Aberdeen Football Club’s ambitious £40million stadium plans has won all-star backing – and a wave of support from fans.
Gothenburg greats and Manchester United and Scotland legend Denis Law have hailed the proposed move to the west of the city as the way forward for the Dons.
And a senior city councilor said it was a key part of an ongoing £1billion investment in the city.
Yesterday, the Press and Journal exclusively revealed details of Aberdeen FC’s plans to leave Pittodrie and move to a greenfield site at Kingsford, between Kingswells and Westhill.
The new all-covered, all-seated stadium would become Scotland’s most modern football ground, and club chiefs hope it will be built within three years.
Dons sources said the sale of the Pittodrie site would be “absolutely crucial” to funding the new £40million stadium and training facilities.
They added that with the team doing well on the pitch, and finances healthy after the club’s debts were wiped out in 2014, money would be easier to secure than in more austere times for the Reds.
Last night, Mr Law said while he was sad to potentially see the end for Pittodrie, the Reds home since their formation in 1903, the new arena was the “way of the future”.
He said: “Pittodrie has always been home to Aberdeen Football Club and of course the whole history of the club is wrapped up there.
“But if this leads to better facilities for the spectators and the club it’s got to be welcomed.
“Hopefully the new training facilities can get some of the young boys through the ranks and who knows maybe get some great players for Aberdeen.”
Last night members of the Dons team which beat the mighty Real Madrid in Gothenburg in 1983 to lift the European Cup Winners. Cup, also gave their backing to the stadium plan.
Gordon Strachan, now manager of Scotland, commented as he revealed the national squad for upcoming matches against Italy and France.
He said: “Everybody has to move on. I think there is West Ham moving on.
“I think it will be exciting as well so good luck to them.”
Mark McGhee, another Gothenburg great and former Dons boss, said: “There are fantastic memories at Pittodrie but I think the people of Aberdeen deserve a modern arena with great facilities.
“Boosting young talent is the only way (Aberdeen) can challenge or keep challenging the Old Firm going forward.”
Neale Cooper said that while he would miss Pittodrie “things had to move on”.
He said: “It will be great for supporters with the new bypass so close.
“I will miss (Pittodrie), I’ll miss going down to games and obviously have great memories of being on the pitch.
“But they’ve made a decision and that can only be welcomed after the plans have been discussed for such a long time.”
Aberdeen City Council finance convener Willie Young, a former SFA referee, said the development would be an important part of “diversifying” the region’s economy.
He said: “When you look at developments like the harbour expansion, the new AECC, the city deal funds and now the stadium – that adds up to £1billion.
“Having a good team with a great stadium provides a big boost to the city and if you think about those developments they aren’t directly related to oil so are important in diversifying our economy.”
Local Independent councillor Andy Finlayson said: “It’s an exciting development for residents to the south of the city.”
Kincorth-Nigg-Cove councillor and SNP group leader Stephen Flynn warmly welcomed the new development last night.
He said: “Aberdeen fans and members of the public will be happy to see the new stadium within the city boundaries.”
No decision will be made on the plans until a 12-week public consultation has been carried out.
