On Saturday 3rd September (2.00pm kick off) a team of Aberdeen FC Former Players, led by Russell Anderson, will take on a team of AFC supporters in the inaugural AFCCT Challenge Match at Harlaw Park in Inverurie.
The match will raise funds for those who were affected by the flooding throughout Inverurie and Ballater earlier this year.

We can now reveal the AFC FPs squad that Russell has assembled:

Barry Robson, Paul Sheerin, Robert Connor, Mark Perry, Chris Clark, Darren Mackie, David Rowson, Jamie Buchan, Scott Thomson, Eugene Dadi, Dougie Bell, Steve Tosh, Andy Roddie, John Gardiner, Stephen Beckett, Malcolm Kpedekpo, Colin Milne, Robbie Hedderman, Russell Anderson.

Russell told RedTV:

“The idea of the game goes back to a conversation I had with one of my ex-team mates, Steve Tosh. He suggested it was something we should consider doing as the AFC FPs had never really played a game before. It is something a number of clubs such as Hearts do on a regular basis and they seem to be pretty successful.

“In terms of the game next Saturday, we thought we would put the match on as well as trying to raise some money for some local good causes. There are three charities that will benefit – The AFC Community Trust will be one of them because they are doing a lot of work behind the scenes to help arrange the game. They have been working closely with the Former Players Association and I am hoping that it is an arrangement that will continue to develop over time. We are trying to engage with the supporters and give them some kind of access to the Former Players.

“It would be nice if we could do more FP events and use the ex-players. They are great ambassadors for the club and they have great experience. We should listen to them as we could learn a lot. They are all very proud to have played for the club. As I say it would be nice if we can do more events so the supporters can get a chance to speak with them.

“The two other charities are the flood victims of Inverurie and also Ballater. It is a while since we were hit hard by the severe weather back at Christmas time but I know a lot of people were affected by it. There are a lot of good causes out there but these are the ones we picked this time. I am hoping this will be the first of a more regular fixture in the calendar so next time we will perhaps chose another charity.

“I am pleased with the squad. Over forty Scotland caps between us so there is a bit of experience! There have been a few surprise responses. Most of the guys I have played with at some point during my time at Pittodrie; the likes of Darren Mackie, Chris Clark, David Rowson and Jamie Buchan. A couple I have not. We have a good spread of players from different eras. How many of them will actually manage to complete 90 minutes I am not so sure! So I hope we have enough people so we can get through the game.

“Mark Perry has already said he is willing to play the full game so I am delighted about that!

“We also have a couple who have just retired such as Barry Robson and Paul Sheerin is still fit so they should be ok. Hopefully with the two of them dominating midfield it will allow the likes of myself to sit at the back and enjoy the afternoon. There are a few others who have indicated that they might not last the whole match. I will not name names!

“Quite a few of the boys will not have come across each other before so it will be a good opportunity for them to get to know each other. Also it will be a chance for others who have not seen each other for a long time to catch up.

“It is fantastic to get Dougie Bell up to play. Hopefully we will get a wide range of supporters, a few older ones who remember Dougie playing and they can educate the younger generation on how good a player he was. I don’t remember Dougie playing, my first memories of the Dons were the League Cup finals in the late 1980s and the JVC strips so I do remember seeing Bobby Connor in action. Like Dougie, another very good player.

“I have no doubt we will need a strong referee with some of the boys involved!

“As for me personally, as long as I don’t need a physio on the day I will be happy! I am really looking forward it. I am also running in the Dandara 5k and family fun day at Hazlehead Park in the morning so I think I could be a bit sore on Sunday!

“For the managers, we have Craig Brown and Joe Harper. Craig will look after the players and Joe has kindly agreed to come along to manage the fans team. We will formally announce the supporters team next week when we present them with their strips.

“We also hope to have a few ex-players in amongst the crowd. There are a few who won’t be able to play for various reasons but will still come and meet some of their ex-team mates and the fans.

“It has been a lot of work organising the match and time consuming but I am sure it will be worth it. Hopefully we get a good turn out and it is a nice day. I would like to think we can raise some money for some good causes.”

Ticket Info

Cash turnstiles will be available on the day.

Tickets for the match are available to purchase from the Pittodrie Ticket Office, Bar Loco’s at Harlaw Park and Edwards Bar both in Inverurie. Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £3 for under 16s.

Hospitality

Supporters can also enjoy matchday hospitality at Harlaw Park with the following package available:
12.00: Complimentary Bar
12.15: Silver Service Three Course Meal with wine followed by tea & coffee
Half Time: Pie, Tea & Coffee
Final Whistle: Complimentary Bar
£75 per person

To book or for more information please contact Debra Christie on debra.christie@afccommunitytrust.org or by calling 01224 650 474.

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