Matchday 18 – Dundee Utd / Matchday 19 – Hibernian
It’s our final AFC DONScast of 2025.
As we prepare to ring in the New Year, it feels like a moment of mixed emotions for the Red Army. On the pitch, the festive fixtures didn’t quite deliver the gifts we were hoping for.
We started the final stretch with a 1–1 draw against Dundee United at Pittodrie. It was a special occasion—Graeme Shinnie’s 400th Premiership appearance—but despite dominating possession and a well-taken equaliser from Jesper Karlsson, we lacked that final cutting edge to turn one point into three.
Things got tougher in the capital tonight. The 2–0 defeat to Hibs was a hard pill to swallow, defined largely by “what-ifs.” A clinical counter-attack hurt us, but the controversial VAR decision to chalk off Kevin Nisbet’s equaliser was the turning point. As we discuss on the podcast, the reaction on the DonsTalk forums has been fierce, with plenty of heat landing on the dugout regarding tactics and substitutions.
With January 1st around the corner, attention turns to the squad. Jimmy Thelin has remained tight-lipped on Graeme Shinnie’s future, though the captain has made his desire to stay, clear.
Meanwhile, Vicente Besuijen is back in training after his loan spell, and we are looking at a defensive injury crisis with Tobers out for the season.
Despite the sour end to the year, 2025 will go down in history. It was a year of transition and rebuilding, but most importantly, it was the year Aberdeen lifted the Scottish Cup. That triumph at Hampden in May proved that this team can deliver on the big stage.
As we look ahead to 2026, starting with a trip to Falkirk and a massive clash at Ibrox, the challenge is clear: turn that potential into consistency.
Thank you to everyone who has listened to the AFC DONScast this year. It has been our busiest year yet, and we appreciate every single listener.
Have a Happy New Year, stay safe, and Stand Free! 🔴
