Aberdeen F.C.

{{main|History of Aberdeen F.C.}}

{{See also|List of Aberdeen F.C. seasons}}

File:Aberdeen FC League Performance.svg

The current Aberdeen F.C. was formed following the merger of three clubs based in the city—Aberdeen, Victoria United and Orion—in 1903.{{sfnp|Webster|2003|pp=69–70}} The new club played its first match on 15 August 1903: a 1–1 draw with Stenhousemuir.{{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, but only a third-place finish in the Northern League. The club applied for membership of the Scottish 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. At the end of its first season, despite having finished seventh out of twelve teams, Aberdeen were elected to the new, expanded First Division. They have remained in the top tier of Scottish football ever since.{{cite web |url=http://www.scotprem.premiumtv.co.uk/page/AberdeenDetail/0,,10002~932190,00.html |title=Club Overview – Aberdeen |publisher=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 semi-final appearance in 1908 and another in 1911. In that season of 1910–11, Aberdeen recorded their first victories over the Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers, and led the league for a time, but finished the season in second place.

Wartime affected the club as much as any other; despite spending cuts and other economies, by 1917 the situation became untenable. Aberdeen dropped out of competitive football, along with Dundee and Raith Rovers.{{sfnp|Webster|2003|pp=33}} Senior football returned on 16 August 1919, and Aberdeen resumed with a fixture against Albion Rovers. Philip was still in charge, and continued to oversee a team capable of isolated good results, but never quite able to sustain a challenge long enough to win a trophy. In 1923, Aberdeen were drawn against Peterhead in the Scottish Cup, and posted their record score—a 13–0 victory.{{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 |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.{{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.

Travers' "trainer"—first team coach in modern parlance—was former player Donald Colman.{{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, 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 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 in 1939.

Travers was replaced by former Yeovil Town manager 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|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 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=dead }}

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 in the 1945–46 season, defeating Rangers 3–2 at Hampden.{{Sfnp|Miller|2011}} They then reached the 1947 Scottish Cup final, defeating Hibernian 2–1 with George Hamilton, signed from Halliday's former club Queen of the South, 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 and 1954, though they lost both. Halliday's team were not to be denied, however, and the following season, 1954–55, Aberdeen won their first Scottish League title. Though league winners, the club did not participate in the first European Cup competition—Scotland's place was awarded to Hibernian, who took part by special invitation.{{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 | url-status= live}}

Halliday and Hamilton left at the end of that championship-winning season, and Halliday was replaced by Davie Shaw. Aberdeen won the League Cup under his guidance, beating St Mirren in 1955–56, and reached another Scottish Cup final in 1959. However, Shaw stepped aside for another former favourite player, Tommy Pearson, in 1959. Pearson's time in charge coincided with a high turnover of players, and yielded no trophies.{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12018997.Tommy_Pearson/|title=Tommy Pearson|date=6 September 1999|website=Herald Scotland|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.

Turnbull led Aberdeen to the 1967 Scottish Cup final, where the side was ultimately defeated by Celtic. Despite this loss, Aberdeen qualified for the European Cup Winner's Cup in the following season thanks to their appearance in this final, the first time the club had competed in European competition. Their first tie was a 14–1 aggregate victory over KR Reykjavik, although they lost the second round tie with Standard Liège 3–2 on aggregate. Two years later, Derek "Cup-tie" McKay recorded the only four goals of his Aberdeen career to help his team to the 1969–70 Scottish Cup, scoring the winning goals in the quarter- and semi final, and two in the final itself.{{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|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, but were eliminated in the first round following a 4–4 aggregate tie with Honvéd. This tie, level after extra time and also level on away goals, was decided by the first penalty shoot-out in UEFA competition history, Honvéd winning the shootout 5–4 in 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|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 in 1971 under Jimmy Bonthrone and the League Cup in 1976, under Ally MacLeod. During this decade, Aberdeen had five managers: Eddie Turnbull, Jimmy Bonthrone, Ally MacLeod, Billy McNeill and Alex Ferguson. They reached two more national cup finals—the Scottish Cup in 1978 under Billy McNeill and the League Cup in the following season under the new manager Alex Ferguson.

File:Alex Ferguson.jpg, the most successful manager of Aberdeen, pictured at his last club Manchester United]]

Under Ferguson's guidance, the club won three league championships, four Scottish Cups, one League Cup, the European Cup Winner's Cup, the European Super Cup and a Drybrough Cup—all in the space of seven years.{{sfnp|Ferguson|2000}} Players such as Jim Leighton, Willie Miller, Alex McLeish and Gordon Strachan became the backbone of the team.{{sfnp|Webster|2003|pp=243}} Aberdeen's second League title was won in 1979–80 and this initial success was built upon with Scottish Cup wins in three successive seasons from 1982 to 1984, and two more league titles in 1983–84 and 1984–85.{{Sfnp|Ferguson|2000}}File:Gordon Strachan's 1983 ECWC final shirt.jpgDuring the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983, Aberdeen beat FC Sion, Dinamo Tirana and Lech Poznań to face the German Cup winners Bayern Munich. This game was won 3–2 at Pittodrie after a goalless draw in Germany, John Hewitt with the winning goal.{{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|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|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 club Waterschei 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 2–1 after extra time to win the cup and become only the third Scottish side to win a European trophy.{{cite web |url=http://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=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/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 |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 in December, when 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|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, before losing to Porto 2–0 on aggregate. In the first round of the 1984–85 European Champion Club's Cup Aberdeen lost to East Berlin side BFC Dynamo in a penalty shoot-out 4–5, following a 3–3 on aggregate in regular times.{{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}}

After Ferguson moved to England to manage Manchester United 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 and Jocky Scott. A number of foreign players were signed, including Dutch internationals Theo Snelders and Hans Gillhaus. In the 1989–90 season, the club won both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup. In 1991, they lost the last game of the season, and the league title, to Rangers. Former player Willie Miller took over in 1992 and presided over two seasons where Aberdeen came close to winning the title. However, the club ended the 1994–95 season second-bottom, and had to rely on a play-off victory over Dunfermline Athletic to retain their Premier Division status.{{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|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.{{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 | url-status= live}} Despite a Scottish League Cup success in 1995, the club continued to struggle. Alex Miller and Paul Hegarty had spells in charge in the late 1990s, but with the financial burden of a new stand putting the club into debt for the first time in its history,{{sfnp|Webster|2003|p=13}} the directors turned to Stewart Milne, a local businessman whose firm had built the stand, hiring him as the club's chairman.{{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 }}

File:Richard Donald stand on a Match Day.jpg

Aberdeen's first foreign manager, 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|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 season, where they finished bottom of the table.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 (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. The play-off never happened though, as one of those clubs (Falkirk) did not meet SPL stadium requirements, and Aberdeen retained their top flight status.{{Cite news|url=http://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|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 on the away goals rule in the next season's 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|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 was appointed to replace Skovdahl following his resignation in 2002, but lasted only two seasons. Paterson's tenure with Aberdeen was marred by his addiction to alcohol.{{Cite news |last=Staff |date=2003-03-17 |title=Paterson: 'I expected to get the sack' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/mar/17/newsstory.sport11 |access-date=2024-04-18 |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=2003-03-17 |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=2024-04-18 |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 |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 took over in 2004 and Aberdeen posted more consistent results than in previous seasons. In the 2006–07 season, the club finished in third place in the league and entered the final qualifying round for the 2007–08 UEFA Cup.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 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=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 F.C. Copenhagen 4–0, which was the biggest margin of victory and one of Pittodrie's biggest crowds since the 1980s.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 of Motherwell 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 |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.{{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|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=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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, 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=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 was to re-instate Leighton.{{Cite news |date=2010-12-13 |title=Craig Brown justifies his decision to leave Motherwell for Aberdeen |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/dec/13/craig-brown-justifies-motherwell-aberdeen |access-date=2023-06-16 |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 |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 }}

File:Scottish League Cup 2014 - confetti.jpgDerek 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 |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/21911117 |access-date=2023-09-02 |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 after defeating Inverness 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, and began the next season by coming through the early rounds of the Europa League, beating Dutch club FC Groningen before eventually being eliminated by Spanish side Real Sociedad.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28331359|title=Groningen 1–2 Aberdeen (agg 1–2)|date=24 July 2014|work=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/0/football/28198272|title=FK Daugava Riga 0–3 Aberdeen (agg 0–8)|date=10 July 2014|work=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|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—in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In recent seasons' Europa League competitions, they were defeated in the third qualifying round four times: In 2015–16 by FC Kairat,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/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 by 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 by Apollon Limassol,{{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 by 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 and reached both cup finals, but were beaten 3–0 by Celtic in the League Cup{{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,{{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 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, where they were defeated after extra time by Premier League side Burnley 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 side Atlanta United 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 became chairman of the club, replacing Stewart Milne. Atlanta United president 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|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 }}

Over the subsequent three years, Aberdeen went through four managers. Atlanta United 2 manager and former Aberdeen player Stephen Glass 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|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|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 was sacked following a surprise defeat to West of Scotland Football League side Darvel 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 |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 |last= |first= |date=2023-01-23 |title=Sixth-tier Darvel dump out Aberdeen in historic Scottish Cup shock |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/jan/23/sixth-tier-darvel-dump-out-aberdeen-in-historic-scottish-cup-shock |access-date=2023-07-05 |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, who become caretaker manager in January 2023 and permanent manager that May,{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Tyrone |date=2023-02-01 |title=Aberdeen: Barry Robson on lifting squad after Jim Goodwin sacking |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64476945 |access-date=2023-06-16 |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=2023-05-01 |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=2023-06-16 |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=2024-01-31 |work=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 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=2024-02-06 |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=2024-03-09 |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 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=2024-04-18 |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 }}

{{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 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=2024-01-07 |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 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.

{{Football kit box |align = left |pattern_la = |pattern_b = |pattern_ra = |leftarm = E41B17 |body = E41B17 |rightarm = E41B17 |shorts = FFFFFF |socks = E41B17 |title = A representative post-war Aberdeen strip. These colours were worn for all the trophy-winning seasons of the 1950s.

}}

In March 1939, Aberdeen changed the black and gold colours to red and white, reflecting the silver and red colours of the official City of Aberdeen arms. The first red strips were worn with white shorts, with either red or white socks from 1939 until the 1965–66 season. In 1966, Aberdeen adopted red shorts, making the official kit all-red, similar to that of Liverpool, who made a similar change at around the same time.{{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 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, and a one-season reversion to white shorts, although the all-red scheme returned in 1997.

File:Aberdeen Football Club Commemorative Pennant - ABDMS072039 - Aberdeen City Council (Archives, Gallery and Museums).jpg

Shirt sponsorship began in 1987, and the initial shirt sponsor was JVC. Since then, with the club making fewer appearances on the international stage, shirt sponsors have tended to be local to Aberdeen—they have included one of the local commercial radio stations, Northsound, 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|2025}}, 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 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 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.

The club did not have an official crest before 1972, but several variations on the letters AFC had from time to time featured on the shirt, usually in some kind of cursive font. In November 1972,{{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. The design represented a capital letter A as the side view of a football goal, with a ball forming the crossbar of the letter. This ball was crosshatched in such a way as to depict it as being inside the net, signifying the scoring of a goal. The logo was completed by the letters FC in smaller type at a level with the ball element. This badge was used on the shirts from around 1978, with no significant alterations until the mid-1980s when the words "Aberdeen Football Club" were added in a circular border, and the date of the club's founding, 1903, was added under the goal element. The current version of the crest, which retains these elements in a unified design, was introduced at the start of the 1997–98 season. Two stars signifying the winning of the two European trophies in 1983 were introduced over the badge in the 2005–06 season.{{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}}

{{main|Pittodrie Stadium|}}

File:Merkland Road Facade.JPG's granite facade viewed from outside the Merkland Road stand]]

Aberdeen have played throughout their existence at Pittodrie Stadium, the name of which comes from the Pictish 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 }} The ground was first used by the original Aberdeen F.C. in 1899, in a 7–1 win over Dumbarton;{{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. The club initially rented the ground, but subsequently bought it in 1920. The stadium currently seats {{SPFL-stadiums|aberdeen}}. The record attendance is 45,061, during a Scottish Cup match between Aberdeen and Hearts on 13 March 1954.

File:Commemorative plaque to Pittodrie Park.jpg

The stadium consists of four stands: the Main Stand, which also houses the club offices and players facilities; the Merkland Road Stand, also referred to as the "Red Shed";{{Cite web |last=Law |first=Danny |date=2020-03-02 |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=2023-09-02 |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.{{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|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 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}}

Aberdeen train at Cormack Park, which was opened on 31 October 2019 by former manager 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 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, 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 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, Seaton Park, Aberdeen Sports Village and Countesswells, the playing fields of 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}}

{{Main|Proposed Aberdeen stadium}}

Since 2009, Aberdeen have been examining a move to a new 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|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=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/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 approved an initial project in May 2009, to be situated near Loirston Loch in the south of the city, subject to planning permission.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8059013.stm New Aberdeen stadium plans backed] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090523103101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8059013.stm |date=23 May 2009 }}, 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 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, 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, close to the newly developed 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. Although the project overcame legal challenges from local residents,{{Cite news|last=Davidson|first=Peter|date=15 July 2016|title=Group set up to oppose new Dons stadium|work=Evening Express|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|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.{{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|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 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}}

File:Scottish League Cup 2014 - Fan display.jpg]]

Aberdeen's supporters, known as the Red Army, are listed in the team squad list as wearing the number 12 shirt.{{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 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 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. There were clashes at both fixtures against FC Groningen in 2014, as well as 13 arrests after violent clashes with Dundee United 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}}

Aberdeen have rarely played in the same division as their geographically closest neighbours (Cove Rangers, Peterhead, Brechin City, Montrose, Arbroath, Elgin City, and Forfar Athletic), 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=2024-01-07 |work=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. However, Dundee United have their city neighbours Dundee as close rivals, 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 with Rangers, in that Rangers have their own much older and well-known 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|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's stamp on John McMaster's neck in the Scottish League Cup and Neil Simpson's tackle on Ian Durrant in 1988, as well as Aberdeen's dominance in Scottish football throughout the decade. Manager 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, he admitted that his remarks after Aberdeen won the 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|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|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|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 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, since Aberdeen and 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 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}}

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|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, 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". 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|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|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 }}

Chants 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 |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".{{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 |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 }}

File:Richard Donald stand on a Match Day.jpgAberdeen has had a few 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=2022-03-26 |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=2024-01-26 |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=2022-10-03 |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=2023-09-02 |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}}

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=2024-01-26 |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. There was also a display at Hampden Park for the 2023 Viaplay League Cup final against Rangers.{{Cite web |last=Saunderson |first=Jamie |date=2023-11-30 |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=2024-03-09 |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 such as smoke bombs and flares.{{Cite web |date=2023-12-19 |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=2024-03-09 |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 }}

{{See also|List of Aberdeen F.C. records and statistics|Aberdeen F.C. in European football}}

• Scottish League{{cite web|title=Honours|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/club/honours/|website=Aberdeen FC|access-date=15 January 2018|archive-date=2 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202215828/https://www.afc.co.uk/club/honours/|url-status=live}}
• Winners (4): 1954–55, 1979–80, 1983–84, 1984–85
• Runners-up: 17 times
• Scottish Cup
• Winners (7): 1946–47, 1969–70, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1985–86, 1989–90
• Runners-up: 9 times
• Scottish League Cup
• Winners (6): 1955–56, 1976–77, 1985–86, 1989–90, 1995–96, 2013–14
• Runners-up: 10 times

• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
• Winners: 1982–83
• UEFA Super Cup
• Winners: 1983

• France Football European Team of the Year: 1

:: 1983

• The club was awarded the Freedom of the City of Aberdeen on 16 December 2022 following a unanimous vote by Aberdeen City Council.{{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 }}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{updated|1 January 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/matches-teams/football-staff/|title=Football Staff|website=Aberdeen F.C.|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726110444/https://www.afc.co.uk/teams/management.php|url-status=live}}

• Manager: Jimmy Thelin
• Assistant manager: Christer Persson
• Assistant first team coach: Peter Leven
• Goalkeeping coach: Craig Hinchliffe
• Head of recruitment: Nuno de Almeida
• Academy director: Stuart Glennie
• Head of academy coaching: Mark Slater
• Development phase manager: Scott Anderson
• Development phase coach: Stuart Duff
• Head of performance: Kevin Symon
• Head of sports science and fitness: Graham Kirk
• Head of performance analysis: Marc Rochon

{{Updated|1 January 2025{{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
• Board of directors:
• Tom Crotty (non-executive)
• Dimitrios Efstathiou (non-executive)
• Willie Garner (non-executive)
• David Lawrie (non-executive)
• Stewart Milne (non-executive)
• Zoe Ogilvie (non-executive)
• Robbie Hedderman (commercial)
• Kevin MacIver (finance)
• Chief executive: Alan Burrows
• Secretary: Roy Johnston
• Director of football: Steven Gunn
• Honorary president: Ian Donald

{{col-end}}

{{updated|13 February 2025{{cite web|url=https://www.afc.co.uk/teams/1st-team/|title=Aberdeen FC First Team|website=Aberdeen F.C.|access-date=1 July 2020|archive-date=27 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827040140/https://www.afc.co.uk/teams/1st-team/|url-status=live}}}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=1|nat=BUL|name=Dimitar Mitov|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=2|nat=SCO|name=Nicky Devlin|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=3|nat=SCO|name=Jack MacKenzie|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=4|nat=SCO|name=Graeme Shinnie|pos=MF|other=captain}}

{{Fs player|no=5|nat=NED|name=Mats Knoester|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=6|nat=NOR|name=Sivert Heltne Nilsen|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=7|nat=IRL|name=Jamie McGrath|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=8|nat=USA|name=Dante Polvara|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=9|nat=SCO|name=Kevin Nisbet|pos=FW|other=on loan from Millwall}}

{{Fs player|no=10|nat=ENG|name=Leighton Clarkson|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=11|nat=PLE|name=Oday Dabbagh|pos=FW|other=on loan from Charleroi}}

{{Fs player|no=14|nat=SEN|name=Pape Habib Guèye|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=16|nat=DEN|name=Jeppe Okkels|pos=FW|other=on loan from Preston North End}}

{{Fs player|no=17|nat=NED|name=Vicente Besuijen|pos=FW}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=18|nat=CRO|name=Ante Palaversa|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=19|nat=SVN|name=Ester Sokler|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=20|nat=ENG|name=Shayden Morris|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=21|nat=IRL|name=Gavin Molloy|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=22|nat=SCO|name=Jack Milne|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=24|nat=LVA|name=Kristers Tobers|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=25|nat=SCO|name=Tom Ritchie|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=26|nat=ENG|name=Alfie Dorrington|pos=DF|other=on loan from Tottenham Hotspur}}

{{Fs player|no=28|nat=DEN|name=Alexander Jensen|pos=DF}}

{{Fs player|no=30|nat=SCO|name=Fletcher Boyd|pos=MF}}

{{Fs player|no=31|nat=SCO|name=Ross Doohan|pos=GK}}

{{Fs player|no=32|nat=NGA|name=Peter Ambrose|pos=FW}}

{{Fs player|no=81|nat=FIN|name=Topi Keskinen|pos=MF}}

{{Fs end}}

{{See also|Aberdeen F.C. Reserves and Academy}}

{{Fs start}}

{{Fs player|no=15|nat=NZL|name=James McGarry|pos=DF|other=on loan at Athens Kallithea}}

{{Fs player|no=23|nat=SCO|name=Ryan Duncan|pos=MF|other=on loan at Queen's Park}}

{{Fs player|no=33|nat=MNE|name=Slobodan Rubežić|pos=DF|other=on loan at Novi Pazar}}

{{Fs player|no=34|nat=SCO|name=Blair McKenzie|pos=DF|other=on loan at Montrose}}

{{Fs player|no=35|nat=SCO|name=Alfie Stewart|pos=MF|other=on loan at Inverness CT}}

{{Fs player|no=36|nat=SCO|name=Alfie Bavidge|pos=FW|other=on loan at Inverness CT}}

{{Fs player|no=37|nat=SCO|name=Adam Emslie|pos=FW|other=on loan at Cove Rangers}}

{{Fs mid}}

{{Fs player|no=38|nat=SCO|name=Dylan Lobban|pos=MF|other=on loan at Cove Rangers}}

{{Fs player|no=40|nat=NIR|name=Brendan Hamilton|pos=DF|other=on loan at Inverurie Loco Works}}

{{Fs player|no=44|nat=SCO|name=Cameron Wilson|pos=FW|other=on loan at Keith}}

{{Fs player|no=51|nat=SCO|name=Fraser Mackie|pos=FW|other=on loan at Fraserburgh}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=SCO|name=Conner Douglas|pos=GK|other=on loan at Dyce}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=FIN|name=Richard Jensen|pos=DF|other=on loan at Vejle}}

{{Fs player|no=|nat=SCO|name=Findlay Marshall|pos=MF|other=on loan at Cove Rangers}}

{{Fs end}}

{{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|url=http://www.afc.co.uk/news/6981.php#.Vlh4LXbhBhE|publisher=Aberdeen FC|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
• Jim Bett
• Henning Boel
• Martin Buchan
• Bobby Clark
• Donald Colman
• Neale Cooper
• Dick Donald
• Alex Ferguson
• Arthur Graham
• Joe Harper
• Jim Hermiston
• John Hewitt
• Drew Jarvie
• Eoin Jess

{{col-4}}

• Stuart Kennedy
• Archie Knox
• Graham Leggat
• Jim Leighton
• Ally MacLeod
• Fred Martin
• Alex McLeish
• John McMaster
• Willie Miller
• Teddy Scott
• Ally Shewan
• Neil Simpson
• Eddie Turnbull
• Peter Weir
• Alec Young

{{col-4}}

• Matt Armstrong
• Brian Irvine
• Hans Gillhaus
• Charlie Nicholas

{{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|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 (1977–88, 1997–2000)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Stuart Kennedy (1976–83)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Willie Miller (1972–90)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Alex McLeish (1978–94)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Russell Anderson (1996–2007, 2012–15)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Gordon Strachan (1977–84)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Eoin Jess (1987–96, 1997–2001)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Jim Bett (1985–94)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Neil Simpson (1980–90)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Joe Harper (1969–72, 1976–81)
• {{flagicon|Scotland}} Duncan Shearer (1992–97)

{{main|List of Aberdeen F.C. records and statistics}}

{{See also|Aberdeen F.C. in European football}}

All players are from Scotland unless otherwise stated. Competitive, professional matches only, up to the end of the 2022–23 season.

; Top goalscorers

; Most appearances

{{efn|source has Willie Cooper 394 games/3 goals, but 17 games/0 goals were from unofficial wartime league fixtures in 1945/46.}}

{{Notelist}}

{{main|List of Aberdeen F.C. managers}}

List of full-time managers, as of 25 January 2025. Only competitive league matches are counted. Caretaker managers are not listed.

• Aberdeen F.C. Women

{{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}}

{{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:Football clubs in Scotland

Category:Association football clubs established in 1903

Category:Football clubs in Aberdeen

Category:Former Highland Football League teams

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:Scottish League Cup winners

Category:UEFA Cup Winners' Cup winning clubs

Category:UEFA Super Cup winning clubs

Category:United Soccer Association imported teams

Aberdeen