No-one would ever accuse Stewart Milne of wearing his heart on his sleeve but there was a lump in his throat as he presided over Aberdeen’s 116th annual meeting – and his last as chairman – at Pittodrie last night.
That his final meeting passed without incident should come as no surprise but it is doubtful Milne expected his voice to waver with emotion. It was clear the standing ovation from the shareholders in recognition of his two decades of service also tugged at his heartstrings.
But that was what Milne’s final meeting as chairman was – a night to pay tribute.
The path travelled has not been an easy one, as he readily admits, but it was clear when addressing those in attendance that the pride and love for his club remains strong even as he steps aside to let Dave Cormack take charge.
Milne said: “Yes I have mixed feelings but I feel very privileged and proud to have had the opportunity to lead the club I love for over two decades. It has been a real honour, albeit pretty challenging at times.
“Finally Dave, thanks for stepping up and taking on the role, You have taken on a huge commitment but I’ve no doubt you are up to it. The club is in good shape but there are still some big challenges ahead.
“I’m confident with your drive and experience we will see the club move to another level in the next five to eight years.
“I wish you good luck. I’m now passing the buck. Anything which happens from now is over to Dave.”
The questions, of which there were few in the 55-minute meeting, were not taxing. Indeed, the most probing one was aimed at manager Derek McInnes when he was asked about Stephen Gleeson’s future.
The midfielder has played one minute as a substitute in an injury-plagued campaign and the Dons boss confirmed the former Ipswich man plans to move on next month.
McInnes said: “We are giving him encouragement to move on in January. He is back training and has been injured since the start of pre-season. The ideal window to move him to get regular football would have been July and August but it wasn’t possible.
“From Stephen’s point of view, he would like to find a club down south in January. There is nothing sinister but we would like to include players who are part of the plans here. Until then he is a paid player and will remain under consideration.”
Milne’s decision to step back leaves Cormack with the task of leading the club into a new decade but the incoming chairman told the shareholders the impact of his predecessor should not be underestimated.
He said: “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Stewart and the board.
“We have dealt with the debt, paid all of our creditors and the last six years we have been largely debt free.
“March is the low time every year due to season ticket monies not coming in and I’m sure Stewart won’t thank me for this but it was Stewart who put his hand in his pocket for a few hundred thousand every year.
“The reality is our value, ethics and integrity are there because of Stewart.”