Former Buddy appointed to Dons role

by Liam Duncan

Aberdeen FC has today announced the appointment of a senior SFA community coach.

Steven Sweeney has been introduced into the role.

Sweeney moves to the Dons after being with St. Mirren and the SFA in a similar role.

The position with Aberdeen opened up after Jim Crawford announced his retirement.

There was a large amount of interest from around the country in what was thought to be one of the best coaching roles available in Scotland.

Sweeney brings with him a vast knowledge of the game, and is also fully qualified in the children’s and youth game.

Speaking of the role, Sweeney stated he was "delighted" to be appointed, and plans to work closely with Jim Crawford.

"Moving up to Aberdeen is a massive step for me. I’ve known Jim for a number of years and hope to continue to work along side him.

"Aberdeen is a big club in Scotland and my role is to get as many youngsters interested in the club as possible."

Sweeney’s main role involves working closely with the community in Aberdeen to promote the club and football in general.

A vast range of programmes have been made available to children in Aberdeen city and shire which focus on enjoying the game.

Sweeney also hopes to work closely with the Youth Academy at Aberdeen who he thinks is one of the "best in the country".

Sweeney said: "I know from my time at St. Mirren how Aberdeen youth teams play and I’ve always been impressed with their style of football.

"The skills programme that’s been introduced by Jim has worked wonders with the boys here and the really are advanced from the rest of the country."