The Club can confirm that captain Russell Anderson will be playing in the Premiership next season after agreeing to join newly promoted Sunderland after ten years as an Aberdeen player.

Pittodrie Director of Football Willie Miller commented. "While it's a blow to lose a player of Russell's ability, we always knew that if he was going to move, it would be to the Premiership. There was interest from other clubs and another offer on the table, but from a Championship side, and that was knocked back by both the club and the player.

"As part of the deal, Russell was due a fee but he's relinquished that, in order that it goes towards youth development here at Aberdeen. As a product of that system himself, he is well aware of its importance, and that's a magnificent gesture from him!

"The fact that we've secured a seven figure deal for Russell is, while disappointing from a football perspective, one that from a business aspect, extremely difficult to turn down. Russell wanted to go and, as a club we cannot really deny him the chance to play against some of the best players in the world and the challenge that comes with that. I'm sure the move will also further his international career and everyone here at Pittodrie wishes him well."