 January 2024 |title=Aberdeen axe Robson with eighth spot 'unacceptable' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68154634 |access-date=31 January 2024 |work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport) |language=en-GB |archive-date=31 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131163405/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68154634 |url-status=live }}] [Neil Warnock](/source/Neil_Warnock) briefly served as interim manager.[{{Cite news |date=5 February 2024 |title=Warnock appointed Aberdeen interim manager |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68201174 |access-date=6 February 2024 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=5 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205210433/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68201174 |url-status=live }}][{{Cite news |title=Warnock steps down as Aberdeen manager after win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68522760 |access-date=9 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309191749/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68522760 |url-status=live }}] In April 2024, the club announced that [Jimmy Thelin](/source/Jimmy_Thelin) would take the role beginning in June 2024.[{{Cite news |title=Aberdeen agree deal for Elfsborg head coach Thelin |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68784563 |access-date=18 April 2024 |work=BBC Sport |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418190835/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68784563 |url-status=live }}] On 24 May 2025, Aberdeen [won](/source/2025_Scottish_Cup_final) their first Scottish Cup in 35 years after beating Celtic on penalties.[{{Cite web|url=https://news.stv.tv/sport/aberdeen-v-celtic-you-have-to-dream-big-jimmy-thelin-celebrates-after-masterminding-aberdeens-scottish-cup-triumph|title='You have to dream big': Thelin celebrates Aberdeen's Scottish Cup triumph|first=Andy|last=Coyle|date=24 May 2025|website=STV News}}]
== Colours and crest ==
{{Commons|Aberdeen F.C. kits}}
{{Football kit box |align= right | | pattern_la = _black_stripes | pattern_b = _blackstripes | pattern_ra = _black_stripes | leftarm = FDD017 | body = FDD017 | rightarm = FDD017 | shorts = FFFFFF | socks = 000000 | title = The "Wasps" black and gold strip, worn until 1939}}
For the first season of the club's existence, the team played in a predominantly white strip.[{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Aberdeen/Aberdeen.htm |title=Aberdeen |work=Historical Football Kits |access-date=15 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070817020723/http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Scottish_Football_League/Aberdeen/Aberdeen.htm| archive-date= 17 August 2007 | url-status= live}}] This is variously reported as all-white, or as white shirts with blue shorts and socks.{{sfnp|Webster|2003|p=69}} This colour scheme was the direct descendant of the colours worn by the precursor [Aberdeen](/source/Aberdeen_F.C._(1881)) club, but lasted only one season before being replaced.[{{Cite web |date=26 June 2017 |title=The history of the blue kit |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2017/06/26/the-history-of-the-blue-kit/ |access-date=7 January 2024 |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |language=en |archive-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218022804/https://www.afc.co.uk/2017/06/26/the-history-of-the-blue-kit/ |url-status=live }}]
For the [1904–05](/source/1904%E2%80%9305_in_Scottish_football) season, Aberdeen adopted a black and gold striped shirt, which led to the team being nicknamed "the Wasps".[{{cite web|url=http://www.afcheritage.org/Team/Manager/index.cfm?manager_id=1|title=Aberdeen Football Club Managers|website=www.afcheritage.org|access-date=2 June 2016|archive-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528060306/http://www.afcheritage.org/Team/Manager/index.cfm?manager_id=1|url-status=live}}] This strip, with only minor variations, was worn until just before the start of the Second World War. The blue shorts lasted until 1911, and then were replaced with white ones. Socks were black with gold trim, either as stripes or as a solid bar at the turndown.[{{cite web |url=http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Liverpool/Liverpool.htm |title=Liverpool|publisher=Historical Football Kits |access-date=8 January 2008 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071217225529/http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Liverpool/Liverpool.htm| archive-date= 17 December 2007 | url-status= live}}] This arrangement has continued to the present day, with several variations in design, in common with most senior clubs as the replica shirt market has expanded.[{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2010/sep/21/football-kits-premier-league-cash-cow|title=Football kits: Premier League teams turn style into a cash cow|last=Khan|first=Mehreen|date=21 September 2010|newspaper=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|access-date=12 November 2016|archive-date=13 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113042846/https://www.theguardian.com/money/blog/2010/sep/21/football-kits-premier-league-cash-cow|url-status=live}}] In the late 1970s an [Admiral](/source/Admiral_Sportswear) strip featured five vertical white stripes on the left side of the shirt and shorts, and the early 1980s shirts—as worn at the 1983 European Cup Winners Cup final—featured white vertical pinstripes. Later design changes included significant amounts of blue,[ as well as several Aberdeen-based oil service companies.][{{cite web|url=http://aberdeen.stv.tv/articles/282100-aberdeen-201415-away-kit-released-a-look-at-old-strips-from-the-club/|title=The comic strip: The best and worst Aberdeen kits through the years|last=Whitelaw|first=Jonathan|website=STV Aberdeen|access-date=14 July 2016|archive-date=7 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807045812/http://aberdeen.stv.tv/articles/282100-aberdeen-201415-away-kit-released-a-look-at-old-strips-from-the-club/|url-status=live}}] {{As of|2026}}, the current shirt sponsor is TEXO.[{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2022/04/06/texo-announced-as-the-new-official-sponsor-of-afc-from-season-2022-23/|title=TEXO announced as the new official sponsor of AFC|website=AFC.co.uk|date=6 April 2022|access-date=10 July 2022|archive-date=10 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710081626/https://www.afc.co.uk/2022/04/06/texo-announced-as-the-new-official-sponsor-of-afc-from-season-2022-23/|url-status=live}}]
[Away colours](/source/Away_colours) have tended to be either white—often with black shorts—or a combination of yellow and black, referring back to the black and gold strips of the pre-war era, although for a time in the 1970s, Aberdeen sported an all-blue change strip with white socks.[{{cite web|url=http://www.footballshirts.dk/static/001182/000001/004544.asp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111175058/http://footballshirts.dk/static/001182/000001/004544.asp|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 November 2007|title=Aberdeen (A) 94/96 (Large)|publisher=Football Shirts|access-date=2 April 2008}}] For the [2007–08](/source/2007%E2%80%9308_in_Scottish_football) season, the change strip was all-white, with a third kit of yellow and black halves available if needed for European games, or in the event of a clash involving both red and white.[{{cite web | url=http://www.footballcrests.com/clubs/aberdeen-fc | title=Aberdeen | work=Football Crests.com | access-date=19 August 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070824163451/http://www.footballcrests.com/clubs/aberdeen-fc| archive-date= 24 August 2007 | url-status= live}}] the club unveiled an official crest or logo, designed by Aberdonian graphic designer Donald Addison.[{{cite web|url=http://stv.tv/sport/football/277535-aberdeen-announce-new-home-shirt-and-seven-figure-sponsorship-deal/|title=Aberdeen announce new home shirt and seven-figure sponsorship deal|website=STV Sport|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=24 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624212048/http://stv.tv/sport/football/277535-aberdeen-announce-new-home-shirt-and-seven-figure-sponsorship-deal/|url-status=live}}]
=== Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!Period
!Kit manufacturer[{{Cite web |date=26 August 2022 |title=Aberdeen signs shirt sponsorship deal with global energy specialist Tendeka |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/aberdeen-signs-shirt-sponsorship-deal-7515280 |access-date=26 August 2024}}]
|-
|2024–
|Ram Tubulars[{{Cite web |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2024/07/18/local-company-ramp-up-support-of-the-dons/ |title=LOCAL COMPANY 'RAM'P UP SUPPORT OF THE DONS |website=AFC.co.uk |date=18 July 2024 |access-date=26 August 2024}}]
|}
== Stadium ==
{{main|Pittodrie Stadium|}}
[[File:Merkland Road Facade.JPG|right|thumb|alt=Photograph of one story facade with red doors |[Pittodrie Stadium](/source/Pittodrie_Stadium)'s granite facade viewed from outside the Merkland Road stand]]
Aberdeen have played throughout their existence at [Pittodrie Stadium](/source/Pittodrie_Stadium), the name of which comes from a [Celtic](/source/Celtic_languages) term for "place of manure".[{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2369117/Pittodrie-built-on-rotting-foundations.html |title=Pittodrie built on rotting foundations |work=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=19 June 2016 |location=London |first=Roddy |last=Forsyth |date=2 December 2005 |archive-date=6 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706184119/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2369117/Pittodrie-built-on-rotting-foundations.html |url-status=live }}][{{Cite book|title=Celtic place-names in Aberdeenshire: with a vocabulary of Gaelic words not in dictionaries; the meaning and etymology of the Gaelic names of places in Aberdeenshire; written for the Committee of the Carnegie Trust|url=|publisher=Aberdeen Daily Journal|date=1912|location=Aberdeen|first=John|last=Milne|pages=264|ol=23285300M}}] The ground was first used by the original Aberdeen F.C. in 1899, in a 7–1 win over [Dumbarton](/source/Dumbarton_F.C.);[{{cite web |url=http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/AberdeenDetail/0,,10002~907301,00.html |title=History of Pittodrie Stadium |publisher=Scottish Premier League |access-date=19 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305011241/http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/AberdeenDetail/0%2C%2C10002~907301%2C00.html |archive-date=5 March 2008 |url-status=dead }}] when they merged with two other teams in 1903, the new club took over the old Aberdeen ground. On 15 August 1903, 8,000 spectators turned up to watch the new Aberdeen draw 1–1 against Stenhousemuir, the first game played at Pittodrie by its amalgamated tenants.[{{cite web |url=http://spfl.co.uk/clubs/aberdeen/ |title=Aberdeen Football Club |publisher=Spfl.co.uk |access-date=22 April 2014 |archive-date=13 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813044112/https://spfl.co.uk/clubs/aberdeen |url-status=live }}] The record attendance is 45,061, during a Scottish Cup match between Aberdeen and [Hearts](/source/Heart_of_Midlothian_F.C.) on 13 March 1954.[{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Danny |date=2 March 2020 |title=Aberdeen's 'Red Shed' to become permanent fixture at Pittodrie next season |url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/2045501/aberdeens-red-shed-to-become-permanent-fixture-at-pittodrie-next-season/ |access-date=2 September 2023 |website=Press and Journal |language=en-GB |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130185150/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/2045501/aberdeens-red-shed-to-become-permanent-fixture-at-pittodrie-next-season/ |url-status=live }}] the South Stand, which is opposite the main stand and holds the largest number of spectators; and the Richard Donald stand to the east, which was completed in 1993, contains hospitality suites, and is named after former chairman [Dick Donald](/source/Dick_Donald).[{{cite web|url=http://www.stewartmilne.com/construction/projects.cfm?sectid=108&newsarea=6&projectid=71|title=Projects – Richard Donald Stand, Pittodrie|publisher=[Stewart Milne Construction](/source/Stewart_Milne_Construction)|access-date=1 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061109061018/http://www.stewartmilne.com/construction/projects.cfm?sectid=108&newsarea=6&projectid=71|archive-date=9 November 2006}}] A quarter of the South Stand is used to accommodate travelling supporters.[{{cite web|url=http://www.ifsecglobal.com/g4s-extends-security-contract-with-aberdeen-fc/|title=G4S extends security contract with Aberdeen FC|date=23 August 2010|publisher=IFSEC Global|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=5 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105100249/http://www.ifsecglobal.com/g4s-extends-security-contract-with-aberdeen-fc/|url-status=live}}] In 1978, Pittodrie became the first all covered, [all-seater stadium](/source/all-seater_stadium) in Britain.[{{cite book |first=Simon |last=Inglis |title=Football Grounds of Britain, third edition |publisher=CollinsWillow |year=1996 |isbn=0-00-218426-5| pages=424–426}}]
=== Training facilities ===
Aberdeen train at Cormack Park, which was opened on 31 October 2019 by former manager [Alex Ferguson](/source/Alex_Ferguson), who described the development as "up there with the best" that he had seen.[{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50253110|title=Sir Alex Ferguson: Cormack Park can help Aberdeen to 'highest level'|date=31 October 2019|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101072512/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50253110|url-status=live}}] As well as being a training centre for the first team, the complex is also home to the [Bobby Clark](/source/Bobby_Clark_(footballer%2C_born_1945)) Football Academy and the AFC Community Trust, as well as acting as a community sports hub. The training facilities are named after chairman [Dave Cormack](/source/Dave_Cormack), due to the significant financial investment he made to realise the completion of the project.[{{cite web|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/donsnews/new-13m-training-complex-is-critical-for-future/|title=Cormack: Extra millions were worth it to make 'critical' Cormack Park a reality for Aberdeen|last=Wallace|first=Sean|website=Evening Express|date=November 2019 |access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221233517/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/donsnews/new-13m-training-complex-is-critical-for-future/|url-status=live}}]
The complex is made up of a training pavilion, groundsman's accommodation, three full-sized training pitches, two floodlit [3G pitches](/source/Artificial_turf) and two grass pitches. There is also flexible outdoor and indoor space that can be used for sporting or recreational purposes.[{{cite web|url=https://www.afccommunitytrust.org/cormack-park/|title=Cormack Park|website=Aberdeen Community Trust|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221233520/https://www.afccommunitytrust.org/cormack-park/|url-status=live}}] All the pitches are named after club legends, chosen by the fans via an online poll.[{{cite web|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/1825048/aberdeen-fans-given-chance-to-name-pitches-at-new-training-facility/|title=Aberdeen fans given chance to name pitches at new training facility|last=Boyne|first=Murray|website=Press and Journal|date=22 August 2019 |language=en-US|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221233519/https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/aberdeen-fc/1825048/aberdeen-fans-given-chance-to-name-pitches-at-new-training-facility/|url-status=live}}]
Prior to the opening of Cormack Park, the first team trained in a variety of locations around the city, including the local [Gordon Barracks](/source/Gordon_Barracks), [Seaton Park](/source/Seaton_Park), [Aberdeen Sports Village](/source/Aberdeen_Sports_Village) and Countesswells, the playing fields of [Robert Gordon's College](/source/Robert_Gordon's_College).[{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2016/11/05/dons-announce-latest-off-the-field-results/|title=Dons announce latest off the field results|date=5 November 2016|website=Aberdeen FC|language=en-US|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221234951/https://www.afc.co.uk/2016/11/05/dons-announce-latest-off-the-field-results/|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/fond-memories-of-aberdeens-favourite-son-from-red-army/|title=Fond memories of 'Aberdeen's favourite son' from Red Army|last=Morrice|first=Emma|website=Evening Express|date=16 November 2016 |language=en-US|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221235312/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/fond-memories-of-aberdeens-favourite-son-from-red-army/|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/wait-is-almost-over-as-aberdeen-prepare-to-open-new-training-complex-1-5033460|title=Wait is almost over as Aberdeen prepare to open new training complex|website=www.scotsman.com|language=en|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=21 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221234948/https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/wait-is-almost-over-as-aberdeen-prepare-to-open-new-training-complex-1-5033460|url-status=live}}]
=== New Aberdeen Stadium ===
{{Main|Proposed Aberdeen stadium}}
Since 2009, Aberdeen have been examining a move to [a new stadium](/source/Proposed_Aberdeen_stadium). Plans for a new stadium began when the club indicated that further development of Pittodrie Stadium was not possible due to the age of the ground and the restrictions from surrounding land.[{{Cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11789/10278690/aberdeen-unveil-plans-for-new-stadium|title=Aberdeen unveil plans for new stadium|last=Vinnell|first=Paul|date=13 May 2016|work=[Sky News](/source/Sky_News)|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=18 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618014139/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11789/10278690/aberdeen-unveil-plans-for-new-stadium|url-status=live}}][{{Cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7515065.stm|title=Aberdeen make new stadium pledge|date=19 July 2008|newspaper=BBC|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=6 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406054849/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aberdeen/7515065.stm|url-status=live}}] [Aberdeen City Council](/source/Aberdeen_City_Council) approved an initial project in May 2009, to be situated near Loirston Loch in the south of the city, subject to [planning permission](/source/planning_permission).[[https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8059013.stm New Aberdeen stadium plans backed], BBC News, 20 May 2009.] In August 2010, a planning application for the new stadium was submitted to the council, which was approved the following February.[{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-10952539 | work=BBC News | title=Aberdeen Football Club wants 'glow-in-dark' new stadium | date=12 August 2010 | access-date=21 June 2018 | archive-date=23 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123191509/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-10952539 | url-status=live }}][{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-12479857|title=New Aberdeen FC stadium recommended for approval|date=16 February 2011|access-date=16 February 2011|work=BBC News| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110217053608/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-12479857| archive-date= 17 February 2011 | url-status= live}}][{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-14571784 |title=Aberdeen stadium a step closer with preferred bidder |work=BBC News |date=18 August 2011 |access-date=18 August 2011 |archive-date=18 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818175219/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-14571784 |url-status=live }}]
The move was delayed by a year in May 2012 due to problems with land ownership, and suffered a serious setback the following August, when the council rejected a joint application by Aberdeen and [Cove Rangers](/source/Cove_Rangers_F.C.) to build a community sports centre at nearby Calder Park.[{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-18208190 |title=Aberdeen FC move to new stadium delayed by a year |work=BBC News |date=25 May 2012 |access-date=7 June 2012 |archive-date=11 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611025540/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-18208190 |url-status=live }}][{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-19342785|title=New Aberdeen FC park 'killed off', says Stewart Milne|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=23 August 2012|access-date=23 August 2012|archive-date=23 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120823194117/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-19342785|url-status=live}}] Aberdeen announced in November 2014 new plans to instead build training facilities at Balgownie, on land owned by the [University of Aberdeen](/source/University_of_Aberdeen), but the project was ultimately scrapped in the following July.[{{cite web |url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/local/dons-in-talks-to-build-training-ground-at-bridge-of-don/ |title=Aberdeen FC: Dons in talks to build training ground at Bridge of Don |work=Evening Express |publisher=EE |date=26 November 2014 |access-date=26 November 2014 |archive-date=17 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017133737/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/local/dons-in-talks-to-build-training-ground-at-bridge-of-don/ |url-status=live }}][{{cite web|url=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6437.php#.V08S-1cnmIc|title=Club Statement {{!}} Balgownie Project|website=afc.co.uk|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=5 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105130238/http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6437.php#.V08S-1cnmIc|url-status=live}}]
Plans to develop a new stadium and training facilities near [Westhill](/source/Westhill%2C_Aberdeenshire), close to the newly developed [Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route](/source/Aberdeen_Western_Peripheral_Route), were announced in May 2016.[{{cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/aberdeen/aberdeen-football-club-announces-40m-stadium-plan-1-4126044|title=Aberdeen Football Club announces £40m stadium plan|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=16 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516012702/http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/aberdeen/aberdeen-football-club-announces-40m-stadium-plan-1-4126044|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://stv.tv/news/north/1353798-aberdeen-fc-unveils-plans-for-40m-stadium-at-west-of-city/|title=Aberdeen FC unveils plans for £40m stadium west of city|website=STV News|access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=11 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611045933/http://stv.tv/news/north/1353798-aberdeen-fc-unveils-plans-for-40m-stadium-at-west-of-city/|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36272704|title=Aberdeen reveal new site in Kingsford for stadium and training facilities|work=BBC Sport |access-date=1 June 2016|archive-date=13 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513053132/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36272704|url-status=live}}] The new stadium is expected to have a similar capacity to Pittodrie Stadium.[{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Peter|date=15 July 2016|title=Group set up to oppose new Dons stadium|work=[Evening Express](/source/Evening_Express_(Scotland))|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/group-speaks-out-against-new-ground/|access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=16 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716130826/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/group-speaks-out-against-new-ground/|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|date=1 March 2019|title=Aberdeen FC wins new Kingsford stadium judicial review ruling|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-47414991|url-status=live|access-date=14 October 2021|website=|publisher=[BBC News Online](/source/BBC_News_Online)|archive-date=1 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190301110552/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-north-east-orkney-shetland-47414991}}] progress stalled due to the economic impact of the [COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland](/source/COVID-19_pandemic_in_Scotland).[{{cite web|last=Burns|first=Scott|date=24 April 2020|title=Aberdeen mothball new £50m stadium plans indefinitely|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aberdeen-mothball-new-stadium-plans-21923737|url-status=live|access-date=17 October 2021|website=[Daily Record](/source/Daily_Record_(Scotland))|language=en|archive-date=25 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425074754/https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aberdeen-mothball-new-stadium-plans-21923737}}] Alternative designs at the [city's beachfront](/source/Aberdeen_Beach_and_Queens_Links) close to Pittodrie were released in August 2021.[{{cite web|url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/new-aberdeen-stadium-on-cards-as-part-of-integrated-masterplan/amp/|title=Fresh images show ambitious plans for new Aberdeen stadium|date=19 August 2021|work=Evening Express|access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028171245/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/new-aberdeen-stadium-on-cards-as-part-of-integrated-masterplan/amp/|url-status=live}}]
== Supporters and nicknames ==
=== Supporters ===
[[File:Scottish League Cup 2014 - Fan display.jpg|alt=The number "1903" represented in black and red cards held up by fans in a stand at a football stadium.|thumb|Fans display "1903", the year of the club's establishment, before the [2014 Scottish League Cup final](/source/2014_Scottish_League_Cup_final)]]
Aberdeen's supporters, known as the Red Army, are listed in the team squad list as wearing the [number 12 shirt](/source/12th_man_(football)).[{{cite web |url=http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Supporters/0,,10284,00.html |title=Supporters |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |access-date=8 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115210146/http://www.afc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Supporters/0%2C%2C10284%2C00.html |archive-date=15 January 2008 |url-status=dead }}]
Aberdeen are the only top-flight team in the third largest city in Scotland,[{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.org/about/fact-file/population/index.html |title=Population of Scotland, Statistics of Scottish City population |publisher=Scotland.org |access-date=8 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228051210/http://www.scotland.org/about/fact-file/population/index.html |archive-date=28 December 2007 |url-status=dead }}] a city which is relatively remote, geographically, from other large population centres, and as a result have a large catchment area of potential supporters. The average attendance in the [2023–24 Scottish Premiership](/source/2023%E2%80%9324_Scottish_Premiership) was 16,055.[{{cite web|title = Attendances Scotland average|url = http://www.european-football-statistics.co.uk/attn/avesco.htm|website = www.european-football-statistics.co.uk|access-date = 30 May 2024|archive-date = 30 May 2024|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20240530112457/https://www.european-football-statistics.co.uk/attn/avesco.htm|url-status = live}}]
In the 1980s, a minority of the club's supporters had a reputation as one of Britain's most prominent [casuals](/source/Casual_(subculture)) groups, the Aberdeen Soccer Casuals.[{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/casuals-the-lost-tribe-of-britain-they-dressed-cool-and-fought-dirty-but-their-impact-on-fashion-has-been-largely-ignored-now-they-are-making-a-comeback-in-bookshops-1.54801 |last=Didcock |first=Barry |title=Casuals: the lost tribe of Britain |work=Sunday Herald |publisher=Herald & Times Group |date=8 May 2005 |access-date=7 September 2013 |archive-date=28 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928065651/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/casuals-the-lost-tribe-of-britain-they-dressed-cool-and-fought-dirty-but-their-impact-on-fashion-has-been-largely-ignored-now-they-are-making-a-comeback-in-bookshops-1.54801 |url-status=live }}] The rise of the Aberdeen Casuals coincided with the most successful period in the club's history, and has been chronicled in more than one published account.[{{cite book|first=Jay|last=Allan|title=Bloody Casuals|publisher=Northern Books from Famedram|year=1989|isbn=0-905489-41-1}}][{{cite book|first=Dan|last=Rivers|title=Congratulations, You Have Just Met The Casuals|publisher=John Blake Publishing Ltd|year=2007|isbn=978-1-84454-307-6}}] Whilst numbers have steadily declined with the introduction of Football Banning Orders preventing hooligans from travelling to games, the Aberdeen Casuals still appear at big fixtures often away from home and in the [UEFA Europa League](/source/UEFA_Europa_League). There were clashes at both fixtures against [FC Groningen](/source/FC_Groningen) in 2014, as well as 13 arrests after violent clashes with [Dundee United](/source/Dundee_United_F.C.) fans at a game in December 2015.[{{cite web|title = Video & Pics: Aberdeen fans violence in Groningen|url = http://thefirms.co.uk/video-pics-aberdeen-fans-violence-groningen/|website = The Firms|date = 24 July 2014|access-date = 30 January 2016|archive-date = 4 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160204112954/http://thefirms.co.uk/video-pics-aberdeen-fans-violence-groningen/|url-status = live}}][{{cite web|title = "Like a pack of wolves" — trouble flares ahead of Dundee United v Aberdeen game|url = https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/141677/like-a-pack-of-wolves-trouble-flares-ahead-of-dundee-united-v-aberdeen-game/|website = www.thecourier.co.uk|date = 14 December 2014|access-date = 30 January 2016|archive-date = 23 October 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171023011204/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/dundee/141677/like-a-pack-of-wolves-trouble-flares-ahead-of-dundee-united-v-aberdeen-game/|url-status = live}}][{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-33890875|title=Aberdeen fans banned after pre-match fight in Dundee|date=12 August 2015|work=BBC News|access-date=10 June 2017|archive-date=23 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023073149/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-33890875|url-status=live}}]
=== Rivalries ===
Aberdeen have rarely played in the same division as their geographically closest neighbours ([Cove Rangers](/source/Cove_Rangers_F.C.), [Peterhead](/source/Peterhead_F.C.), [Brechin City](/source/Brechin_City_F.C.), [Montrose](/source/Montrose_F.C.), [Arbroath](/source/Arbroath_F.C.), [Elgin City](/source/Elgin_City_F.C.), and [Forfar Athletic](/source/Forfar_Athletic_F.C.)), so rivalries have tended to come from further afield. Cove Rangers from the same city entered the professional leagues for the first time in 2019,[{{Cite news |last=McPheat |first=Nick |date=24 April 2022 |title=Championship next, but how far can Cove go? |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59938792 |access-date=7 January 2024 |work=[BBC Sport](/source/BBC_Sport) |language=en-GB |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115105115/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59938792 |url-status=live }}] although the Aberdeen derby is yet to occur in a league meeting.
In the early 1980s, owing to the success both domestically and in Europe of Aberdeen and Dundee United, the pair were known as the [New Firm](/source/New_Firm_(Scotland)). However, Dundee United have their city neighbours Dundee as [close rivals](/source/Dundee_derby), and the antagonism was not always reciprocated to the same degree.[{{cite web|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/119256/aberdeen-fc-supporters-club-chief-says-new-firm-rivalry-with-dundee-united-is-lively-but-friendly/|title=Aberdeen FC supporters' club chief says 'New Firm' rivalry with Dundee United is lively but friendly|date=18 July 2011|website=The Courier|access-date=19 June 2016|archive-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811012605/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/119256/aberdeen-fc-supporters-club-chief-says-new-firm-rivalry-with-dundee-united-is-lively-but-friendly/|url-status=live}}]
The same situation applies to Aberdeen's [rivalry](/source/Aberdeen_F.C.%E2%80%93Rangers_F.C._rivalry) with [Rangers](/source/Rangers_F.C.), in that Rangers have their own much older and well-known [Old Firm](/source/Old_Firm) rivalry with Celtic.[{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/679385/rangers-v-aberdeen-a-history-of-violence|title=Rangers v Aberdeen: A history of violence|last=Moir|first=Andy|website=[ESPN](/source/ESPN)|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=11 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811134918/http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/679385/rangers-v-aberdeen-a-history-of-violence|url-status=live}}] Aberdeen's rivalry with Rangers arose after a number of incidents in matches between the two clubs in the 1980s, namely [Willie Johnston](/source/Willie_Johnston)'s stamp on [John McMaster](/source/John_McMaster_(footballer%2C_born_1955))'s neck in the [Scottish League Cup](/source/1979%E2%80%9380_Scottish_League_Cup) and [Neil Simpson](/source/Neil_Simpson)'s tackle on [Ian Durrant](/source/Ian_Durrant) in 1988, as well as Aberdeen's dominance in Scottish football throughout the decade. Manager [Alex Ferguson](/source/Alex_Ferguson)'s personal history with Rangers also played a role: a boyhood fan and once the club's record signing, Ferguson had long believed that Rangers had frozen him out of the club after they discovered his wife was a Roman Catholic. In the 2021 documentary ''[Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In](/source/Sir_Alex_Ferguson%3A_Never_Give_In)'', he admitted that his remarks after Aberdeen won the [1983 Scottish Cup final](/source/1983_Scottish_Cup_final) (where, despite Aberdeen beating Rangers 1–0, he regarded it as a "disgraceful performance") were born from a desire to win by a larger margin.[{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2008/dec/23/rangers-celtic|title=The forgotten story of ... Willie Johnston|last=Murray|first=Scott|date=23 December 2008|website=[The Guardian](/source/The_Guardian)|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921030154/https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2008/dec/23/rangers-celtic|url-status=live}}][{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-durrant-settles-out-of-court-1470817.html|title=Football: Durrant settles out of court|last=Metcalf|first=Rupert|date=4 February 1993|website=[The Independent](/source/The_Independent)|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=5 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105070019/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football-durrant-settles-out-of-court-1470817.html|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12149368.When_two_tribes_go_to_war/|title=When two tribes go to war|date=2 February 2001|website=Herald Scotland|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=14 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814032031/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12149368.When_two_tribes_go_to_war/|url-status=live}}][{{cite web|url=http://talksport.com/magazine/features/121219/leeds-v-chelsea-and-best-non-derby-derbies-including-real-v-barca-and-ab-187666|title=Leeds v Chelsea and the best non derby 'derbies' including Real v Barca and Aberdeen v Rangers|last=Mannion|first=Damian|date=19 December 2012|website=[Talksport](/source/Talksport)|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921065319/http://talksport.com/magazine/features/121219/leeds-v-chelsea-and-best-non-derby-derbies-including-real-v-barca-and-ab-187666|url-status=live}}] There are still often violent clashes between both sets of supporters within and outwith the stadium to this day.[{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/ibrox-mayhem-as-police-charge-brawling-1114643 |title=Ibrox mayhem as police charge brawling football thugs at subway station |author=McGivern, Mark |work=Daily Record |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=18 November 2013 |archive-date=18 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318164143/http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/ibrox-mayhem-as-police-charge-brawling-1114643 |url-status=live }}][{{cite news |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9987680.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140610205724/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-9987680.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 June 2014 |title=A Fight in the North; Riot police move in as hooligans force players |author=Grant, Michael |work=Sunday Herald |date=20 January 2002|access-date=7 September 2013}}][{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=306660&root=europe&cc=5901 |author=Rae, Derek |title=Rae's Say: Coming Home |publisher=ESPN |access-date=29 January 2008 |archive-date=25 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525163456/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=306660&root=europe&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}]
Aberdeen developed a minor rivalry with [Inverness Caledonian Thistle](/source/Inverness_Caledonian_Thistle_F.C.) since Inverness were first promoted to the SPL in 2004.[{{cite web|url=http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/Sport/Football/Caley-Jags-thrive-in-heat-of-Dons-rivalry-25092014.htm|title=Caley Jags thrive in heat of Dons rivalry|last=Durent|first=Jamie|date=26 September 2014|website=Inverness Courier|access-date=2 June 2016|archive-date=21 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921175754/http://www.inverness-courier.co.uk/Sport/Football/Caley-Jags-thrive-in-heat-of-Dons-rivalry-25092014.htm|url-status=live}}] It is known as the [North derby](/source/North_derby), since Aberdeen and [Inverness](/source/Inverness) are the two largest settlements in the north of Scotland.
Aberdeen's re-emerged as one of the top teams in Scotland during the 2010s, which increased the rivalry with [Celtic](/source/Celtic_F.C.) both competitively and between supporters. There have been minor incidents at games.[{{cite web|title = Celtic fans held over 'minute's silence assault'|url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/celtic-fans-held-over-minute-s-silence-assault-1-3599904|website = www.scotsman.com|access-date = 30 January 2016|archive-date = 2 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202002909/http://www.scotsman.com/news/celtic-fans-held-over-minute-s-silence-assault-1-3599904|url-status = live}}]
=== Nicknames ===
Aberdeen are known as "The Dons", a name that has been in use since at least 1913. The origin of this nickname is unclear.[{{cite web|url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/10-things-about-aberdeen/|title=10 Things about Aberdeen|date=13 March 2015|publisher=[Scottish Professional Football League](/source/Scottish_Professional_Football_League)|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=5 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161105112119/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/10-things-about-aberdeen/|url-status=live}}] One theory is that it derives from the word "don" meaning "teacher", given Aberdeen's history as a university town.[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ztTozYzJOYIC|title=Top 10 of Football: 250 lists on the beautiful game|last1=Ash|first1=Russell|last2=Morrison|first2=Ian|date=5 April 2010|publisher=Octopus|isbn=9780600622529|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420012242/https://books.google.com/books?id=ztTozYzJOYIC|url-status=live}}] It may also be a reference to the nearby [River Don](/source/River_Don%2C_Aberdeenshire), or a contraction of "Aberdonians".[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hM28BQAAQBAJ|title=Hunting Grounds: A Scottish Football Safari|last=Sutherland|first=Gary|date=10 August 2012|publisher=Birlinn|isbn=9780857901187|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202215827/https://books.google.com/books?id=hM28BQAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}] Before the popular adoption of "The Dons", the team were variously known as "The Wasps" or "The Black and Golds", both names a reference to the yellow and black striped shirts of the time.{{sfnp|Webster|2003|p=91}}{{sfnp|Miller|2011}} As with many teams that play in red, Aberdeen may also be called "The Reds", and are referred to by some supporters as "The Dandy Dons" or "The Dandies".[{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mFaBAAAAMAAJ|title=Entering the field: new perspectives on world football|last1=Armstrong|first1=Gary|last2=Giulianotti|first2=Richard|date=1 June 1997|publisher=Berg|isbn=9781859731932|access-date=28 June 2016|archive-date=20 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420024132/https://books.google.com/books?id=mFaBAAAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}]
Rival clubs occasionally refer to Aberdeen as "The Sheep" and their supporters as "The [Sheep Shaggers](/source/Sheep_shagger)". The term was eventually accepted by the club's supporters, and fans began chanting "the sheep are on fire" at games.[{{cite web|url=http://aberdeenvoice.com/2014/04/sheep-song-new-afc-anthem-launched/|title=The Sheep Are On Song – New AFC Anthem Launched|date=11 April 2014|website=Aberdeen Voice|access-date=2 June 2016|archive-date=10 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610171452/http://aberdeenvoice.com/2014/04/sheep-song-new-afc-anthem-launched/|url-status=live}}] The song was originally sung by away fans poking fun at an Aberdeen fan set on fire on a train while wearing a homemade sheep costume.[{{cite web|url = http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/opinion/columnists/come-on-you-reds-155554n.23667944|title = Come On You Reds!|date = 13 March 2014|website = [Glasgow Evening Times](/source/Glasgow_Evening_Times)|last = Loxton|first = Rachel|access-date = 4 May 2015|archive-date = 5 May 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150505043601/http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/opinion/columnists/come-on-you-reds-155554n.23667944|url-status = live}}][{{cite web|url = http://news.stv.tv/scotland/193856-millionaire-football-fan-avoids-jail-term-after-setting-fire-to-rival-supporter|title = Millionaire football fan avoids jail term after setting fire to rival supporter|date = 25 August 2010|access-date = 14 November 2015|website = [STV News](/source/STV_News)|archive-date = 17 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151117081432/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/193856-millionaire-football-fan-avoids-jail-term-after-setting-fire-to-rival-supporter/|url-status = live}}] This in turn led to specialised merchandise being sold by the club and local businesses.[{{cite news |title=Aberdeen FC Inspire Sheep Are On Fire Pies |publisher=Evening Express |date=5 March 2014 |url=https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/video-aberdeen-fc-inspires-sheep-are-on-fire-pies/ |access-date=10 June 2017 |archive-date=19 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819231429/https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/news/video-aberdeen-fc-inspires-sheep-are-on-fire-pies/ |url-status=live }}]
===Songs===
[Chants](/source/Football_chant) and songs include "The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen"[{{Cite news |last=Morrice |first=Emma |date=27 March 2019 |title=Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen shine out for songwriter |work=[Evening Express](/source/Evening_Express_(Scotland)) |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgin&AN=edsgcl.580217871&lang=en-gb&site=eds-live&scope=site |access-date=29 March 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404183447/https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsgin&AN=edsgcl.580217871&lang=en-gb&site=eds-live&scope=site |url-status=live }}] and "Stand Free", the latter of which is set to the tune of "[Lord of the Dance](/source/Lord_of_the_Dance_(hymn))".[{{cite web |date=27 January 2017 |title=The origins of Scotland's most popular football chants |url=https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/origins-scotlands-most-popular-football-chants-606389 |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=[The Scotsman](/source/The_Scotsman) |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329022914/https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/origins-scotlands-most-popular-football-chants-606389 |url-status=live }}]
=== Ultras ===
thumb|295x295px|"Red Ultras" DisplayAberdeen has had a few [ultras](/source/ultras) groups over its lifetime. In 1999, a group of supporters formed a fan group called the red ultras; this group came together in making displays over its lifetime such as their "one love" display[{{Cite web |last=CalcioEngland |date=26 March 2022 |title=From Aberdeen to Tottenham: The Rise of Italian-Inspired "Tifo" Displays in the UK |url=https://calcioengland.com/2022/03/26/from-aberdeen-to-tottenham-the-rise-of-italian-inspired-tifo-displays-in-the-uk/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Calcio England |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126185726/https://calcioengland.com/2022/03/26/from-aberdeen-to-tottenham-the-rise-of-italian-inspired-tifo-displays-in-the-uk/ |url-status=live }}] and their "red ultras" display.[{{cite web |title=Red Ultras Aberdeen – About |url=http://www.redultras.net/about/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205130455/http://www.redultras.net/about/ |archive-date=5 December 2007 |access-date=8 January 2008 |publisher=Red Ultras}}][{{Cite web |last=Saunderson |first=Jamie |date=3 October 2022 |title=Tributes paid to 'larger than life' Aberdeen ultra who died aged 54 |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/best-mate-tragic-red-ultras-7657714 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329223333/https://www.aberdeenlive.news/news/aberdeen-news/best-mate-tragic-red-ultras-7657714 |archive-date=29 March 2023 |access-date=2 September 2023 |website=AberdeenLive |language=en}}] The red ultras disbanded at the beginning of 2010.[{{cite news |date=25 March 2010 |title=Ultras in Britain are wrongly persecuted |url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/986-March-2010/5024-ultras-in-britain-are-wrongly-persecuted |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150830121520/http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/986-March-2010/5024-ultras-in-britain-are-wrongly-persecuted |archive-date=30 August 2015 |access-date=30 August 2015 |work=[When Saturday Comes](/source/When_Saturday_Comes)}}] Following the introduction of the "Red Shed",[{{Cite web |title=Aberdeen FC - Red Shed refreshed as part of Pittodrie revival |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2021/06/18/red-shed-refreshed-as-part-of-pittodrie-revival/ |access-date=26 January 2024 |website=Aberdeen FC |language=en |archive-date=26 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240126161903/https://www.afc.co.uk/2021/06/18/red-shed-refreshed-as-part-of-pittodrie-revival/ |url-status=live }}] a new group going by the name of "Ultras Aberdeen" formed in 2022 and have made displays such as the "Heroes" display in tribute to [1983 European Cup Winners' Cup final](/source/1983_European_Cup_Winners'_Cup_final). There was also a display at [Hampden Park](/source/Hampden_Park) for the [2023 Viaplay League Cup](/source/2023_Scottish_League_Cup_final_(December)) final against Rangers.[{{Cite web |last=Saunderson |first=Jamie |date=30 November 2023 |title=Over £2,000 raised for Aberdeen League Cup final display as Hampden date beckons |url=https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/more-2000-raised-aberdeen-league-8945136 |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=Aberdeen Live |language=en |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625051157/https://www.aberdeenlive.news/sport/football/more-2000-raised-aberdeen-league-8945136 |url-status=live }}] The group has also been responsible for surfing flag displays as well the use of [pyrotechnics](/source/pyrotechnics) such as [smoke bomb](/source/smoke_bomb)s and [flare](/source/flare)s.[{{Cite web |date=19 December 2023 |title=Urgent remedy needed for Scotland's pyro pandemic as ultras ignore clubs' warnings |url=https://www.thenational.scot/sport/23998679.urgent-action-needed-pyro-problem-ultras-ignore-clubs-warnings/ |access-date=9 March 2024 |website=The National |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309193154/https://www.thenational.scot/sport/23998679.urgent-action-needed-pyro-problem-ultras-ignore-clubs-warnings/ |url-status=live }}]
==Players==
===Current squad===
{{updated|28 May 2026[{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/matches-teams/1st-team/|title=1st Team|publisher=Aberdeen FC|accessdate=12 September 2025}}][{{cite web|url=https://x.com/AberdeenFC/status/1951961248922488843/photo/1|title=Our squad numbers for 25/26|publisher=Aberdeen FC|accessdate=3 August 2025}}]}}
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|no=1|nat=BUL|name=[Dimitar Mitov](/source/Dimitar_Mitov)|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player|no=2|nat=SCO|name=[Nicky Devlin](/source/Nicky_Devlin)|pos=DF|other=[vice-captain](/source/Captain_(association_football))}}
{{Fs player|no=3|nat=SCO|name=[Mitchel Frame](/source/Mitchel_Frame)|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=5|nat=NED|name=[Mats Knoester](/source/Mats_Knoester)|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=11|nat=AUS|name=[Nicolas Milanovic](/source/Nicolas_Milanovic)|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|no=13|nat=AUS|name=[Nicholas Suman](/source/Nicholas_Suman)|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player|no=14|nat=SWE|name=[Kenan Bilalović](/source/Kenan_Bilalovi%C4%87)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=15|nat=SCO|name=[Kevin Nisbet](/source/Kevin_Nisbet)|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|no=16|nat=SCO|name=[Stuart Armstrong](/source/Stuart_Armstrong)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=18|nat=CRO|name=[Ante Palaversa](/source/Ante_Palaversa)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=21|nat=IRL|name=[Gavin Molloy](/source/Gavin_Molloy)|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=22|nat=SCO|name=[Jack Milne](/source/Jack_Milne_(footballer))|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=24|nat=LVA|name=[Kristers Tobers](/source/Kristers_Tobers)|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=27|nat=SRB|name=[Marko Lazetić](/source/Marko_Lazeti%C4%87)|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|no=28|nat=DEN|name=[Alexander Jensen](/source/Alexander_Jensen)|pos=DF}}
{{Fs mid}}
{{Fs player|no=29|nat=ISL|name=[Kjartan Már Kjartansson](/source/Kjartan_M%C3%A1r_Kjartansson)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=32|nat=NGA|name=[Afeez Aremu](/source/Afeez_Aremu)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=35|nat=SCO|name=[Alfie Stewart](/source/Alfie_Stewart_(Scottish_footballer))|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=36|nat=SCO|name=[Alfie Bavidge](/source/Alfie_Bavidge)|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|no=38|nat=SCO|name=[Dylan Lobban](/source/Dylan_Lobban)|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=41|nat=LVA|name=Rodrigo Vitols|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player|no=77|nat=GER|name=[Emmanuel Gyamfi](/source/Emmanuel_Gyamfi_(footballer%2C_born_2004))|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=81|nat=FIN|name=[Topi Keskinen](/source/Topi_Keskinen)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=99|nat=NOR|name=[Per Kristian Bråtveit](/source/Per_Kristian_Br%C3%A5tveit)|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SCO|name=[Lewis Mayo](/source/Lewis_Mayo_(footballer))|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=AUT|name=Alexander Briedl|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=NIR|name=[Brad Lyons](/source/Brad_Lyons)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=SCO|name=[Findlay Marshall](/source/Findlay_Marshall)|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|no=|nat=NGA|name=[Peter Ambrose](/source/Peter_Ambrose)|pos=FW}}
{{Fs end}}
{{See also|Aberdeen F.C. Reserves and Academy}}
===On loan===
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|no=9|nat=AUS|name=[Kusini Yengi](/source/Kusini_Yengi)|pos=FW|other=on loan at [Cerezo Osaka](/source/Cerezo_Osaka)}}
{{Fs end}}
===Notable players===
{{Further|List of Aberdeen F.C. players}}
;Hall of Fame
Aberdeen inaugurated a Hall of Fame as part of the club's centenary celebrations in 2003. Six players were inducted following the initial dinner in March 2004, and a further six were included in November 2004.[{{cite web|title=Hall of fame dinner|url=http://www.afcheritage.org/News/news_story.cfm?news_id=3671|publisher=Aberdeen FC Heritage Trust|access-date=6 December 2010|date=6 November 2004|archive-date=3 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903094909/http://www.afcheritage.org/News/news_story.cfm?news_id=3671|url-status=live}}] Ex-manager Alex Ferguson was inducted at a re-launch event in November 2015.[{{cite web|title=AFC Hall of Fame Sir Alex Ferguson|work=Aberdeen FC |url=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6981.php#.Vlh4LXbhBhE|access-date=27 November 2015|date=13 November 2015|archive-date=16 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116061050/http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6981.php#.Vlh4LXbhBhE|url-status=live}}]
In 2017, Neale Cooper, Archie Knox, John McMaster and Graham Leggat were inducted into the Hall of Fame.[{{cite web |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2017/11/11/2017-afc-hall-of-fame/ |title=2017 AFC Hall of Fame |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |date=11 November 2017 |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=24 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724215115/https://www.afc.co.uk/2017/11/11/2017-afc-hall-of-fame/ |url-status=live }}] In 2018, Eoin Jess, Peter Weir, Bobby Clark and Donald Colman were inducted.[{{cite web |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2018/11/02/afc-hall-of-fame-2018/ |title=AFC Hall of Fame 2018 |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |date=2 November 2018 |access-date=3 November 2018 |archive-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104023528/https://www.afc.co.uk/2018/11/02/afc-hall-of-fame-2018/ |url-status=live }}]
Matt Armstrong, Brian Irvine, Hans Gillhaus, and Charlie Nicholas were inducted in January 2025.[{{cite web |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2025/01/31/aberdeen-fc-hall-of-fame-2025/ |title=AFC Hall of Fame 2025 |publisher=Aberdeen F.C. |date=31 January 2025 |access-date=31 January 2025}}]
{{col-begin}}
{{col-4}}
* [Chris Anderson](/source/Chris_Anderson_(footballer%2C_born_1925))
* [Matt Armstrong](/source/Matt_Armstrong)
* [Jim Bett](/source/Jim_Bett)
* [Henning Boel](/source/Henning_Boel)
* [Martin Buchan](/source/Martin_Buchan)
* [Bobby Clark](/source/Bobby_Clark_(footballer%2C_born_1945))
* [Donald Colman](/source/Donald_Colman)
* [Neale Cooper](/source/Neale_Cooper)
* [Dick Donald](/source/Dick_Donald)
* [Alex Ferguson](/source/Alex_Ferguson)
* [Hans Gillhaus](/source/Hans_Gillhaus)
* [Arthur Graham](/source/Arthur_Graham)
* [Joe Harper](/source/Joe_Harper)
* [Jim Hermiston](/source/Jim_Hermiston)
* [John Hewitt](/source/John_Hewitt_(footballer))
* [Brian Irvine](/source/Brian_Irvine_(footballer))
* [Drew Jarvie](/source/Drew_Jarvie)
{{col-4}}
* [Eoin Jess](/source/Eoin_Jess)
* [Stuart Kennedy](/source/Stuart_Kennedy)
* [Archie Knox](/source/Archie_Knox)
* [Graham Leggat](/source/Graham_Leggat)
* [Jim Leighton](/source/Jim_Leighton)
* [Ally MacLeod](/source/Ally_MacLeod)
* [Fred Martin](/source/Fred_Martin_(footballer%2C_born_1929))
* [Alex McLeish](/source/Alex_McLeish)
* [John McMaster](/source/John_McMaster_(footballer%2C_born_1955))
* [Willie Miller](/source/Willie_Miller)
* [Charlie Nicholas](/source/Charlie_Nicholas)
* [Teddy Scott](/source/Teddy_Scott)
* [Ally Shewan](/source/Ally_Shewan)
* [Neil Simpson](/source/Neil_Simpson)
* [Eddie Turnbull](/source/Eddie_Turnbull)
* [Peter Weir](/source/Peter_Weir_(footballer))
* [Alec Young](/source/Alec_Young)
{{col-4}}
{{col-end}}
;Greatest ever team
In November 2015, supporters cast votes to determine the greatest ever Aberdeen team.[{{cite web|title=AFC Greatest Ever XI|work=Aberdeen FC |publisher=Aberdeen F.C.|url=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/7081.php#.VlbOpnbhBhE|access-date=26 November 2015|archive-date=26 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126201249/http://www.afc.co.uk/news/7081.php#.VlbOpnbhBhE|url-status=live}}]
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Jim Leighton](/source/Jim_Leighton) (1977–88, 1997–2000)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Stuart Kennedy](/source/Stuart_Kennedy) (1976–83)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Willie Miller](/source/Willie_Miller) (1972–90)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Alex McLeish](/source/Alex_McLeish) (1978–94)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Russell Anderson](/source/Russell_Anderson) (1996–2007, 2012–15)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Gordon Strachan](/source/Gordon_Strachan) (1977–84)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Eoin Jess](/source/Eoin_Jess) (1987–96, 1997–2001)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Jim Bett](/source/Jim_Bett) (1985–94)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Neil Simpson](/source/Neil_Simpson) (1980–90)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Joe Harper](/source/Joe_Harper) (1969–72, 1976–81)
*{{flagicon|Scotland}} [Duncan Shearer](/source/Duncan_Shearer) (1992–97)
== Club officials ==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
=== Technical staff ===
{{updated|12 March 2026}}[{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/matches-teams/1st-team/mens-staff/|title=Men's Staff|website=Aberdeen F.C.|access-date=5 January 2026}}]
* Manager: [Stephen Robinson](/source/Stephen_Robinson_(footballer))
* Assistant manager: [Brian Kerr](/source/Brian_Kerr_(Scottish_footballer))
* First team coach: [Ian Burchnall](/source/Ian_Burchnall)
* Goalkeeping coach: [Craig Hinchliffe](/source/Craig_Hinchliffe)
* Head of recruitment: Darren Mowbray
* Head of player ID: Ross Clarkson
* Academy director: Stuart Glennie
* Head of academy coaching: Mark Slater
* Talent development manager: [Stuart Duff](/source/Stuart_Duff)
* Development coach: [Paul Coutts](/source/Paul_Coutts)
* Head of sports science and fitness: Graham Kirk
* Head of performance analysis: Marc Rochon
=== Management ===
{{Updated|1 January 2026[{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/club/club-profile/|title=Club Profile|website=Aberdeen F.C.|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=30 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630051211/https://www.afc.co.uk/club/profile/|url-status=live}}]}}[{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/2019/11/24/changes-at-the-top-mark-new-chapter-for-the-dons/|title=Changes at the top mark new chapter for the Dons|website=Aberdeen F.C.|date=24 November 2019|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724205002/https://www.afc.co.uk/2019/11/24/changes-at-the-top-mark-new-chapter-for-the-dons/|url-status=live}}]
* Chairman: [Dave Cormack](/source/Dave_Cormack)
* Board of directors:
** Tom Crotty (non-executive)
** Dimitrios Efstathiou (non-executive)
** [Willie Garner](/source/Willie_Garner) (non-executive)
** David Lawrie (non-executive)
** [Stewart Milne](/source/Stewart_Milne) (non-executive)
** Zoe Ogilvie (non-executive)
** Nic Heslop (commercial)
** Kevin MacIver (finance)
* Chief executive: Alan Burrows
* Secretary: Roy Johnston
* Director of football: [Lutz Pfannenstiel](/source/Lutz_Pfannenstiel)
* Honorary president: [Ian Donald](/source/Ian_Donald_(footballer))
{{col-end}}
== Managers ==
{{main|List of Aberdeen F.C. managers}}
''List of full-time [managers](/source/coach_(sport)), as of 12 March 2026. Only competitive league matches are counted. [Caretaker manager](/source/Caretaker_manager)s are not listed.''
{| class="sortable wikitable" style="text-align: center; width:600px; font-size:95%"
|-
! From !! To !! Name !! P !! W !! D !! L !! Win%[Percentages have been [rounded](/source/rounding) to two [decimal place](/source/decimal_place)s.]!! Ref
|-
|1903
|1924
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Jimmy|Philip}}
{{WDL|644|221|172|251}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1924
|1937
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Paddy|Travers}}
{{WDL|474|214|106|154}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1937
|1955
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Dave|Halliday}}
{{WDL|371|165|71|135}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1955
|1959
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Davie|Shaw}}
{{WDL|148|66|20|62}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1959
|1965
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Tommy|Pearson}}
{{WDL|180|66|42|72}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1965
|1971
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Eddie|Turnbull}}
{{WDL|216|101|43|72}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1971
|1975
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Jimmy|Bonthrone}}
{{WDL|143|67|46|30}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1975
|1977
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Ally|MacLeod}}
{{WDL|61|24|19|18}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1977
|1978
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Billy|McNeill}}
{{WDL|36|22|9|5}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1978
|1986
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Alex|Ferguson}}
{{WDL|288|167|71|50}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1986
|1986
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Alex|Ferguson}}
{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Archie|Knox}}
{{WDL|15|7|5|3}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1986
|1988
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Ian|Porterfield}}
{{WDL|71|35|27|9}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1988
|1991
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Jocky|Scott}}
{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Alex|Smith|Alex Smith (footballer, born 1939)}}
{{WDL|117|63|35|19}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1991
|1992
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Alex|Smith|Alex Smith (footballer, born 1939)}}
{{WDL|23|7|7|9}}||{{sfnp|Webster|2003}}
|-
|1992
|1995
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Willie|Miller}}
{{WDL|126|54|46|26}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/Willie-Miller?id=15 |title=Willie Miller profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002222120/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/willie-miller?id=15 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|1995
|1997
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Roy|Aitken}}
{{WDL|100|35|28|37}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/Roy-Aitken?id=16 |title=Roy Aitken profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002073059/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/roy-aitken?id=16 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|1997
|1998
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Alex|Miller}}
{{WDL|38|10|11|17}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/Alex-Miller?id=18 |title=Alex Miller profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002214736/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/alex-miller?id=18 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|1999
|2002
|align=left|{{flagicon|Denmark}} {{sortname|Ebbe|Skovdahl}}
{{WDL|130|40|31|59}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/Ebbe-Skovdahl?id=20 |title=Ebbe Skovdahl profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002210447/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/ebbe-skovdahl?id=20 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2002
|2004
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Steve|Paterson}}
{{WDL|57|18|10|29}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/steve-paterson?id=22 |title=Steve Paterson profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002211258/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/steve-paterson?id=22 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2004
|2009
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Jimmy|Calderwood}}
{{WDL|190|79|49|62}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/jimmy-calderwood?id=23 |title=Jimmy Calderwood profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002065702/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/jimmy-calderwood?id=23 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2009
|2010
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Mark|McGhee}}
{{WDL|53|13|12|28}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/mark-mcghee?id=31 |title=Mark McGhee profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002072646/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/mark-mcghee?id=31 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2010
|2013
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Craig|Brown|Craig Brown (footballer, born 1940)}}
{{WDL|93|27|29|37}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/craig-brown?id=38 |title=Craig Brown profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002080737/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/craig-brown?id=38 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2013
|2021
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Derek|McInnes}}
{{WDL|295|157|60|78}}|| [{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/derek-mcinnes?id=40 |title=Derek McInnes profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002202937/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/derek-mcinnes?id=40 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2021
|2022
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Stephen|Glass|Stephen Glass (footballer)}}
{{WDL|29|9|6|14}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/stephen-glass?id=46 |title=Stephen Glass profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002202812/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/stephen-glass?id=46 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2022
|2023
|align=left|{{flagicon|Ireland}} {{sortname|Jim|Goodwin|Jim Goodwin}}
{{WDL|35|11|7|17}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/jim-goodwin?id=48 |title=Barry Robson profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |date= |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002080820/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/jim-goodwin?id=48 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2023
|2024
|align=left|{{flagicon|Scotland}} {{sortname|Barry|Robson}}
{{WDL|36|15|7|14}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/barry-robson?id=50 |title=Barry Robson profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |date= |accessdate=11 February 2024 |archive-date=2 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002203225/https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/barry-robson?id=50 |url-status=live }}]
|-
|2024
|2026
|align=left|{{Flagicon|Sweden}} {{sortname|Jimmy|Thelin}}
{{WDL|80|33|16|31}}||[{{cite web |url=https://afcheritage.org/football/managers/jimmy-thelin?id=56 |title=Jimmy Thelin profile |publisher=AFC Heritage |date= |accessdate=17 May 2025 }}]
|-
|2026
|Present
|align=left|{{Flagicon|Northern Ireland}} {{sortname|Stephen|Robinson|Stephen Robinson (footballer)}}
{{WDL|2|0|1|1}}||[{{cite web |url= https://www.afcheritage.org/football/managers/stephen-robinson?id=62 |title= Stephen Robinson |publisher=AFC Heritage|date= |accessdate=12 March 2026 }}]
|}
== Honours ==
{{See also|List of Aberdeen F.C. records and statistics|Aberdeen F.C. in European football}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:95%; text-align:center;"
! style="width: 1%;" |Type
! style="width: 5%;" |Competition
! style="width: 1%;" |Titles
! style="width: 18%;" |Seasons
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''Domestic'''
! scope="col" |[Scottish League](/source/List_of_Scottish_football_champions)[{{cite web |title=Honours |url=https://www.afc.co.uk/club/honours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202215828/https://www.afc.co.uk/club/honours/ |archive-date=2 February 2018 |access-date=15 January 2018 |website=Aberdeen FC}}]
| style="text-align:center;" |4
| align="left" |[1954–55](/source/1954%E2%80%9355_Scottish_Division_One), [1979–80](/source/1979%E2%80%9380_Scottish_Premier_Division), [1983–84](/source/1983%E2%80%9384_Scottish_Premier_Division), [1984–85](/source/1984%E2%80%9385_Scottish_Premier_Division)
|-
! scope="col" |[Scottish Cup](/source/Scottish_Cup)[{{cite web |title=Freedom of Aberdeen to be awarded to "Gothenburg Greats" |url=https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/freedom-aberdeen-be-awarded-gothenburg-greats |website=The Aberdeen City Council |date=16 December 2022 |access-date=19 December 2022 |language=en |archive-date=18 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218193929/https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/freedom-aberdeen-be-awarded-gothenburg-greats |url-status=live }}]
== Records ==
{{main|List of Aberdeen F.C. records and statistics}}
{{See also|Aberdeen F.C. in European football}}
=== Individual ===
All players are from Scotland unless otherwise stated. Competitive, professional matches only, up to the end of the 2025–26 season.
; Top goalscorers
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
!class="unsortable"|Rank
!class="unsortable"|Player
!class="unsortable"|Career
!Apps
!Goals
!Average
|-
|1
|align="left"|[Joe Harper](/source/Joe_Harper)
|1969–1973, 1976–1981
|300
|199
|0.66
|-
|2
|align="left"|[Matt Armstrong](/source/Matt_Armstrong)
|1931–1939, 1945–1946
|219
|156{{Efn|source has 164 goals/232 games, but 8 goals/13 games were from unofficial wartime league fixtures in 1945/46.}}
|0.71
|-
|3
|align="left"|[George Hamilton](/source/George_Hamilton_(footballer))
|1938–1939, 1945–1955
|284
|155{{Efn|source has 159 goals/292 games, but 4 goals/8 games were from unofficial wartime league fixtures in 1945/46.}}
|0.55
|-
|4
|align="left"|[Harry Yorston](/source/Harry_Yorston)
|1947–1957
|278
|141
|0.51
|-
|5
|align="left"|[Drew Jarvie](/source/Drew_Jarvie)
|1972–1982
|386
|131
|0.34
|-
|6
|align="left"|[Benny Yorston](/source/Benny_Yorston)
|1927–1932
|156
|124
|0.79
|-
|7
|align="left"|[Willie Mills](/source/Willie_Mills)
|1932–1938
|210
|114
|0.54
|-
|8
|align="left"|[Jack Hather](/source/Jack_Hather) {{flagicon|ENG}}
|1948–1960
|351
|105
|0.30
|-
|9
|align="left"|[Mark McGhee](/source/Mark_McGhee)
|1978–1984
|249
|100
|0.4
|-
| rowspan="2" | 10=
|align="left"|[Billy Little](/source/Billy_Little)
|1957–1968
|306
|98
|0.32
|-
|align="left"|[Davie Robb](/source/Davie_Robb)
|1966–1978
|345
|98
|0.28
|}
; Most appearances
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
!class="unsortable"|Rank
!class="unsortable"|Player
!class="unsortable"|Career
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|1
|align="left"|[Willie Miller](/source/Willie_Miller)
|1972–1990
|796
|32
|-
|2
|align="left"|[Alex McLeish](/source/Alex_McLeish)
|1978–1994
|689
|30
|-
|3
|align="left"|[Bobby Clark](/source/Bobby_Clark_(footballer%2C_born_1945))
|1965–1980
|591
|0
|-
|4
|align="left"|[Andrew Considine](/source/Andrew_Considine)
|2004–2022
|571
|41
|-
|5
|align="left"|[Stewart McKimmie](/source/Stewart_McKimmie)
|1983–1997
|562
|9
|-
|6
|align="left"|[Jim Leighton](/source/Jim_Leighton)
|1977–1988, 1997–2000
|533
|0
|-
|7
|align="left"|[Russell Anderson](/source/Russell_Anderson)
|1996–2007, 2011–2015
|407
|21
|-
|8
|align="left"|[Drew Jarvie](/source/Drew_Jarvie)
|1972–1982
|386
|131
|-
|9
|align="left"|[Brian Irvine](/source/Brian_Irvine_(footballer))
|1985–1997
|385
|40
|-
|10
|align="left"|[Eoin Jess](/source/Eoin_Jess)
|1989–1996, 1997–2001
|380
|94
|}
{{efn|source has [Willie Cooper](/source/Willie_Cooper) 394 games/3 goals, but 17 games/0 goals were from unofficial wartime league fixtures in 1945/46.}}
{{Notelist}}
==See also==
* [Aberdeen F.C. Women](/source/Aberdeen_F.C._Women)
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
; Bibliography
*{{cite book| title=Managing My Life| last=Ferguson| first=Alex| publisher=Coronet| year=2000| isbn=0-340-72856-6 |author-link=Alex Ferguson}}
*{{cite book| first=Michael| last=Grant| title=Fergie Rises: How Britain's Greatest Football Manager Was Made At Aberdeen| publisher=Aurum Press| year=2014| isbn=978-1-781-31093-9 }}
*{{Cite book| title=Willie Miller's Aberdeen Dream Team| last=Miller| first=Willie| publisher=Black & White Publishing| year=2011| isbn=9781845024031|author-link=Willie Miller}}
*{{cite book| first=Paul| last=Smith| title=The Legends of Aberdeen| publisher=Breedon Books| year=2007| isbn=978-1-85983-575-3 }}
*{{cite book| first=Kevin| last=Stirling| title=Aberdeen FC On This Day: History, Facts and Figures from Every Day of the Year| publisher=Pitch Publishing Ltd| year=2008| isbn=978-1-905411-24-5}}
*{{cite book| last = Webster| first = Jack| title = The First 100 years of The Dons: The official history of Aberdeen Football Club 1903–2003| publisher = Hodder & Stoughton, London| year = 2003| isbn = 0-340-82344-5}}
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
*{{Official website}}
*{{BBC football info|BBClinkname=aberdeen}}
{{Aberdeen F.C.}}
{{Aberdeen F.C. seasons}}
{{Aberdeen F.C. matches}}
{{Scottish Professional Football League}}
{{Scottish Premier League}}
{{Scottish Football League}}
{{UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winners}}
{{UEFA Super Cup winners}}
{{Football in Aberdeen}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Aberdeen F.C.
Category:Football clubs in Scotland
Category:Association football clubs established in 1903
Category:Football clubs in Aberdeen
Category:1903 establishments in Scotland
Category:Scottish Football League teams
Category:Scottish Cup winners
Category:Scottish Premier League teams
Category:Scottish Professional Football League teams
Category:Professional football clubs in Scotland
Category:Scottish League Cup winners
Category:UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winning clubs
Category:UEFA Super Cup winning clubs
Category:United Soccer Association imported teams
Aberdeen
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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Aberdeen F.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen_F.C.) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberdeen_F.C.?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.