Aberdeen

We asked you for your thoughts after Aberdeen sneaked by Queen's Park to progress into the League Cup quarter-finals.

Here's what you had to say:

Bruce: Queens Park did well and should have scored. Credit to Jimmy for taking time to see what players can do, but at least two of the starting 11 shouldn’t have been there. We need an end product.

Sokler doesn’t have that 'spidey sense' of right place, right time so I suspect we’ll be looking for another wide player and striker.

Stuart: Maybe just a wake-up call that you can’t assume these type of games are going to be smooth sailing, however it’s another win so onwards and upwards.

Stew: Awful game. Aberdeen were lucky not to be 0-2 down at half-time, as they were slow and not slick enough in the build-up. Need to speed up play. Everything goes through Sivert Heltne Nilsen and he can't run. When they play better teams the will get picked off.

Marti: Not getting carried away, but Jimmy has got the lads playing. The passing at times is sublime. Not expecting miracles this season but it's looking good with cracking signings too.

Allan: It’s all about getting into the next round in cup football. We dominated the game but need to be more clinical in the penalty box, but remember it is a work in progress. Another different goal scorer so that’s good. The sooner Angus is back playing the tighter the defence will be, and our keeper looks very assured.

David: Not an amazing performance today, but a win is a win. Good to see us fighting to the end. Topi looks like he will be a great asset for us and what a way to introduce himself to the crowd.

Fred: An exciting game and great to see our winning run continue. The new signings are performing well but I still think we need a proven striker as we may still struggle against the higher quality opposition that will soon present themselves. We now have the funds, lets buy a proven striker to lead the attack.

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Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin told BBC Scotland: "We needed some luck to go through. Their goalkeeper made good saves, you have to respect that and their fight and their belief.

"The fans stayed with us after first half and pushed us to the winning goal. Sometimes you need that extra push when the opponent defends well."

On his 100% record so far, he added: "It's not been smooth! You have to find a way to win games. We still have things to improve.

"We need to keep trying and grow and be better all the time and have strong determination to manage the league and Cup games. So far so good."

New signing Topi Keskinen came off the bench to score a late winner on his debut as Aberdeen squeezed Queen’s Park in the Premier Sports Cup last 16.

The game looked certain to head to extra time until Finnish winger Keskinen, a midweek arrival from HJK Helsinki, turned brilliantly in the box to rifle home a 92nd-minute strike.

The Dons have now won every game this season under new boss Jimmy Thelin, making it seven out of seven with the victory over their Championship opposition.

What did you make of the game, Aberdeen fans? Was that a deserved victory? Did you think it was going to extra time?

Let us know your thoughts here., external

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Despite the strength of Aberdeen's squad compared to Queen's Park, the Dons missed Bojan Miovski up front - a player who would have finished the umpteen chances that Aberdeen created.

They need a new talisman, and auditions are still ongoing.

MacKenzie at left-back might be an unlikely candidate. He bombed up and down the left and was a real goal-scoring threat.

Jamie McGrath is another contender, as is Sivert Heltne Nilssen - a tough-tackling midfielder who keeps things nice and simple in the middle of the park.

However, it was Keskinen who really announced himself. A lot of money has been spent on the 21-year-old and expectations are high as a result. A game-winning goal on debut goes some way to recouping the money spent.

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Jack MacKenzie. The improvement in the academy graduate is incredible and he has become a solid Premiership left-back, showing potential to go even further.

Strong and imposing, his athleticism saw him get in behind the Queen's Park defence time and again.

He perhaps could have scored today, but getting that high up the pitch is still relatively new in his game and he should become more composed in time.

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Aberdeen: Mitov, Devlin, Milne, Molloy, MacKenzie, Morris, Heltne Nilsen, Shinnie, McGrath, Sokler, Gueye.

Substitutes: Doohan, Jensen, McGarry, Besuijen, Palaversa, MacDonald, Ambrose, Bavidge, Keskinen.

Queen's Park: Ferrie, Kerr, Murray, Ujdur, Scott, Welsh, Turner, Thomson, Thomas, Rudden, Longridge.

Substitutes: Wills, MacGregor, McLeish, Hinds, Connolly, McDonnell, MacKenzie, McGinlay, Fieldson.

Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has confirmed that former caretaker Peter Leven will remain on the Pittodrie coaching staff despite an approach from Raith Rovers, who are seeking a new head coach. (Scott Burns on X), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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You could bill Saturday's visit by Queen's Park in the Premier Sports Cup last 16 as the start of Aberdeen's life without Bojan Miovski.

But, in truth, the Dons had all but wrapped the North Macedonia striker in cotton wool pending Thursday's sale to Girona.

The Dons have still managed six straight victories in an impressive start to Jimmy Thelin's tenure as manager.

Latest signing Topi Keskinen, the winger who arrived this week from HJK Helsinki, will hope to compensate for the exiting firepower on his possible debut along with former Troyes midfielder Ante Palaversa.

Queen's Park banged in 15 goals of their own winning three group-stage games, but their one meeting this season with Premiership opposition ended with a 5-1 thumping away to Hibernian and they have not won in two Championship outings since.

It would be a major shock if Callum Davidson's side can repeat the last meeting between the sides, when the Spiders won on penalties after a 0-0 draw, also in the League Cup, way back in 2006 at Firhill.

Read the Premier Sports Cup preview in full here.

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Jimmy Thelin insists Aberdeen will not be racing to spend the money from the sale of Bojan Miovski.

The striker joined Girona for a club record fee, reported to be up to £6.5m but the Dons are not in a hurry to get in a replacement.

"The people here at Aberdeen, it's an amazing job they have done," Thelin said of the transfer.

"Like we have done before, the recruitment process is always going on behind closed doors but we also want to give the players that are already here the chance to prove themselves and grow.

"Sometimes when someone is leaving someone else steps forward. If we need to, maybe something will happen but we also want to put trust in the players that are here.

"It's more like a longer term plan, we don't want to rush into something. Every game we have played so far we've had different goalscorers. We're trying to build something so we're not relying on one player and can score team goals.

"The window is still open and if we need to do something we will do something but our focus is on the players that are already here."

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Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Queen's Park in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday.

Here are the main points from the press conference:

• On Bojan Miovski's exit in a club record sale, Thelin says the Dons have done an "amazing job" and it was a "good ending" for the striker.

• He won't rush into anything with the Miovski cash, he trusts the players he has and will focus long term on using the transfer funds.

• He adds that the recruitment process is always ongoing and the window is still open, but his focus right now is on players in the building.

• On the arrival of Topi Keskinen, the boss says the Finnish winger really wanted to come to Aberdeen and is hungry to grow with the club.

• Thelin isn't underestimating the challenge of Queen's Park, who are "a good team", and stresses the importance of the game.

• When asked about guiding the Dons to Hampden, Thelin says "to dream is free" but they need to take it day by day to achieve something.

• Angus MacDonald has trained this week and is ready for a place in the squad.

We asked for your views on Bojan Miovski's exit and how Aberdeen might replace the strike talisman.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: Miovski was one of the best players of all time to grace our stadium, professional in all aspects as a footballer. I’m sorry to see him go but he deserves his chance, Duk could learn lots from him. I know it's early doors but I think despite some of the new faces, a replacement will be needed, but he’s a tough act to follow.

Michael: I would say give Alfie Bavidge a chance from the bench up until Christmas and reassess then. We have goals coming from all over the park now and it's clear to see a developing style and patterns of play.

George: We have seen many great centre forwards at Pittodrie, there’s too many to name, but Miovski was right up there with the best. His one-on-one record is second to none and he scored against the best defenders Celtic and Rangers had available.

Peter S: He has scored some amazing goals from getting in the right place and keeping calm. I think with Ester Sokler we have a replacement right there and the way we are playing now and the new additions to the squad will provide the service he'll need. We've got Pape Gueye, Bavidge and Peter Ambrose. Another striker would be good.

Justin: It'll be very tough to replace Miovski. We bought an amazing striker whose eye for goal was outstanding, so it may take time to come close to finding the next Aberdeen legend, I regret to say.

Steve: Miovski always playing with a smile on his face will be my lasting memory of him. He has to be up near the top of goalscorers, but there’s only ever been one king, Joe Harper. Others like Hans Gillhaus, Frank McDougall, Charlie Nicholas and Adam Rooney all left their own mark at Aberdeen. Sokler is an adequate replacement for the number nine role.

Graham: Top striker but better than that he "got" being an Aberdeen fan. He handled himself with great humility and always made time for the fans. His best goal was against Rangers at Hampden into the roof of the net, Allan McGregor did not move, it was disallowed but sublime skill.

Ross: Miovski’s goal against Celtic at Pittodrie was a real highlight, you knew he was going to score as soon as he broke free! Adama Sidibeh from St Johnstone would be a great signing, he could as well go on to make the club some money.

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Now Bojan Miovski has moved on, will Aberdeen be dipping into the transfer market for a new striker?

Scott McDermott, chief football writer with the Sunday Mail, expects Jimmy Thelin to bolster his frontline as he looks to build on the unbeaten start to his Pittodrie tenure.

"They've got money in the bank now and I'm sure they'll go and sign another striker, certainly before the transfer window closes," McDermott told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I don't think it will take away from the brilliant start that Thelin has had at Aberdeen.

"Don't get me wrong, without taking anything away from him, I think the fixtures at the start of the season have been quite kind to him.

"This weekend [against Queen's Park] is another one I fully expect them to win at home to get into the League Cup quarter-finals.

"That would cap a terrific start for him as manager despite Miovski's exit."

Aberdeen could bank up to £9m following Thursday's sale of striker Bojan Miovski to Spanish La Liga club Girona. (Press & Journal), external

Jonny Hayes, the 37-year-old wing-back who became a coach with Celtic's B team after leaving Aberdeen and retiring from professional football, has turned out for Bishopbriggs-based St Mungo amateurs in the Caledonian League. (Glasgow Times), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Bojan Miovski has thanked Aberdeen fans for a "wonderful two years" and says he is now the club’s biggest supporter.

The North Macedonia striker has earned the Dons a club record fee - reportedly £6.8m – by moving to Girona, who finished third in La Liga last season.

In a message on social media,, external Miovski said: "Hello Aberdeen fans. First I want to thank you all for the wonderful two years that I spent in this great club, fantastic city and [with] amazing people.

"You made me feel like home, you made me improve myself, especially in being a strongly confident footballer with you because I always knew that you believed in me no matter what.

"From my side I always gave every atom of my spirit, so I can at least try to give back what you give to me. You taught me how to fall in love with the club.

"Thank you very much on that and I will always be grateful you gave me this support in my two-year journey in Aberdeen.

"Continuing that, I'll be your biggest supporter and I wish the boys all the best this season and in the future. Once a Don, always a Don."

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The draw for the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup will take place on Sunday after the Celtic v Hibs tie, which kicks off at 15:00 BST.

The draw will be shown live on Premier Sports following their coverage of the game from Parkhead.

All quarter-final ties due to be played on the weekend of September 21-22.

Gone, but never forgotten.

As Bojan Miovski departs the Granite City for Girona after a two-year spell, he is assured of a place in the hearts of Dons supporters.

The North Macedonia striker netted on his Aberdeen debut, in a League Cup win over Raith Rovers, and finished that debut campaign with 18 goals.

Last term he upped his impressive form and scoring rate, reaching a 26-goal haul despite the team's struggles in a campaign where they failed to finish the Premiership top six.

Miovski leaves for a club record fee having scored 44 goals overall in 98 appearances, 91 of them starts.

There's much more to his skill-set than just unerring finishing prowess though. His link-up play, aerial ability and calmness in front of goal are all attributes that help make Miovski the player he is.

Relive some of the 25-year-old's best moments in a Dons shirt - and his emotional Pittodrie farewell - by clicking the play button above.

Bojan Miovski's move to Girona has gone through after weeks of speculation, with the Pittodrie club receiving a club-record fee for the North Macedonia international.

What is your favourite memory of Miovski in an Aberdeen shirt, and where does he rank in terms of the club's best ever strikers?

The 25-year-old clearly leaves big boots to fill. Do the Dons have a replacement already at the club ready to step up, or do they need to reinvest some of the fee to bring in a marquee striker signing?

Tell us your views here, external.

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The funds generated from Bojan Miovski's sale can help strengthen Aberdeen in both the short and long-term future, according to the club's chief executive Alan Burrows.

Miovski has joined Spanish La Liga side Girona, with Aberdeen receiving a club-record fee for the North Macedonia international.

The 25-year-old scored 44 goals for the Dons in 97 appearances after signing from Hungarian side MTK in 2022, and became a hugely popular figure at Pittodrie.

Burrows wants to use Miovski's departure as part of a Scandinavian-inspired strategy to help Aberdeen "regularly punch above their weight".

"Bojan has been a magnificent number nine for Aberdeen and although we are clearly sad to be losing him, we’re also delighted that he has achieved such an exciting move," Burrows said in a statement.

"He deserves it, and we thank him for his significant contribution.

"The deal is also a good one for the club and further strengthens the player trading strategy adopted and driven by Dave Cormack and the board over a number of seasons.

"This model means a club will plan to invest much more each season in football wages and transfer fees compared to what it brings in as income from the likes of season tickets, hospitality and retail.

"It obviously relies on deals like Bojan’s, where all the proceeds are being reinvested in our football department. We will work hard to develop this further, whilst constantly reviewing and benchmarking ourselves against similar clubs across Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, who are doing it very effectively and are regularly punching above their weight.

"We have already added six players in this window and our recruitment department, together with the manager, continue to explore ways to strengthen the squad between now and the end of the month."

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Topi Keskinen will be a great addition to Aberdeen's attack and can provide "calm" in forward areas, according to former Rangers and Dundee striker Rory Loy.

The 21-year-old signed for Aberdeen earlier this week, becoming manager Jimmy Thelin's sixth summer signing.

Keskinen played twice against the Dons in the Conference League for HJK Helsinki last season, and left a lasting impression on Loy.

"I was impressed with him," Loy told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"He was very good at arriving at the back post late when the attack was going down the other side.

"He relieved pressure by getting up the pitch, he's a good runner with the ball but he was also calm in possession which you don't often see from wingers like him.

"He was always a threat, always willing to go forward, always showing for the ball."

Liam McLeod
BBC Sport Scotland Commentator

There was much excitement among the Aberdeen support when a highly-rated North Macedonia forward was unearthed while playing for a struggling MTK Budapest side in the Hungarian top flight.

MTK would be relegated that season but that scouting trip goes down as one of the best the Dons have undertaken. It was certainly the most profitable.

Bojan Miovski was signed for around £600,000. It has proven to be the best money the club has invested.

That mission also produced the signing of Miovski’s team-mate, Albania midfielder Ylber Ramadani, who was sold for a seven-figure fee 12 months ago to Lecce.

A year on, Miovski will hand the Dons a club-record incoming transfer fee that hasn’t been seen for an outfield player in Scotland outwith Celtic and Rangers.

Indeed, only Craig Gordon’s £9m switch to Sunderland from Hearts in 2007 will eclipse it when Miovski completes his expected move to Spanish side Girona.

This move, in particular, has seen Aberdeen’s signing strategy come to spectacular fruition and the club has to be commended for bringing in serious money for outgoing players in recent years, be it through this method or their youth academy.

Of course, the emotional scenes following Sunday’s victory over St Mirren laid bare what the Dons fans will miss. Miovski has scored some important goals amid the 44 he has hit, including three at Hampden Park in the latter stages of cup competitions.

Although he leaves without a winners’ medal, the 25-year-old will stand tall within the pantheon of Aberdeen heroes down the years thanks to the impact he made.

Steve Archibald, Frank McDougall, Zoltan Varga, Hans Gilhaus and Charlie Nicholas were all mavericks who enthralled the Dons fans and Miovski will be almost impossible to replace for the kind of money that took him to Pittodrie.

It’s not often a player leaves a club in this manner and Miovski was visibly emotional as he waved goodbye to a support that hero worships him. The lure of La Liga and the Champions League will have been impossible to turn down.

But Aberdeen are better placed to deal with the hole that will be left in the squad now than they were even six months ago, and with a substantial injection of cash to go with it.

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Aberdeen have agreed a £6.8m sale for Bojan Miovski, 25, to join Girona on a four-year deal. (Record), external

Miovski will travel to Spain on Wednesday as Aberdeen prepare to bank £6.75m for the striker. (Sun), external

Meanwhile, Aberdeen intend to activate 26-year-old striker Adama Sidibeh’s £500,000 release clause with St Johnstone before the Perth side's Scottish League Cup last 16 meeting with Rangers this weekend. (Football Insider), external

There have been no bids for St Johnstone forward Sidibeh. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip