The 116th Aberdeen Football Club Annual General Meeting took place at Pittodrie Stadium on Monday 16th December 2019.

About 200 shareholders were in attendance to see Chairman Stewart Milne officially handing over the reins to Dave Cormack.

The now ex-Chairman, who will continue to have a part to play on the board as a non-executive director, was given a standing ovation and thanked for his efforts.

The formal business saw six resolutions passed which had been notified to shareholders in advance.

Director Gordon Buchan paid tribute to the former Chairman:

“Having seen Stewart’s contribution to the club at close quarters throughout his time as a director, and particularly as Chairman, I would like to say a few words of acknowledgement and thanks, both personally and on behalf of the club.

“Inevitably more recently the focus on Stewart has been about the length of time he has been in office but to measure his contribution at the club merely in terms of longevity would be certainly to diminish his achievements.

“In the first place the qualities he has brought to the club are the same ones that have brought success to his own business: A keen intelligence, ambition, determination which is off the scale; an ability to develop relationships within and out with the club. A willingness at all times to challenge the conventional ways of doing things and an open mind to new ideas. Composure when things don’t go as planned. A willingness to consider and often to accept different views but the ability then to act decisively. And the ability to identify qualities in those he works with to encourage and help them to develop those qualities and to ensure they receive the plaudits for any success they achieve. He never shirks the responsibilities of leadership, but he is always quick to recognise and give credit for the contributions of others.

“Using football terms, he is a leader but also a team player.

“Secondly, he has devoted an enormous amount of time to the club and on occasions to Scottish football in general without ever seeking recognition for that. I don’t know anyone who has worked harder than Stewart has done.

“And thirdly he has contributed a significant financial contribution to the club. More than anyone else he has bore the responsibility of providing and sourcing funding for the club. I know that responsibly has weighed heavily on him over the years.

“When times were tough for Scottish football, there is no one more you wanted fighting your corner.

“The training ground facilities will act as a lasting legacy of Stewart’s Chairmanship.

“And it is the club’s good fortune that Stewart is staying on the board and is still up for the fight. So while it is by no means the end of his involvement, it is fitting we acknowledge his fantastic contribution over 25 years which he can be rightly proud of.”

An emotional Stewart Milne then spoke to the audience:

“There are just a few people I would like to thank before finishing up.

“First of all – Duncan Fraser. After 17 years Duncan has decided this is the right time to stand down. Duncan has played a key role in the progress the club has made over the years. Thankfully Duncan is leaving behind a strong team headed up by Rob Wicks and Kevin McIvor. I would like to thank Duncan personally for all the support I have received from him over the years.

“There are three directors standing down tonight – Ian Jack, Duncan Skinner and Craig Brown. Again, I would like to express my sincere thanks on behalf of everyone at the club. We have benefited greatly from all their knowledge and experience and the commitment they have made over the years.

“I would like to formally welcome to the board Darren Eales and Tom Crotty. I have no doubt that Darren and Tom will bring a great deal to the club and I looked forward to working with you going forward in my role as non-executive director.

“A big thanks to Derek, Tony, the backroom staff and all the players for the progress they continue to make on all fronts. Last season was another successful one, so near to winning another trophy and a sixth successive year in Europe. Over the past six seasons Derek has built a great platform and combined with the new facilities at Cormack Park, and the new links with Atlanta United, I think it gives us every reason to believe that we can continue that journey towards a top 100 UEFA club.

“Thanks to all the management and staff for the commitment you make to this great club. The time, effort you put in is not always full appreciated out there.

“And to the shareholders and fans, I knew we test your resilience from time to time but you have stuck with us. I would like to give a heartfelt thanks for your support. It is vital and really appreciated.

“I have mixed feelings stepping down, but I feel very privileged and proud having had the opportunity to lead the club for over two decades. It has been a real honour, albeit, pretty challenging at times. But it has also been a real privilege.

“Finally, thanks to Dave for taking on the role.

“You have taken on a huge commitment, but I have no doubt that you are up for it. You bring a great deal to the role. You are taking over the reins with the club in good shape but there are still some really big challenges which lie ahead. I am confident with your drive, determination and business experience, over the next five to eight years, will see the club move to another level. Everyone here in the room tonight will be 100% behind you.

“I wish you good luck and every success.”

 

Then Dave Cormack spoke to the shareholders for the first time as Aberdeen FC Chairman.

“I can tell you that I would not be here today unless it was for Stewart and the board.

“They have nurtured us through 15 years of difficult times, a wilderness where we had to deal with the debt we had. But we dealt with it, we did it in a responsible way. We paid all of our creditors and during the last six years, which we have mainly been debt free, our turnover has gone from £7.5 million to close to £16 million.

“The values and ethics of this club have been with us for the last 116 years and our integrity is there. It is there because of Stewart. Not just leading the club, but also the financial commitment.

“He will not thank me for saying this, but for many a year (around March) it was Stewart who put his hand in pocket and put in a few £100,000 to see us through to the summer. He has never asked for anything back.

“He will continue to give his time which we will need, especially with the planning permission and the new stadium.

“Myself and my guys coming in from Atlanta, have this platform to take the club on thanks to Stewart.”

The press conferences which then followed the AGM are available to watch on RedTV.