Aberdeen director of football Steven Gunn to 'seek new challenge' after 25 years at Pittodrie

Aberdeen have announced that director of football Steven Gunn will leave the role next month to “seek a new challenge” after more than two decades at the club.

A statement released on Tuesday revealed that Gunn, who was appointed to the DOF position in 2021, will end a 25-year spell at Pittodrie in October.

He decided to seek a new challenge in the aftermath of the Dons’ Scottish Cup Final victory in May.

David Lawrie, who made 34 appearances as a player for the north-east club in the 1980s, will take over as director of football on an interim basis until a replacement is appointed.

He has previously held positions at FC Nordsjaelland in Denmark and San Diego FC in the States and has been a non-executive director at the Dons since February.

Gunn said: “In the aftermath of the cup win in May, I spent a lot of time thinking about my journey with Aberdeen and what the future might hold.

“I believe now is the right moment to seek a new challenge in my career.

“I’ve been with the club for over a quarter of a century and was incredibly proud to be appointed director of football in 2021.

“Looking back, I’ll always cherish moments such as the cup wins in 2014 and last May, competing regularly in Europe with group stage football on three occasions, and finishing second and third in the Scottish Premiership.

“I’m also proud of the player trading model we have built, which has brought significant success in recent years.

“But I recognise that both the club and I will benefit from a fresh approach.

“When I spoke with (chairman) Dave Cormack and (chief executive) Alan Burrows in the summer, we agreed this was the right time.

“At the same time, I was happy to stay on to lead the club through the summer transfer window and help ensure a smooth transition before a successor is appointed.

“It has been a great honour to serve Aberdeen FC for so many years. I am deeply proud of the club we have built and what we have achieved together, and I wish everyone connected with the club every success for the future.”

Chairman Dave Cormack added: “It goes without saying that we are hugely grateful to Steven for his unparalleled commitment and contribution to Aberdeen FC over so many years.

“He has been on an extraordinary journey with the club and can be incredibly proud of everything he has achieved. We have shared some wonderful memories together, both on and off the pitch.

“Steven and his family will always be welcome at Pittodrie, and we have no doubt he will go on to enjoy great success in the next stage of his career.

“For our part, we are already fully committed to a thorough recruitment process, informed by best practice from across the game, to ensure we find the best possible candidate for this vitally important role within the organisation.”

The Dons are currently bottom of the Premiership, with just one point after five games.

They host Motherwell in the League Cup quarter-final on Saturday as they look to reach Hampden once again just five months on from their penalty shoot-out victory over Celtic.