The long haul from mid – November through to the winter break in January has traditionally seen a good run from the Dons and this term, they’ll be attacking it from their new training base out at Cormack Park.

One player who’s especially pleased about that is Ryan Hedges, for reasons not merely connected to the improved facilities.

“I live out in Banchory, which is about a 45 minute drive to Pittodrie, but a lot closer to the training ground which is nice! It’s cut my journey in half! Before I signed, I was told it would be ready for September, but we are in it now.

“The whole club understands the importance of a really good top facility, not just for the first team but the youngsters as well. They can see that the club has real ambition. They are putting a lot of money into youth development as well as the first team and you can see that there is a pathway at Aberdeen.

“That’s really important because I know from my own background at Everton and Swansea, that you need to see that opportunity at the end of it all when you are a youngster.

“I was with Everton for seven or eight years. They are a club who do things the right way. The grounding I had at Everton got me to where I am now. The coaching staff really had a positive effect on the way I play and the player I have become. Looking back, it was a really great experience.”

The Development Don interview is with Luc Bollan whilst there is a Former Player’s Feature with Theo Snelders who was inducted into the AFC Hall of Fame last week. Plus, our usual columnists, our extensive history and stats sections.

76 pages packed with AFC stuff! All this for still only £3.00.

Buy a copy online

Order Red Matchday Issue 11 | please click here

Wednesday’s souvenir programme will be available to buy in and around the ground, plus copies will be available in the AFC Club Shop.