Aberdeen

We asked for your views and favourite memories of Andrew Considine after the former Aberdeen stalwart announced his retirement.

Here’s what some of you said:

Duncan: A fantastic and honest team player. He gave his all for Aberdeen, carried the family mantle fantastically. An absolute gentleman and a credit to his family, friends, club and country. He deserved far more from the game and should have got his 20-year testimonial. Will surely make an ultimate club ambassador and coach in the future. Hero!

Kevin: My best memory of Andy was his goal against Celtic in the last game of the season in 2018 to clinch second place in the league.

Allan: Aberdeen number four gave seven out of ten performances most weeks and with that consistency should have had more Scotland call-ups, but as per usual, if he’s not from the central belt then they’re not interested. An all-round good guy who played for the shirt but sadly was let down in the end by the club and by a manager who should have known better. Andy, you are a Dons legend.

Eric: He was a great servant to Aberdeen and fully deserved his Scotland caps. I’m pretty sure he could get into coaching or possibly management in time. He has a wealth of experience to share, but boogieing might be out of the question. Good luck to him and hope he stays in the game.

William: Considine was a fantastic servant for Aberdeen. He should have been offered an extension to his contract in the season he had to leave. A very poor decision by the Aberdeen board.

Lewis: Legendary, absolutely legendary. One of the good guys of the Scottish game, despite leaving Aberdeen, I think most Dons fans will miss him playing and will hope to see him in coaching soon, as his experience would be invaluable to any club fortunate enough to have him coaching.

Les: Considine is a true Aberdeen legend, so many matches and so reliable. There were many doubts when he got moved to left-back but he answered them all with solid defence and a new-found ability to forage forward and put crosses in, and who can forget his birthday hat-trick against Dundee? Thank you Andrew.

Paul: An absolute legend. Unfortunate circumstances leaving like he did but showed what a true professional he is by just getting on with things. He always played to his maximum and truly played for the badge. Just a good guy. All the best for whatever the future holds Andy.

Joe: Arguably his greatest moment was scoring the winner at Celtic in 2018. That one goal broke Celtic’s long unbeaten home record and condemned Rangers to third place. Gutted by his retirement but what a legend the man is and what a career he had.

Aberdeen legend Andrew Considine has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 37.

The former centre-back played over 550 times for the Dons, ranking among the club's highest appearance holders.

We want to know your favourite memories of the Scottish defender and what you make of the news of his retirement.

Give us your thoughts here, external.

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Aberdeen midfielder Leighton Clarkson says that new manager Jimmy Thelin has brought a positivity to the squad as they continue their pre-season preparation.

Clarkson, speaking to club media, also spoke about a few of the new signings that have joined the club this summer.

"I'd say Gavin's [Molloy] a lot more chilled, a lot more relaxed. Think he's the most relaxed Irishman I think I've ever met in my life but yeah, speaking to him he is a really good guy," he said.

"And then you go to Dimmy [Dimitar Mitov] who can't shut up really. He’s buzzing about the place, he wakes up every morning and he’s the first one you hear going onto the training pitch.

"So yeah, two different personalities two really good personalities I think to join the lads and I spoke to Peter [Ambrose] a little bit. Obviously I'll speak to him when we get back to Aberdeen but yeah, he seems a really funny guy as well.

On looking ahead to the competitive season starting with the League Cup group stage, he said: "Yeah, I'm really excited.

"I think it's it's one where us as players and as a club we need to go into it with real positivity.

"I know, obviously, last season wasn't like that but with the gaffer coming in with his staff, I feel that the place has just been lit up again.

"We feel it as players and, you know, we're gonna go on the pitch and work as hard as we can and try and get as many three points as possible.

After their loan spells away from Pittodrie, midfielder Vicente Besuijen, right-back Jayden Richardson and striker Pape Habib Gueye will be given the chance to impress in pre-season before new Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin considers entering the transfer market again. (Press & Journal), external

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has confirmed he has plans in place to secure replacements if any player is sold this summer, with Bologna being among the clubs to have Bojan Miovski on their radar and fellow forward Duk having urged the club to cash in on him this summer. (Press & Journal), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Aberdeen's trip to Ross County in the Scottish Premiership next month has been moved to a later kick-off time due to its selection for TV coverage.

Jimmy Thelin's Dons travel to Dingwall to take on Don Cowie's County on Saturday, 31 August but the game will now take place at 17:45 BST with Premier Sports opting to televise the encounter.

Aberdeen were undefeated in the five meetings between the sides last season, winning the first four and drawing the last meeting 2-2 in May.

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"It was mental."

How else would you expect 16-year-old Fletcher Boyd to describe winning the Under-18s league with Aberdeen, scoring on his first-team debut and following it up with his second senior goal in the following game all in the space of five days?

After helping the club’s Under-18s win the league against their Rangers counterparts in Glasgow, Boyd came off the bench at Easter Road in the 83rd minute to make his Dons debut and marked it with a goal moments later.

The forward's wild week at the end of last season was rounded off with his first Pittodrie goal against Livingston in a 5-1 win.

Speaking at the Dons’ training camp in Portugal, Boyd, in his first pre-season trip away, told club media: "It was mental, because we won the league and I scored two days after.

"And then I was like, whoa, I don’t think it'll happen again and then it happened again, so it was good."

Perhaps an understatement, as understated as how the 16-year-old celebrated his big call-up.

“He [Peter Leven] told me on the Friday night after the Rangers game [when we won the league]. I was going back to my digs to get changed to go to out with a few of the boys and I got a phone call – and then I stayed in," Boyd added.

"I was excited, but I was shocked. I didn’t expect that at all.

"My dad missed the game at Hibs because he couldn’t make it but he managed to be there at Pittodrie so it was good to score in front of him."

We asked who you are backing to be Aberdeen's breakout star in the new season.

Here's what some of you said:

Martin: Ester Sokler showed glimpses of what he can bring. With Bojan Miovski likely to go, I think he’ll get a chance to lead the line. He has the attributes to succeed in Jimmy Thelin’s all-action approach.

Mike: Wouldn’t be surprised if Dante Polvara proves to be a very important player for Dons this season. Clearly has a good skill-set, seems to have toughened up a bit, and has an eye for goal. Has the makings of a very good number 10.

Alastair: Possibly a bit early for Fletcher Boyd to be given a major role in the team, but him alongside Alfie Bavidge and Jack Milne look like the obvious three with potential blossom if given a chance for a consistent role in the side. It will probably be someone completely from left field and surprise us all.

Russell: Would be good to see Leighton Clarkson properly establish himself this season.

Charlie: Fletcher Boyd is a real talent but look out for Alfie Stewart who has the ability to make you think who is Connor Barron?

Alan: For me, the potential that Fletcher Boyd has is exciting. I think he’ll progress this season and we’ll reap the benefits of his talent.

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"Spending time with them at every meal, around the villas and watching the Euros together."

No, that's not us talking about our family holidays, that's what the Aberdeen players are up to in Portugal as they build "chemistry" among the group, according to Dante Polvara.

While their pre-season camp is crucial for laying important "tactical" foundations and getting to grips with new boss Jimmy Thelin's "fresh ideas", it is also a time to form strong relationships required for the season.

"Chemistry is the biggest thing, among the boys but also between the players and the staff," the 24-year-old midfielder told club media.

"Spending time with them at every meal, around the villas and watching the Euros together is really important for when we get to tough times throughout the season, when we need to stick together and lean on each other.

"It's important, of course for the tactical side and from day one he [Thelin] has made some really important foundations clear as to how he wants to play and we've tried to show the idea.

"There are obviously some disconnects from time to time, but that's what pre-season is all about, and the boys are communicating well among it, chatting about little details off the pitch.

"It's always good to have fresh ideas and it's a style of play everyone is enjoying. That is important because you need everyone on board and committed. I feel that way and I can feel the same reciprocated throughout the group."

Who do you think will be Aberdeen's breakout star in the coming season?

Is there one particular youngster you are backing to shine under new manager Jimmy Thelin?

Have your say here, external.

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Gothenburg great Eric Black has become a patron for Aberdeen's Community Trust in its 10th anniversary year.

The former striker was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hugely successful side of the 1980s and scored the opening goal in the 2-1 European Cup Winners’ Cup final win over Real Madrid in Sweden in 1983.

"I’m honoured to be invited to be patron of AFCCT," Black, 60, said.

"Aberdeen clearly holds a special place in my heart and having been in the city last year as part of the Gothenburg celebrations it was fantastic to witness first-hand the difference the club and Trust are making in the north east.

"The power of football to break down barriers and bring people together is exemplified through the fantastic work being carried out by everyone at the Trust."

AFCCT chief executive Liz Bowie added: "In this special 10th anniversary year, we are delighted that one of Aberdeen’s most famous number 10s is lending his support to the work of the Trust."

Visa issues have prevented new forward Peter Ambrose, 22, joining up with Aberdeen's training camp in Portugal. (Press and Journal - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Jimmy Thelin wants Aberdeen's warm-weather training camp in Portugal to "create team spirit" before the new season.

The Dons are in the Algarve as they prepare for the Thelin era to get under way against Peterhead in the Scottish League Cup on 13 July.

The Swedish manager says he is using the time to assess his squad and "learn the characters" of his players.

"It's good to come together to start to know each other better," he told club media.

"We have more or less 24 hours together now every day and I think it's really good to get this time so early with the new staff, and also between the staff members, but of course between the players and the staff.

"I always think it's good to get this time together as early as possible to create the team spirit.

"To get this start at the beginning, to see them when they are tired and when they build tension, it's about learning the characters of the players so we can have a good management with them in the tough times but also the good times to keep improving."

Aberdeen are yet to receive any offers for striker Bojan Miovski, 25, but will demand full value before considering offers. (Record), external

Captain Graeme Shinnie is desperate to lead Aberdeen to silverware. (Press and Journal - subscription), external

Defender Stefan Gartenmann, 27, refuses to rule out a return to Aberdeen following a loan spell Midtjylland from last season. (Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

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A top-four finish is a realistic target for Aberdeen in Jimmy Thelin's first season at the helm, says Billy Dodds.

The former Dons and Scotland forward is excited by Swede Thelin's arrival at Pittodrie from Elfsborg and hopes he can hold on to star striker Bojan Miovski.

"It’s something fresh and I’m looking forward to it. I’m sure the fans are the same," Dodds told BBC Scotland Sportsound.

"It’s a big job but a really good club. The Aberdeen fans are actually quite realistic. They don’t think they’ll win the Premiership. They’re capable of third or fourth, although they’ve got to improve a lot on last year and if they lose Miovski it’s a body blow.

"With the training base now it’s all set up for Thelin to put a team on the pitch that will please Aberdeen fans.

"He proved he is a good coach at Elfsborg. He still has to come here and do it though.

"It will be interesting to see how he goes about the tactics. How he sets his team up – are they going to be attacking? What formation will he play?"

Former Scotland midfielder John Collins, who was assistant to Norwegian Ronny Deila at Celtic, believes Thelin will have no problems adapting to life in the north east.

"His English is perfect, like most Scandinavians. There’s not a great difference between the Scandinavian and Scottish culture and weather," said Collins.

"He did very good job at Elfsborg – two second-place finishes in six years at a smaller club.

"I look forward to seeing how he sets up tactically. He has to recruit well and then we’ll see what style of football he gets them playing."

Kristijan Lovric has sparked rumours of a summer transfer to Aberdeen after the 28-year-old winger who plays for Osjiek in the Croatian top-tier started following Dons chief executive Alan Burrows and defender Slobodan Rubezic on the social media platform Instagram. (Daily Record), external

Although Aberdeen have already made three signings this close season, new manager Jimmy Thelin insists new arrivals will not block the path for the club’s rising youth stars. (Press & Journal), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

We asked for your views on where Aberdeen will be 10 games into the new Premiership season after the fixtures were announced.

Here’s what some of you said:

Peter: Given that Jimmy Thelin is new to the league it can go two ways. Either we are in and around the top three due to Thelin’s new approach and good reactions from players or the players are still getting used to the systems being put in place and we’re around mid-table.

Chris: Ideally we'd be looking for 15 points after the first 10 games, it's not a ridiculously high target and one that should be achievable.

Niall: With Thelin giving the Dons players a clean slate they're all playing for their places and, hopefully, out to impress the new management team. A very shrewd piece of business with Dimitar Mitov joining and the start of a rebuild from the back.

Donald: Will we still have Bojan Miovski and Duk? Both are doubtful to still be Dons for next season. Thelin has got to realise this and must aim to strengthen the squad accordingly and in a very timely manner, please!

Allan: With out being too adventurous I think there’s a good chance that we can take 10 points out of the 12 points available in August, on top of a strong League Cup campaign and build from there.

Trevor: It is difficult to assess where the Dons will be after 10 games because they have yet another new manager. One can only hope the fine form in the latter part of last season with Peter Leven in charge will be carried forward into the new season. I believe they will do this and will be handily placed in the league.

Paul: He's going to need time to get the players we are keeping and the new ones in to gel. Not too fussed where we are, within reason!

Stuart: I think Aberdeen will be third in the table at that stage and I’m totally convinced they will cement that position throughout the season.

Jim: I hope to see Aberdeen with eight or so unbeaten in the first ten. Ideally of course 10, but let's be realistic. If six of those eight are wins, I would deem it an exceptional start for Jimmy. Most importantly at that stage though is no cheap goals conceded, and a reasonable chance conversion.

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Connor Barron hopes becoming a "big player" for Rangers will allow him to fulfil his Scotland ambitions.

The midfielder, who signed a pre-contract to join the Ibrox side from Aberdeen, has been capped 12 times at U21-level.

But the 21-year-old is in no rush to turn out for Steve Clarke's first team, believing proving himself at his new club will reap rewards further down the line.

"My aim is to get into that full squad, that’s an ambition of mine since I was a young boy and that won’t change," Barron said.

"The football does the talking on the pitch, if you perform you put yourself in the window to get into it. That’s out of my hands.

"It’s not my number one priority right now, my priority is focused on the club football and performing there but that will come in time hopefully.

"It’s about now me going to do my bit on the pitch and make sure I do everything every day to get into the team and be a big player for the club."

Now the fixtures are out, how are you feeling about your side's start to the season?

Where do you think Aberdeen will be after the first 10 games of the campaign? Will Jimmy Thelin make a positive start to life in the dugout?

Give us your thoughts. , external

The fixture computer seems to have given Jimmy Thelin a reasonably favourable start to life in the Scottish Premiership.

After visiting St Johnstone on the opening day, Aberdeen host European representatives St Mirren and Kilmarnock, before trips to Ross County and Dundee either side of a home game against Motherwell.

It does mean for a trickier stretch down the road. The Dons host Hearts on Saturday, 5 October, followed by a trip to Celtic Park a fortnight later.

The visit of Dundee United could offer some reprieve, but Rangers travel north on Wednesday, 30 October in Thelin's first home league encounter with an Old Firm side.

The same fixture marks Aberdeen's final game before the split as the Ibrox side again head to Pittodrie on the weekend of Saturday, 12 April.

New Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin insists he "won’t rush" into any new signings as he plans to "see qualities" in his current squad first. (Press and Journal - subscription), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Fixtures for the 2024-25 Scottish Premiership season have been released.

The campaign will kick off with Hearts hosting Rangers at Tynecastle, a repeat of the sides' final league game of last season which ended in a 3-3 draw.

Newly-promoted Dundee United entertain derby rivals Dundee, while Celtic begin their title defence with the visit of Kilmarnock.

Jimmy Thelin's first Premiership game as Aberdeen boss is a trip to Perth to face St Johnstone.

David Gray starts his reign as permanent Hibs head coach away to St Mirren, while Motherwell are to home to Ross County.

The opening round of fixtures will be played from 3-5 August.