For generations of Aberdeen supporters, the regular pilgrimage to Pittodrie has been a well-trodden path to see the Dons. The current matchday experience at Pittodrie is far removed from what our forefathers witnessed. Not that their passion was any less vociferous than we see today. Certainly, in an era when football followers were more reserved and gentile, at Pittodrie there were no shortage of supporter engagement.
From Pittodrie being closed for two weeks due to the referee and Celtic players being ‘stoned’ in 1908 to the day when ‘thousands of bonnets’ were thrown in the air’ after Aberdeen had hammered Rangers at Pittodrie in 1955, a game that had the Dons on the brink of a first league championship, the fire and passion has endured amongst the Aberdeen support.
In those bygone days the staple attire for Dons supporters evolved from coats and flat caps to scarves and ‘toories.’ If it was a cup match and that special occasion a red and white rosette was essential.
In terms of any flags and banners it was not until the 1960s that anything became visible at Pittodrie. A new breed of supporter was emerging; young, passionate and willing to sing their hearts out and literally ‘fly the flag.’ For decades the King Street End as it was known back then was the covered area of terracing ever since 1934 and extended in 1965. That area became the place for the younger support to congregate and make the noise. It was in that King Street End that the first ever flags were seen at Pittodrie other than the ones that were proudly flown from the flagpole there.
It is perhaps symbolic, certainly traditional that the King Street End is now the Red Shed, a dynamic hive of activity on a match day.
In the summer of 2024, the Fans Project was launched, to help create and unite Dons supporters in a collective effort to enhance matchdays at Pittodrie. The Fans Project would transform the stadium into a fortress of colour, energy and atmosphere. The Fans Project also support activities at away matches and support the Women’s and Youth teams.
The project works to build funds to be used to finance planned displays and events. From the launch in 2024 Supporter Experience Manager Stephen McCormick declared; ‘I see the Fans Project as a real game changer for the Dons support and it is something that has never been done in the UK. It is like how a well-oiled European fan Group is set up, where it helps not only the colour and experience in the stadium, but also families in the community. Over the year’s fans have kindly donated to ad-hoc requests but there has always been a race against time to get the funds raised and materials ordered. Having the funds in place will make a real difference to the whole matchday experience, as well as creating special moments for fans who struggle to get to games.’
The initiative was boosted by the creation of a working committee from across the fanbase.
Chairman of the Fans Project Andy Forbes added; ‘The purpose of the Fans Project is to make Pittodrie the best atmosphere possible, to maximise support for the team and create an atmosphere for fans to be proud of. Aberdeen Football Club means everything to me, it’s what I was brought up with and I am delighted to be part of this committee. We can make a real difference here.
The Fans Project can be contacted via [email protected]
Fans Project Committee:
Jason Harris – Northern Golf Club Supporters Club Secretary.
Erin Grieve – Dons fan based in Edinburgh and solicitor.
Andy Forbes – Dons fan and location director of Wallace Whittle.
Marie MacDonald – Dons fan and nursery manager at Middlefield Community Project.
Daniel Ostry Kurpinski – Dons fan from Poland now living in Aberdeen, a Red Shed regular!
Shona Peattie – Dons fan and secretary of Aberdeen FC Disabled Supporters Club.
Matt Coull – Dons fan behind many Tifos and fan activations, notably the incredible STAND FREE display at Hampden.
Bob Bain – Dons fan and treasurer for the Fans Project, also Treasurer for AFC Heritage Trust, and Managing Partner at Hall Morrice Chartered Accountants.
Mark Russell – A proud volunteer for Aberdeen FC Community Trust, helping to facilitate the SAMH men’s mental health programmes “Changing Room” & “Extra Time”.
Mark Elrick – also known as Dolly Digital, responsible for creating the matchday programme covers.
Ryan Grant – Lifelong Dons fan who enjoy enjoys taking his kids to the Family Area
