Aberdeen FC is delighted to confirm the appointment of Stuart Glennie as the Club’s new Youth Academy Director.

Stuart, who re-joined the Dons in the summer of 2023 as Head of Academy Coaching, will now lead the Youth Academy forward to maintain and develop existing programmes, while reinforcing and enhancing the Club’s standing as the best developer of talent in Scotland.

The highly-respected coach previously worked as the Performance Coach for the Scottish FA Performance School at Hazlehead Academy for 11 years and during his time there he oversaw the coaching of some of the Performance School’s most highly rated prospects who subsequently went on to earn professional contracts with the Dons.

Currently in the process of completing his UEFA Pro License, Stuart has coached across various Scotland men’s youth national teams in recent years, and in 2022 took charge of the Under-16s and the newly-created Scotland Under-15s sides.

A former community coach with Aberdeen, he was co-manager of Highland League side Deveronvale FC for two and a half years following a playing career which included six years at Forfar Athletic.

Commenting on his appointment, Stuart said: “It’s a real honour for me to be appointed as AFC Youth Academy Director.

“As a lifelong fan of the Club I understand the importance and have a real passion for developing young players.

“We’re fortunate to have one of the best academies in the country, and I am going to be relentless in the Club’s pursuit to be the best developer of young talent.

“I look forward to building on the fantastic work already achieved and pushing forward to maintain the pathway to the first team, helping to fulfil our wider footballing ambitions.”

Director of Football, Steven Gunn added: “Since his arrival last summer as Head of Academy Coaching, Stuart has made significant strides in the review and development of the coaching curriculum at the Club and he has proven himself the outstanding candidate to lead the Academy forward.

“The Academy has continued to perform strongly from a performance perspective, with the Under-18s reaching the Youth Cup Final and having an opportunity to win their Youth League, the Under-16s also going for a league title whilst both they and the Under-13s have national cup finals to look forward too.

“Of course, the success of the Academy will continue to be judged on the progress of players to the First Team, and the focus on individual development that has been a hallmark of Stuart’s success as a coach and player developer until now, we expect will add significant value to our pathway now and in the future.”

RedTV | Interview with Stuart – please click here