Matchday 12 – Hearts
This week’s AFC DONScast delivers one of our biggest episodes of the season, kicking off with Scotland’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After a roller-coaster qualifying campaign, the national side sealed their spot on the world stage with a dramatic 4–2 win over Denmark at Hampden Park—Scotland’s first World Cup qualification since 1998. A monumental night and the promise of epic adventures ahead.
But there’s little time to dwell on international glory as domestic action resumes with Aberdeen back at Pittodrie to take on Hearts. Both sides entered the match with plenty to play for, and we had manager Jimmy Thelin’s thoughts pre- and post-match.
There’s major activity behind the scenes too. New Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel has touched down in Aberdeen, outlining his vision for the club in an extended RedTV interview. And in a significant move, Darren Mowbray—a key figure behind several of the club’s biggest recruitment successes—has returned to Pittodrie to help shape the January transfer window. Contract discussions with Graeme Shinnie and Dante Polvara are also on the horizon.
Off the pitch, Aberdeen confirmed Commercial Director Robbie Hedderman will depart early next year to become CEO of Shamrock Rovers, following a period of record-breaking commercial growth.
The club also posted another strong set of financial results, generating £21.7 million despite no European football last season. Record crowds, retail income, and player sales helped offset the European shortfall, underscoring continued progress across the club.
We also round up how the Dons performed during the international break, with standout contributions from Dylan Lobban, Dimitar Mitov, Topi Keskinen, and others across youth and senior national squads.
Transfer talk continues as Aberdeen monitor Kilmarnock midfielder David Watson, while a unique community moment saw Graeme Shinnie and the Scottish Cup visit his former school, Loirston Primary.
There’s also court news following the incident in which Jack MacKenzie was struck by a stadium seat fragment in May, with a guilty plea now entered.
Supporters will see some matchday changes next month as the club trials alcohol sales in the Richard Donald Stand Lower for the home match against Kilmarnock, part of wider efforts to enhance the matchday experience.
Commercially, Aberdeen have launched a new three-year partnership with BrewDog Distilling Co., including limited-edition Red Army-branded LoneWolf Gin and Abstrakt Vodka.
In the wider Scottish game, we cover the weekend’s results across all divisions—including a win for Hibs, a late victory for Celtic, and strong performances across the Championship and League 1. The Highland League delivered drama too, with wins for Clachnacuddin, Brechin, Buckie Thistle, and Wick Academy, while several fixtures fell victim to the weather.
We also check in with Aberdeen Women ahead of their match against Montrose, including pre-match insight from Maddie Finnie.
Looking ahead, European football returns to Pittodrie on Thursday as the Dons welcome FC Noah in the Conference League, followed by a St Andrew’s Day trip to Livingston.
With December set to be a hectic month across all competitions, stay connected via our socials @AFC DONScast across Facebook, X, Threads, and Bluesky—and join the discussion on Donstalk.
It’s a packed episode from start to finish. Join us for a DONScast double next week as we bring you reaction from both FC Noah and Livingston. Thanks for listening—and Stand Free.
