Former Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne has departed the club’s board after an extraordinary 32-year association with the Pittodrie organisation.
Milne first joined as a director in 1994, progressing to vice-chairman three years later before being appointed chairman in 1998.
Dave Cormack succeeded him in the chairman role in 2019 and has paid a warm tribute to the house-building magnate upon his departure.
Cormack said: “After more than three decades of service to the club that he loves, Stewart has decided it’s time to step down from the board.”
He continued: “Throughout that time, Stewart provided strong leadership and direction to navigate Aberdeen FC through some of the most challenging periods in our recent history.”
Cormack added that Milne’s “wise counsel, determination, drive and dedication have never wavered, and he has always acted in the best interests of our club.”
The current chairman noted he was “delighted he agreed to remain on the board after stepping down as chairman almost seven years ago” and confirmed a tribute would follow in due course.
Milne reflected positively on his lengthy tenure, stating: “It’s been a real honour and privilege to have served Aberdeen for so long.”
He acknowledged there had been “many highs and lows” during his time, but said the club had “always found a way through” despite challenging periods.
Among the highlights Milne cited were winning the Scottish Cup, delivering the new training ground at Cormack Park, and significantly increasing turnover through commercial and fan engagement initiatives.
The outgoing board member spoke warmly about the relationships he had built, saying he had made “lifelong friendships at the Club and across Scottish football.”
Milne expressed gratitude toward fellow directors and staff, praising the “incredibly loyal and hard-working people in and around Pittodrie and Cormack Park” throughout his time at the club.
He stated his belief that “the time is right for me to make way for fresh blood to help the board steer the club over the next period.”
Despite stepping away from boardroom duties, Milne was clear that he intends to remain a presence at Pittodrie, attending as many games as possible going forward.
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