Latest news with #Dons'
Daily Record
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Mats Knoester ranks Aberdeen Scottish Cup win above league title joy and reveals 'fast' contract extension decision
The defender previously got his hands on a league title with Hungarian side Ferencvaros Mats Knoester admitted lifting the Scottish Cup with Aberdeen will live with him forever and was a money can't buy experience. The Dutchman had previously won the league with Ferencvaros but reckons ending 35 years of Dons' frustration made this one even bigger. Knoester made the perfect start to his Pittodrie career, as within five months he had helped Jimmy Thelin 's side to beat Celtic and deliver their first trophy in 11 years. The enormity of it all didn't hit him until he saw the Granite City turn into a sea of red and white as it celebrated their Scottish Cup homecoming. Knoester said: 'It is hard to describe in a few words, it has been amazing. ' 'The expectations of a lot of people were not high, but in the team you felt we believed in it and then to see everybody explode, the city and the stadium was amazing. 'You could feel it was very big at the game but maybe a bit more after. Also, the days after the parade almost everybody was out. I didn't know so many people were living in Aberdeen because the streets were full. 'You can definitely see that it means a lot and it is so nice. You can't buy that experience. It has to be in a club, like the soul of the club. It is an experience for life.' Knoester admitted why his Aberdeen medal edges out his Hungarian success. He claimed: 'A trophy is always nice, but the way of winning the trophies was different. 'At Ferencvaros, there is an expectation that you have to win it. That is a whole different experience and there was pressure all season because it was a league. This was a cup and it was a few games. 'The emotions after winning the Scottish Cup meant a lot more. That was logical because it had been 35 years. 'Ferencvaros it has been six years in a row. I am not going to downgrade the trophy in Hungary because it was my first and special, but this one was a different type of trophy and different emotion. It was very special.' The 26-year-old was rewarded over the summer with a contract extension until the summer of 2029. He admitted it was an easy decision. The Aberdeen star confirmed: 'I was quite fast that we agreed. 'I had a good half year with a great ending, of course. If I take that away and look at how I got here and was welcomed, for me and my family, it has been really good. There weren't a lot of things to agree on the contract.' Knoester is back at it, as the Dons prepare to get going again in their pre-season training camp in Portugal. He stated: 'It is good to get started again. The break was important as well, I am not going to lie. It was good to get a good rest but I am ready to get going again. 'It is good to know everybody better and it is good to get to know the new boys. It is intense but you need to do it to get to know each other as quickly as possible.' Aberdeen have already brought in Nicolas Milanovic, Nick Suman, Kusini Yengi and Emmanuel Gyamfi. Manager Thelin is an important factor in getting his squad to gel. Knoester confirmed: 'He is a good people person. I enjoy working with him. Also, not all his meetings are about football. They are about life and the philosophy that can also bring a team together. 'There is also more important stuff, more than football and tactics to bring a team together or to get an understanding with each other. It has been a good cooperation with me, the team and Aberdeen.' It is about gearing up for a fast start, with some big opening challenges in the Premiership and in their Europa League qualifier. They open up away to Hearts and host Celtic before they play their European play-off games, which will determine whether it is group stage football in the Europa League or the Conference. Knoester can call on his own group stage experience at Ferencvaros. 'It is really nice,' Knoester, speaking to RedTV, insisted. 'I have played there and now I have the chance to play Europa League games again. 'It is very nice for me and everybody else at the club. It is a big thing to play in Europe and it is an amazing stage to show as a club and individuals. It is a great thing to add to Aberdeen for this season.'
Daily Record
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Shayden Morris on his unseen Aberdeen inspiration from Raheem Sterling and brutal advice from Scotland hero
The season ended in Scottish Cup glory for Morris but he is already gearing up for next season Shayden Morris has been studying footage of Raheem Sterling in his prime in a bid to shine for Aberdeen on the continent. The winger was one of the Dons' main players last term, helping them to Scottish Cup glory after being named their player of the year. That followed the 23-year-old Englishman working hard on the defensive side of his game under Jimmy Thelin. But Morris has also taken steps to add more creativity and finishing touches by watching England winger Sterling at the top of his game at Manchester City for tips. A Europa League assault looms for Dons while Sterling and his Chelsea team-mates are Champions League bound. Londoner Morris said: 'I still watch old Raheem Sterling clips from the Man City days to study his movement. 'I want to improve on that so, even before games, sometimes I'll study him. 'He has pace but he's also got the skill to make the most of that, so I'm trying to add stuff that he did. 'I like to think I'm slowly getting better at that so I can help the team as much as possible.' It coincides with the former Fleetwood youngster moving to a new agency, where he can lean on former Scotland international Robert Snodgrass for on-field advice. Morris added: 'I've got a good support system around me with my agent Joe Bolger as we do a lot of analysis. 'Also, Snodgrass is part of the agency and we do a lot of stuff together as well. He was a winger and quite a technical player, although he didn't have as much pace as me. 'In fact, he told me 'I didn't have your pace but I've got the other side of the game'. 'So if he can help me with that other side, hopefully I can merge into something really special.' The Dons hierarchy remain in discussions with Morris and his representatives over a contract extension. His deal is up next summer and talks have been ongoing for several week, with Thelin hoping an agreement can be thrashed out. His season may have ended only a week-and-a-half ago but the Pittodrie favourite cannot wait to return to playing group stage games when Dons go into the Europa League play-off round knowing they are set for regular games in either that tourney or the Conference. Morris was involved at that play-off stage two seasons ago when Barry Robson's side lost out to BK Hacken. He then missed the majority of the Conference League group stage games due to injury. Now he is determined to ensure both he and Aberdeen make their mark. He said: 'I played in the two Hacken games, then I got injured but got back for the win over Eintracht Frankfurt. 'It was massive to be in the side who beat them as they are a big name in Europe and it was a moment to remember. 'Hopefully I can go into it fully fit and create more of those memorable nights for the club. 'It was hard for me last time. I even missed the travelling to the away games because I was working so hard to get back fit. 'So I would even look forward to that side of playing in European football.'
STV News
03-06-2025
- Business
- STV News
Aberdeen announce extension of defender Mats Knoester's contract
Aberdeen have extended the contract of defender Mats Knoester following their Scottish Cup success. Knoester, who joined the club in the winter transfer window, was player of the match in the Dons' dramatic win over Celtic at Hampden, capping an impressive start to life as an Aberdeen player. The 26-year-old signed a two-and-a-half-year contract when he made the move from Ferencvaros in February but the Pittodrie club have moved swiftly to tie him down on a new deal that runs until 2029. Aberdeen say Knoester 'played a crucial role in the team's recent success and the new deal reflects the club's commitment to building a strong, stable squad for the future.' The defender said everything felt in place for his time at the club to be a success and he was happy to commit his long-term future to the Dons. 'The past few months have been very positive for me and since day one, my family and I have been made to feel very welcome,' he said. 'I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. 'Extending my contract feels like the right thing to do. The club has fantastic infrastructure, passionate supporters, and a clear direction for the future.' Manager Jimmy Thelin said: 'Mats has been an outstanding addition to our squad, both on and off the pitch, since his arrival at the start of the year. 'Securing his services for the next four years is a significant step for us as we continue to build a competitive team capable of competing on all fronts next season. We're pleased that Mats sees his long-term future here at Aberdeen.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Jack Milne on his Celtic feeling before completing Aberdeen rise from proud fan to Scottish Cup winner
The Dons' academy graduate was in the crowd as the triumphant Dons' team paraded the League Cup in 2014 Local lad Jack Milne admitted lifting the Scottish Cup and making history with Aberdeen made it the best day of his life. It was a dream come true for the lifelong supporter who progressed through the academy and straight into the Pittodrie history books. The 22-year-old was also an unlikely hero as he came in for his first start since December and played a key part as Jimmy Thelin went with a 3-5-2 formation for the first time that nullified Treble-chasing Celtic. Milne said: 'I honestly can't put it into words. I've said already, it's the best day of my life. It's the club my family and I, all my friends, have grown up supporting. To go and win this, it's just incredible. 'It means everything to all of us. We know the history of the club. It's a massive club and that comes with responsibility and pressure. 'But pressure is a privilege – and we've turned up and made history.' The versatile defender, who signed a new deal earlier this season, didn't know he was starting until a few hours before kick-off. But since then he has seen his friends and family savour Aberdeen's first Scottish Cup win in 35 years on a weekend that culminated in the squad going down Union Street on an open-top bus on Sunday. Milne had been on the streets as a fan and aspiring Dons youngster after Derek McInnes' side lifted the club's last trophy, the League Cup, in 2014. He revealed: 'Yes, I was there. I would have been in the academy. I was at the bus parade but I can't remember too much about it. 'I officially knew I was starting on Saturday but I had a feeling all week. We did a lot of stuff on the shape, tactical stuff, and I was doing a lot of that so I had a bit of an inkling. 'We practised on it (a three-man defence) all week. He (the manager) said in the (earlier) meeting that we're going to change it. 'I just saw the teamsheet. The feeling was just excitement. I just wanted to go and win the game, that was the most important thing. But putting on a good performance and to come away with the trophy, that was the best.' Aberdeen were written off in most quarters but Milne's hotel room was 100 per cent sure the Cup was going back to the Granite City. He said :'I was sharing my room with Dante (Polvara) and I was just saying, 'Look, this is our moment.' All of us, every single player in there believed we could go and win. 'I know a lot of people didn't, outside noise, thinking we were going to get turned over but we turned up and proved a point. 'It's been an up-and-down season and we've taken some heavy defeats from Celtic. But even the heavy defeats, if you watch the game early, they could have gone either way. 'I remember the game at Celtic Park and we missed two, three golden chances early on and then we found ourselves 3-0 down. 'But it was one of those where we would soak up pressure, try to hit them on the counter and just take our chances.' Milne was unable to see out the game because of cramp and didn't want to be the villain of the piece. He said: 'Yes, cramp. It tends to happen. I haven't played as much football recently and I was completely gone by the 90th minute. 'It was one of those, I kind of had to make a decision. I was thinking, 'I'm not moving very quickly here.' I was running like I was in quicksand So I just knew that was me done.' It meant he had to watch the extra-time and penalties from the bench, struggling to see it out until Dimitar Mitov's final save. He laughed and said: 'Horrible. I couldn't stomach it. I felt sick. I couldn't watch the penalties. I was looking at the floor, looking everywhere but the goal. I did see Dimi's final save... between my fingers. 'It was a bit funny, trying to block my eyes, but I saw both of them. I think with him saving that first one it gave us a real boost and that was brilliant.' There was the glory and a medal but also the added bonus of European group stage football to look forward to next season. Milne got a taste of it two seasons ago, playing against sides such as Eintracht Frankfurt, and is keen for another go at it. He said: 'Delighted. It was our objective at the start of the season. I know we technically got European football with fifth place in the qualifiers. 'But to go and make sure we're guaranteed Europe is special, that was our objective.'
Press and Journal
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen fan view: The Dons' humble hero speaks the truth after an unforgettable afternoon
'I'm not the hero. Everybody involved here is a hero.' The first recorded words of the man who completed Aberdeen's staggering Scottish Cup triumph were characteristically humble. Truer ones, though, won't often have been spoken. Dimitar Mitov's impeccably rehearsed goalkeeping – and as inch-perfect a set of shootout penalties as have ever been taken – will be the images replayed throughout eternity. But the towering stopper is correct to establish that they may never have taken place at all without an unstinting, unflinching effort from everyone responsible for carrying out the Dons' gameday plan. On the field, there were those who gave more than they had for longer than they could. Titanic two-hour shifts from Graeme Shinnie, Alexander Jensen, Mats Knoester and, after his brief, unscheduled visit to the bench, Ante Palaversa. Others who went as deep as their legs could withstand, before making way for new legends arriving midway to reinforce the campaign. In the dugout, an extraordinary turn to the pragmatic by the ice-cold Jimmy Thelin and a hard-working staff who staged a revolution in less than a week. In the background, those who pressed the case for so many Dandies to be able to experience the moment; and those fans themselves for creating a seething, surging wall of scarlet noise both in the stadium and in the city to see their winners home. Above it all, those who implemented and funded the project. And even those who designed and selected the team's kit, its chessboard pattern, mirroring the iconic strip of 1990, foreshadowing both the victorious end to the season and the nationality of the man who smashed in its final, decisive goal. Though nobody else in the land could see, it was hidden in plain sight. Aberdeen's fabulous fate, literally woven into the very fabric of the club. What a game. What a day. What a club.
