Joseph Teasdale and Dylan Ross are the latest Aberdeen Development Players to agree new contracts.
Dylan, who turned 18 this week, and Joesph who turns 18 in July, prospered under Aberdeen’s new player development policy which saw them go out on loan and enjoy very successful seasons with Kelty Hearts, Cove Rangers and Elgin City. After a brief summer break, the two will return to Cormack Park next month and look to build further on the promise they showed last term.
Aberdeen announced its first ever Co-operation partnership with SPFL League 2 club Elgin City last summer and Dylan, who signed his first professional contract on 23rd June 2024, was one of three players who initially joined them. The left-back, or left-centre-back, who also captained the Aberdeen U18s this season, battled his way into the starting XI at Borough Briggs and went on to make 32 appearances for Elgin, scoring two goals. He also netted once for the Aberdeen U20s across his five appearances in the Scottish League Challenge Cup.
Joseph, who is originally from Elgin, also signed a professional contract on 23rd June 2024. At the start of season 2025/26 the Club announced that Joesph would be joining Kelty Hearts as a part of another Co-operation partnership, before signing a similar arrangement with Cove Rangers in January. That partnership saw the winger spend the second half of the season closer to home. He made 22 appearances for Kelty Hearts, 13 for Cove Rangers and also played in all the Aberdeen U20 games in the Scottish League Challenge Cup.
Academy Director Stuart Glennie is full of praise for the performances of Joseph and Dylan this season and the hard work they have put in.
“Both of the players have earned their contract extensions. It is great for the Youth Academy graduates to make another important step. They will be provided with opportunities to train with the first-team and it is important they show the qualities that we know they have.
“Josie has developed with loans to two clubs this year, firstly with Kelty Hearts and then Cove Rangers. Between these two clubs and representing the Aberdeen Development team in the Aberdeenshire Cup and Shield competitions and the KDM trophy, Josie has accumulated over 3,000 minutes with involvement in over 40 matches. Scoring 12 goals with six assists is a great return for someone at such a young age. Josie is a quick, direct, attacking player. The aim for Josie next year is to continue to develop technically and tactically, and that will then lead to an increased number of starting appearances in league football.
“Dylan has had a great season on loan at Elgin City where he has accumulated over 4,000 playing minutes between Elgin and Aberdeen, with four goals and four assists from a left-back position. Dylan had to show real character to fight his way into the starting XI at Elgin, and that culminated in a great run of games for Dylan in an Elgin team pushing for a play-off spot. The aim next season is for Dylan to continue to develop defensively and look to compete at an even higher level in Scottish League football.”
Central defenders Jamie Mercer and Lewis Carrol, midfielders Aaron Cummings and Zak To, and winger Jack Searle also all agreed deals to remain at Cormack Park next season as they continue their football journeys with the Dons.
