We can now reveal the final line up for the Former Dons Players team taking on the Red Army in the second AFCCT Challenge Match at Balmoral Stadium on the 29th of June.  Former Dons assistant manager, Willie Garner has will have a strong side on display against the supporters and we can now reveal the remaining squad members.

The Challenge Match will be supported by APEX Tubulars, ESWL, Central Coaches and Village Hotel with proceeds going to the AFCCT and Befriend A Child, the chosen charity of our hosts Cove Rangers.

Robert Connor

Born in Kilmarnock, Connor was brought in from Dundee in 1986 and helped win the cup double three years later. Amassing 263 appearances for The Dons and four Scotland caps, the midfielder was instrumental of that cup winning side and also for the team that came so close to winning the title in 1991. Signed for his hometown team in 1994 and retired at Queen of The South in 1998.

Darren Mackie

Another who came through an exciting youth side at Pittodrie in the early 2000’s, Darren Mackie was a mainstay at Pittodrie despite being plagued with injuries and scored 58 goals. As a 19-year-old he scored the winner in a famous victory over Celtic at Pittodrie, a goal in which he tackled goalkeeper Rab Douglas before blasting home from close range. Mackie’s away goal in Ukraine against Dnipro earned Aberdeen passage into the group stages of the UEFA Cup and his services were awarded with a testimonial at the start of his final season at Pittodrie against La Liga side Villareal.

Scott Severin

‘Seve’ was Jimmy Calderwood’s first signing at Pittodrie in 2004 and the former Hearts midfielder proved a very good acquisition. A versatile player who predominately played in the middle of the park before moving back as centre half and was made captain of the club when Russell Anderson left in 2007. Severin popped up with a number of crucial goals in his time in Aberdeen including a fantastic 25-yard strike against Rangers on the final day to help secure European football. Sadly, Scott’s career was cut short due to injury whilst at Dundee United after suffering a triple leg break in 2011.

Brian Irvine

Big Brian remains one of the most loved Aberdeen players of all time after his heroics during his career at Pittodrie. Signed by Alex Ferguson in 1985, he had to be patient for his chance as the undroppable McLeish and Miller were first in line in The Dons defence. He was able to force his way into the team and had an eye for goal, incredibly netting 40 times. The most famous goal was the 1990 Cup winning penalty when Dons daft Brian slammed home in the shootout to beat Celtic 9-8 on spot kicks.

Chris Clark

Another to graduate from the successful youth team of the early 2000’s, Chris Clark established himself as a regular at The Dons under Steve Paterson and Jimmy Calderwood. Rarely out of the team the tricky winger was a fans favourite and played his part in securing European football in 2006/07 before joining Plymouth Argyle the following year after an excellent campaign. He would play three seasons at Home Park before returning to Pittodrie in 2011. Injuries plagued the veteran in his final two seasons and he left Pittodrie in January 2014, signing for Cove Rangers.

David Rowson

This years Former Players side is full of AFC Academy graduates and David Rowson completes the line up with the midfielder taking his place alongside his former teammates. The midfielder made 156 appearances for his hometown team including starting the 2000 Cup Final against Rangers at Hampden. In a difficult period for the club, Rowson was heavily involved under Ebbe Skovdahl and would go later on to play for Stoke, Partick, Northampton and Stenhousemuir.

Willie Falconer

Came through the ranks of the Youth Academy in the early 1980’s, Falconer played 102 times for The Dons scoring 17 goals. The striker’s football was limited due to the strong competition and he left for Watford in 1988 going onto have a stellar career in England before returning to play for Celtic and latterly Motherwell and Dundee.

The full list of Former AFC Players line up is as follows:

Willem Van Der Ark

Russell Anderson

Paul Mason

Kevin McNaughton

Derek Young

Dougie Bell

Robert Connor

Darren Mackie

Darren Young

Scott Severin

Chris Clark

Brian Irvine

David Rowson

Willie Falconer

There will also be guest appearances from The Chairman, Stewart Milne and lifelong Dandy, broadcaster and friend of the club, Richard Gordon at some point of the match depending if their fitness holds out! Former goalkeeper Theo Snelders will also be in attendance on the evening, but will not take part in the match.

 You can still purchase tickets for the big game here and there will be cash turnstiles available on the night at Balmoral.