2018–19 Aberdeen F.C. season

Aberdeen
2018–19 season
ChairmanStewart Milne
ManagerDerek McInnes
GroundPittodrie Stadium
Scottish Premiership4th
Scottish League CupRunners-up
Scottish CupSemi-final
Europa LeagueSecond qualifying round
Top goalscorerLeague:
Sam Cosgrove (17)

All:
Sam Cosgrove (21)
Highest home attendanceLeague: 20,027 vs Celtic
26 December 2018
Cup: 20,313 vs Burnley
Europa League
26 July 2018
Lowest home attendanceLeague: 12,252 vs Livingston
11 December 2018
Cup: 7,857 vs
Queen of the South
Scottish Cup
10 February 2019
Average home league attendance14,924

The 2018–19 Aberdeen F.C. season was Aberdeen's 106th season in the top flight of Scottish football. Aberdeen also competed in the League Cup and the Scottish Cup.

Aberdeen also competed in qualifying for the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League.[1]

Summary[edit]

May[edit]

On 14 May, Scott McKenna & Graeme Shinnie were called up to the national team.[2] On 28 May, Gothenburg Great Neale Cooper died at the age of 54.[3] On 29 May, Graeme Shinnie made his full Scotland debut, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 defeat to Peru.[4]

June[edit]

On 1 June, Lewis Ferguson officially joined the club, although the compensation fee still had to be sorted between the Dons and Hamilton Academical.[5] On 2 June, Scott McKenna, in his fourth game for Scotland, was made team captain in a 1–0 defeat to Mexico. Graeme Shinnie also earned his first start for Scotland.[6]

On 5 June, Chris Forrester joined the club from Peterborough United for a fee believed to be in the region of £150,000.[7][8] On 12 June, the club announced that their Pre-season training camp would be taking place in Ireland and the club would play a friendly against Cobh Ramblers.[9] On 14 June, defender Anthony O'Connor joined Bradford City on a three-year deal.[10] After his release from Ipswich Town, Irish International Stephen Gleeson signed on a two-year deal.[11]

On 15 June, the season league fixtures were announced by the SPFL, with the Dons starting at home to Rangers, with the game being live on TV on 5 August at 1pm.[12] On the same day, the Dons announced a pre-season friendly at home to English Championship club West Bromwich Albion.[13] On 20 June, the Europa League Second Qualifying Round draw[1] was made and the Dons were drawn against English Premier League club Burnley.[14][15] It was the first time the Dons played English opposition in Europe since Ipswich Town in 1981.

On 25 June, Executive Vice-Chairman George Yule announced that he would be leaving his role following major surgery, said to be "a prostate cancer scare" but he explained he was "heading towards full recovery".[16] On 26 June, Scotland Under-21 International Daniel Harvie, who was released last season as he wanted regular football, signed for Ayr United.[17]

July[edit]

On 3 July, the start of the construction phase began on the New Aberdeen Stadium.[18] On 8 July, after the 2–2 draw against St Johnstone,[19] the Dons took the decision to cancel the friendly on 11 July with Inverness Caledonian Thistle due to "a number of fitness concerns within the first team squad".[20][21]

On 11 July, goalkeeper Danny Rogers joined St Mirren on a season long loan deal.[22] On the same day, former Hearts defender Krystian Nowak joined on trial.[23] After being on loan last season,[24] Dominic Ball rejoined the club again for a second season-long loan spell.[25]

On 15 July, the friendly match between the Dons and Cove Rangers was abandoned after 50 minutes due to a severe head injury to Cove Rangers player Jordon Brown.[26] After sustaining an injury in the match,[27] the Dons announced defender Mark Reynolds was ruled out until the end of the year having to undergo knee surgery.[28]

On 19 July, striker Adam Rooney left for newly promoted National League side Salford City for a reported fee of £375,000.[29][30] He scored 88 goals in 197 appearances for the club.[31] The transfer led to Accrington Stanley owner Andy Holt accusing Salford, and most notably Gary Neville, of "buying" a place in the English Football League, with Rooney reportedly due to earn £4,000 per week at Salford.[32] Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson also accused Neville of "lacking etiquette" after discussing his club's transfer business and "blew them away with money" to get the deal done.[33]

On 22 July, Austrian goalkeeper Sebastian Gessl joined on trial after leaving German side Karlsruher SC.[34] On 25 July, the Dons signed both Goalkeeper Tomáš Černý, on a one-year deal after his release from Partick Thistle, and defender Tommie Hoban, on loan from Watford with the club having the option of recalling him in January 2019.[35]

August[edit]

On 2 August, the Dons were knocked out of UEFA Europa League at the Second qualifying round stage against Burnley.[36] Even though with defeat, the Dons were praised by Burnley fans by creating a great atmosphere at both matches.[37]

After his actions after the match last season against Celtic, defender Shay Logan was suspended for the first 3 matches of the league season beginning on 5 August, against Rangers, Dundee and St Mirren.[38] On 8 August, defender Scott McKenna was ruled out for 6 weeks with an injury picked up in the 1–1 draw with Rangers.[39] On 13 August, striker James Wilson joined from Manchester United on a season-long loan deal.[40]

After the 4–0 win in the League Cup against St Mirren, the Dons were drawn against Hibernian in the Quarter Finals, although at the time of the draw, it was not known whether it was Hibernian or Ross County.[41] On 20 August, compensation was agreed after a tribunal for midfielder Lewis Ferguson after signing him from Hamilton Academical with the fee being kept private and although the Dons felt they had "received a fair hearing", Hamilton wanted "The guidelines used in making the decision should be made available".[42]

On 22 August, the Dons rejected a £3.5m bid from Celtic for defender Scott McKenna, with manager Derek McInnes stating that McKenna would not be sold in the transfer window, and that another bid would be a waste of time.[43] Aberdeen valued the centre-half at around £10m.[44]

On 30 August, Max Lowe joined on loan from Derby County, initially until January 2019.[45] On 31 August, Jordan McGregor joined after being released from Airdrieonians and impressing on trial. He joined with the Development Squad.[46]

September[edit]

On Transfer deadline day, the Dons rejected a reported £7m bid from Aston Villa for defender Scott McKenna.[47]

On 1 September, Mikey Devlin was sent off by referee Craig Thomson after only 5 minutes in a 2–0 home loss to Kilmarnock.[48] The decision was appealed by the Dons[49] but was rejected by the SFA with manager McInnes stating that he was "extremely disappointed with this outcome"[50] and he later criticized the SFA for their "incompetency".[51] On 4 September, Bruce Anderson signed a new deal until 2021.[52]

After progressing through to the Semi-finals with a win against Hibernian (6–5 on penalties after a 0–0 draw after extra-time), the Dons were drawn to face Rangers.[53] Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty were suspended for them. Oddly, the venue was not chosen until a later date due to clashes with Celtic and the Europa League, with Murrayfield Stadium being a likely option due to the demand for tickets.[54] The following day, due to dismay expressed from the club and supporters,[55] the match with Rangers was due to take place at noon at Hampden Park.[56]

October[edit]

On 3 October, the League Cup semi final match with Rangers was changed to a 4:30pm kick off time after fans and clubs appeals.[57]

On 4 October, the SPFL suspended Scott McKenna for two matches after his challenge on Odsonne Édouard in the match against Celtic. The Dons appealed however it was rejected.[58] On 11 October, defender Scott McKenna came on a second-half substitute in a 2–1 defeat against Israel, marking his competitive debut for Scotland.[59] Subsequently, following this match due to call-offs, Michael Devlin and Gary Mackay-Steven were called up for the friendly with Portugal.[60]

Aberdeen reached the League Cup Final thanks to a late header from Lewis Ferguson against Rangers[61] with manager McInnes claiming "he was born to play at Hampden."[62]

November[edit]

On 6 November, Michael Devlin, Gary Mackay-Steven, Scott McKenna & Graeme Shinnie were all called up to the national team for the Nations League matches in Albania and at home to Israel.[63] However Devlin was injured in training before the Albania match and subsequently missed the League Cup Final.[64]

On 13 November, striker James Wilson was awarded Goal of the Month for October for his stunning strike against Hamilton Academical.[65]

December[edit]

On 2 December, former Dons loanee Ryan Christie scored the only goal in a 1–0 win in the League Cup Final against the Dons.[66] During the match, winger Gary Mackay-Steven suffered concussion in a challenge with Dedryck Boyata. He was down for 6 minutes and was taken to hospital[67] then later released.[68] Manager McInnes later said after the match, that he "intends to come back to another final with Aberdeen and I intend to win another trophy", with his only success with the club coming in the 2014 Final.[69]

On 5 December, the Dons won against Rangers at Ibrox with Scott McKenna scoring the only goal and having to play for almost 60 minutes with 10 men after Sam Cosgrove was wrongfully dismissed.[70] A few days after the match, Connor McLennan signed a new deal until 2021.[71]

Although the Dons lost their next match to St Johnstone, after this they had back-to-back wins against newly-promoted clubs Livingston and St Mirren respectively, propelling the Dons to a season-high so far of fourth in the table.[72] Sam Cosgrove's booking against Livingston for 'diving' was later rescinded.[73] On 21 December, despite holding talks over an extended stay, Max Lowe returned to his parent club Derby County in January.[74]

After the comfortable 2–0 win over Hearts, the two managers had a spat beginning with Craig Levein claiming after the match they should have had 2 penalties.[75] McInnes responded saying they "moan about this and that" but "the best team won".[76] Levein then claimed McInnes of "double standards" and him talking "tripe" and said he was "crying like a baby" in a phone conversation.[77] McInnes then responded again after the 4–3 defeat to Celtic saying Levein was "irrational and childish".[78]

The Dons completed the year with a win against Livingston, placing fourth in the table. It was also announced the club will have their winter training camp again in Dubai.[79] Later subsequently whilst in Dubai, striker Sam Cosgrove was awarded player of the month for December and manager Derek McInnes was awarded manager of the month for December.[80]

January[edit]

On 7 January, Sam Cosgrove signed a contract extension until 2022.[81] On the same day, youth defender Sam Roscoe extended his loan deal with Alloa until the end of the season.[82] On 8 January, Greg Tansey had his contract terminated with the club and later that day signed for St Mirren.[83] There was some confusion as to whether Dean Campbell had scored against Livingston in the away win, so the SPFL awarded Campbell with the goal, his first for the club.[84] The Dons concluded their winter training camp in Dubai with a 2–0 friendly win against Dibba Al Hisn, with Sam Cosgrove scoring both goals.[85]

On 17 January, Max Lowe rejoined the Dons on loan from Derby County until the end of the season.[86] On 18 January, after being on loan last season, Greg Stewart joined on loan until the end of the season from Birmingham City.[87] The Dons returned to action in the Scottish Cup with a lackluster 1–1 draw against bottom of League One side Stenhousemuir, however they won the replay 4–1.[88] On 22 January, summer signing Chris Forrester had his contract terminated by the club, sighting personal reasons.[89] He returned to Ireland, his native homeland, to play for St Patrick's Athletic.[90]

On transfer deadline day, Scott Wright joined Dundee,[91] Bruce Anderson joined Dunfermline Athletic,[92] and Mark Reynolds joined Dundee United[93] all on loan respectively, until the end of the season. The Dons also rejected bids for defender Scott McKenna and winger Gary Mackay-Steven.[94]

February[edit]

The Dons moved up to third in the table with a hard-fought 2–1 win at Easter Road against Hibernian, even with striker Sam Cosgrove and goalkeeper Joe Lewis going off with injuries.[95] Both players, however, were fit to play in the next match in what was a pulsating 4–2 home defeat to Rangers, with Alfredo Morelos (who was later given a 3 match ban after an appeal[96]) and Scott McKenna clashing with both men being sent off. It was the third time Morelos had been sent off against Aberdeen this season.[97] Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor was also given a possible 2 match ban for 'kicking' Lewis Ferguson.[98] McGregor was then given the 2 match ban.[99]

Even after a stunning goal from Stephen Dobbie, Aberdeen seen off Queen of the South with a 4–1 win in the Scottish Cup at Pittodrie.[100] They were drawn at home in the next round against the winner of either Kilmarnock or Rangers[101] with the latter winning in the replay. In the next league match, the Dons drew 2–2 at home to St Mirren.[102] During the match whilst broadcasting for BBC Scotland, Derek Ferguson (father of Lewis Ferguson) announced his son was set to sign a new deal with the club.[103] He signed on until 2024.[104] Defender Tommie Hoban was injured in the match and a few days later, he was ruled out until the end of the season through another knee injury.[105] He returned to Watford for treatment.[106]

Shortly after the 2–0 win away to St Johnstone, manager Derek McInnes announced that Shay Logan would be out with an ankle injury for up to three months.[107] The club later that day announced the signing of experienced defender Greg Halford until the end of the season.[108] Aberdeen ended the month with a home defeat to Hamilton Academical.[109]

March[edit]

On 1 March, Aberdeen FC's plans for the new £50m stadium were given the legal go-ahead.[110] The Dons Scottish Cup Quarter-final match with Rangers ended in a 1–1 draw but the match was marred with violence as 6 arrests were made and seats broken in the away section.[111] The replay took place on 12 March.[112] The Dons had a league match in between the Rangers matches, a 0–0 draw at Celtic Park. It was the first 0–0 between the sides since 1994.[113]

On 12 March, Scott McKenna & Graeme Shinnie were called up to the national team.[114] Niall McGinn was called up for Northern Ireland.[115] On the same day, the Dons won their Scottish Cup replay with Rangers 2–0 at Ibrox.[116] They will play Celtic on 14 April in the Semi-final at Hampden Park with a 2:00pm kick off.[117] Graeme Shinnie will be suspended for the match after picking up 2 yellows in the matches against Rangers.[118] The Dons League home woes continued after they were held to a 1–1 draw with Livingston.[119] The Dons ended March with their unbeaten away run coming to an end against Hearts at Tynecastle Stadium.[120] Tom Crotty who has invested in the club became a director.[121]

April[edit]

Aberdeen began April by winning their first home League match of 2019 with a 3–1 win against Motherwell.[122] The club announced that defender Mark Reynolds had agreed to join Dundee United permanently,[123] having initially joined them on loan in January.[93]

The Dons ended the pre-split fixtures with a 2–0 win against Dundee at Dens Park, with Sam Cosgrove scoring both goals taking his season tally up to 20.[124] The post-split fixtures were announced with the Dons away to Kilmarnock and Rangers, then home matches against Celtic and Hearts, and finishing the season at Easter Road against Hibernian.[125]

Scott McKenna was named captain for the Scottish Cup semi-final match against Celtic as normal captain Graeme Shinnie was suspended.[126] Shinnie, out of contract at the end of the season, was in talks with Derby County.[127] Aberdeen lost the match 3–0 exiting the competition, finishing the match with 9 men and with both manager and assistant being sent to the stands.[128] Dominic Ball was given a second yellow after a head challenge with Ryan Christie which left the former with a black-eye and multiple cheek fractures.[129] Lewis Ferguson was given a straight red for a tackle on Tom Rogic. Assistant head coach Tony Docherty was sent to the stand at half time and during the second half, manager Derek McInnes was also sent to the stand for appearing to hurl abuse at the Celtic fans, after they had allegedly sung a sectarian song about him.[130] Police Scotland looked into the incident but found no clear evidence and both were later charged by the SFA.[131] After the match, it was revealed Niall McGinn was out until the end of the season with an ankle injury.[132]

Their next league match seen them win at Kilmarnock, with the home side having three players sent off, although one was later rescinded.[133][134] Steve Clarke ranted at referee Steven McLean saying that "he should never referee Killie games again." He was later charged for his comments.[135][136]

On 26 April before the Dons next match against Rangers their manager Steven Gerrard claimed Aberdeen only raise their games against them, with McInnes dismissing these comments.[137] Defender Andrew Considine also signed a two-year contract extension with the option of a further year.[138] Aberdeen lost the match 2–0 with Rangers scoring two penalties, one of which Considine was sent off for conceding.[139]

May[edit]

On 4 May, Aberdeen lost 3–0 at home to Celtic, handing their opponents an eighth league title in a row.[140] Captain Graeme Shinnie announced he signed a 3 year deal on a pre-contract for Derby County.[141] He was also named in the Premier League Team of the Year, whilst Lewis Ferguson was nominated for Young Player of the Year.[142] On 10 May, the Dons won their final home game of the season with a 2–1 win against Hearts.[143] A few days after the match, back-up Goalkeeper Tomáš Černý signed a new one-year deal.[144]

On 16 May, the Aberdeen player awards took place. Ethan Ross was named Development Player of the Year, Lewis Ferguson was named Young Player of the Year and scored the Goal of the Season, Max Lowe was named Players’ Player of the Year, and Joe Lewis was named AFC Player of the Year.[145] The next day, Ethan Ross signed a new two-year contract.[146]

On the final day of the League season, the Dons came from behind to win 2–1 at Easter Road against Hibernian, however because Kilmarnock beat Rangers by the same scoreline, they finished the season in Fourth place.[147] Aberdeen received the final European place after Celtic won the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts.[148] In the close season, Frank Ross signed a new one-year deal with the option of a further year.[149]

Results and fixtures[edit]

  Win   Draw   Loss   Postponed

Pre-season[edit]

30 June 2018[9] Friendly Cobh Ramblers 0–1 Aberdeen Fota Island Resort, Cork, Ireland
14:00 BST AFC Report Forrester 62' Attendance: 250
4 July 2018[150] Friendly Aberdeen 1–0 Falkirk Gayfield Park, Arbroath
19:30 BST Ferguson 87' AFC Report Attendance: 922
Referee: Nick Walsh
8 July 2018[150] Friendly St Johnstone 2–2 Aberdeen McDiarmid Park
14:00 BST Wotherspoon 5'
Hurst 73'
AFC Report May 8'
Wright 28'
Attendance: 1,554
Referee: Alan Muir
15 July 2018[150] Friendly Cove Rangers A – A[N 1] Aberdeen Balmoral Stadium
13:00 BST Megginson 27' (pen.) AFC Report Logan 21'
Forrester 45'
Attendance: 1,250
Referee: Alex Shepherd
20 July 2018[13] Friendly Aberdeen 1–1 West Bromwich Albion Pittodrie Stadium
20:00 BST[151] Cosgrove 37' AFC Report
WBA Report
Livermore 43' Attendance: 6,257
Referee: Willie Collum
23 July 2018 Friendly Inverurie Locos 2–3 Aberdeen XI Harlaw Park
19:30 BST Gauld 52'
Souter 90'
AFC Report Brown 4'
Anderson 20'
Dangana 37'
29 July 2018[152] Friendly Arbroath 0–3 Aberdeen XI Gayfield Park
14:00 BST AFC Report Anderson 20' (pen.), 34', 48' Attendance: 443
Referee: Alan Newlands

Scottish Premiership[edit]

5 August 2018[12] 1 Aberdeen 1–1 Rangers Pittodrie Stadium
13:00 BST Ferguson Yellow card 65'
Devlin Yellow card 74'
Forrester Yellow card 88'
Anderson 90+3'
Report Morelos Red card 12'
Tavernier 30' (pen.)
Arfield Yellow card 74'
Goldson Yellow card 79'
Attendance: 19,046
Referee: Kevin Clancy
11 August 2018 2 Dundee 0–1 Aberdeen Dens Park
15:00 BST Kusunga Yellow card 74' Report Ferguson Yellow card 24'
Devlin Yellow card 33'
Gleeson Yellow card 50'
Mackay-Steven 75' (pen.)
Attendance: 7,581
Referee: Bobby Madden
25 August 2018 3 Hibernian 1–1 Aberdeen Easter Road
15:00 BST Hanlon Yellow card 36'
Stevenson Yellow card 52'
Maclaren 85'
Mallan Yellow card 89'
Porteous Yellow card 90+5'
Report Hoban 45' Yellow card 46'
Shinnie Yellow card 68'
Considine Yellow card 90'
Logan Yellow card 90'
Mackay-Steven Yellow card 90+5'
Attendance: 18,583
Referee: Andrew Dallas
1 September 2018 4 Aberdeen 0–2 Kilmarnock Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 BST Devlin Red card 5'
Ferguson Yellow card 54'
Shinnie Yellow card 83'
Logan Yellow card 87'
Report Power Yellow card 22'
Tshibola Yellow card 30'
Brophy 44' Yellow card 56'
Stewart 69'
Attendance: 14,248
Referee: Craig Thomson
15 September 2018 5 St Johnstone 1–1 Aberdeen McDiarmid Park
15:00 BST McMillan 13'
Craig Yellow card 18'
Alston Yellow card 66'
Swanson Yellow card 89'
Report Considine Yellow card 47'
McGinn 69'
Lowe Yellow card 70'
Attendance: 4,880
Referee: Willie Collum
22 September 2018 6 Aberdeen 1–0 Motherwell Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 BST Wilson 6'
McKenna Yellow card 76'
Considine Yellow card 89'
Ball Yellow card 90+2'
Report Aldred Yellow card 44'
Bigirimana Yellow card 77'
Frear Yellow card 86'
Attendance: 14,027
Referee: Nick Walsh
29 September 2018 7 Celtic 1–0 Aberdeen Celtic Park
15:00 BST Sinclair 63' Report Attendance: 59,143
Referee: Bobby Madden
6 October 2018 8 Aberdeen 4–1 St Mirren Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 BST Cosgrove 26', 65'
McLennan 30'
Lowe 41'
Report Flynn Yellow card 23'
McGinn Yellow card 45'
Jackson 76'
Attendance: 14,003
Referee: Alan Muir
20 October 2018 9 Hearts 2–1 Aberdeen Tynecastle Stadium
15:00 BST Djoum Yellow card 19' 36'
Godinho Yellow card 29'
Naismith 43' (pen.) Yellow card 71'
Morrison Yellow card 57'
Clare Yellow card 89'
Report Ball Yellow card 10'
Mackay-Steven Yellow card 20' 55' (pen.)
Considine Yellow card 36'
Devlin Yellow card 42'
Ferguson Yellow card 68'
Logan Yellow card 78'
Attendance: 18,051
Referee: Kevin Clancy
31 October 2018 11 Aberdeen 3–0 Hamilton Academical Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 GMT Shinnie 8'
Wilson 23'
Devlin 60'
Report Imrie Yellow card 78' Yellow-red card 90+2' Attendance: 12,365
Referee: Greg Aitken
4 November 2018 12 Kilmarnock 1–2 Aberdeen Rugby Park
12:15 GMT K. Boyd 32' (pen.)
Taylor Yellow card 35'
Broadfoot Yellow card 87'
Logan Yellow card 40'
Anderson 73'
Ferguson 87'
Attendance: 5,270
Referee: Bobby Madden
9 November 2018 13 Aberdeen 1–0 Hibernian Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 GMT Mackay-Steven 40' Report Porteous Yellow card 16'
Mallan Yellow card 60'
Milligan Yellow card 90'
Attendance: 15,629
Referee: Alan Muir[N 2]
24 November 2018 14 Motherwell 3–0 Aberdeen Fir Park
15:00 GMT Johnson 25', 30'
Turnbull 54'
Campbell Yellow card 84'
Report Ferguson Yellow card 87' Attendance: 5,131
Referee: John Beaton
5 December 2018 16 Rangers 0–1 Aberdeen Ibrox Stadium
19:45 GMT Morelos Yellow card 45+2' Yellow-red card 64'
Lafferty Yellow card 49'
McGregor Yellow card 89'
McKenna 7'
Cosgrove Yellow card 11' Yellow-red card 34'
Shinnie Yellow card 53'
Attendance: 49,711
Referee: Steven McLean
8 December 2018 17 Aberdeen 0–2 St Johnstone Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 GMT Shinnie Yellow card 30' Report Craig Yellow card 36'
Tanser Yellow card 56'
Shaughnessy 71'
Alston 74'
Davidson Yellow card 77'
Attendance: 13,304
Referee: Don Robertson
11 December 2018 10[N 3] Aberdeen 3–2 Livingston Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 GMT McGinn 9'
Cosgrove 57' Yellow card 63'[N 4]
Ferguson 90+2'
Report Halkett Yellow card 6'
Pittman 12'
McMillan 32' Yellow card 56'
Attendance: 12,252
Referee: Craig Thomson
15 December 2018 18 St Mirren 1–2 Aberdeen The Simple Digital Arena
15:00 GMT Jones Yellow card 30'
MacPherson 35'
Edwards Yellow card 37'
Hodson Yellow card 60'
Hammill Yellow card 78'
Report May 30' (pen.)
Ferguson Yellow card 37'
Lowe Yellow card 59'
Cosgrove 61'
Attendance: 4,699
Referee: Greg Aitken
18 December 2018 15[N 3] Aberdeen 5–1 Dundee Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 GMT Cosgrove 16', 44'
Considine 50'
McLennan 56'
O'Dea 73' (o.g.)
Ferguson Yellow card 75'
Report Woods Yellow card 56'
Ralph Yellow card 66'
C Miller 68'
McGowan Yellow card 77'
Attendance: 13,142
Referee: Nick Walsh
22 December 2018 19 Aberdeen 2–0 Hearts Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 GMT Cosgrove 2', 69' (pen.)
Logan Yellow card 63'
Gleeson Yellow card 71'
Report Mitchell Yellow card 65' Yellow-red card 86'
Haring Yellow card 66'
Naismith Yellow card 71'
Attendance: 16,451
Referee: John Beaton
26 December 2018 20 Aberdeen 3–4 Celtic Pittodrie Stadium
14:00 GMT May 24' (pen.) Yellow card 52'
McGinn Yellow card 38'
Cosgrove 83' (pen.) Yellow card 90'
Ferguson 90'
Report Sinclair 6', 76', 88' Yellow card 90+2'
Édouard 86'
Attendance: 20,027
Referee: Willie Collum
29 December 2018 21 Livingston 1–2 Aberdeen Toni Macaroni Arena
15:00 GMT Hardie 89' Report Wilson 71'
Campbell 85'
Attendance: 5,548
Referee: Steven McLean
23 January 2019 22 Hamilton Academical 0–3 Aberdeen Hope CBD Stadium
19:45 GMT McGowan Yellow card 16'
Gordon Yellow card 28'
Martin Yellow card 82'
Report Cosgrove 25', 52'
Logan Yellow card 51'
Ferguson 56' Yellow card 78'
Attendance: 2,104
Referee: Greg Aitken
26 January 2019 23 Aberdeen 0–0 Kilmarnock Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 GMT Shinnie Yellow card 29'
Ferguson Yellow card 45'
Report Dicker Yellow card 73'
Tshibola Yellow card 73'
S. Boyd Yellow card 75'
Power Yellow card 77'
K. Boyd Red card 82'
Attendance: 15,560
Referee: Nick Walsh
2 February 2019 24 Hibernian 1–2 Aberdeen Easter Road
15:00 GMT Shaw 9'
Hanlon Yellow card 10'
Kamberi Yellow card 62'
Stevenson Yellow card 83'
Report Considine 12' Yellow card 41'
Mackay-Steven 22'
Hoban Yellow card 73'
Attendance: 16,269
Referee: Don Robertson
6 February 2019 25 Aberdeen 2–4 Rangers Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 GMT Cosgrove 31', 47' (pen.)
Logan Yellow card 36'
McKenna Red card 55'
Ferguson Yellow card 78'
Report Morelos 20', 38', Red card 57'
Tavernier 43' (pen.)
Candeias Yellow card 70'
Arfield Yellow card 72'
Defoe 90+4'
Attendance: 19,190
Referee: Bobby Madden
Note: Game televised on Sky Sports football
16 February 2019 26 Aberdeen 2–2 St Mirren Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 GMT Ferguson 32'
Cosgrove 77'
Report Lyons Yellow card 16'
Nazon 20' (pen.) Yellow card 23'
McAllister 61'
Attendance: 14,701
Referee: Craig Thomson
23 February 2019 27 St Johnstone 0–2 Aberdeen McDiarmid Park
15:00 GMT Kane Yellow card 32'
Kerr Yellow card 71'
Foster Yellow card 79'
Report Shinnie 16', 75' Yellow card 67' Attendance: 5,092
Referee: Euan Anderson
27 February 2019 28 Aberdeen 0–2 Hamilton Academical Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 GMT Considine Yellow card 14' Report Oakley 34'
Miller 59' Yellow card 90+4'
McGowan Yellow card 63'
Attendance: 12,468
Referee: Bobby Madden
9 March 2019 29 Celtic 0–0 Aberdeen Celtic Park
15:00 GMT Boyata Yellow card 41' Report Stewart Yellow card 75' Attendance: 59,123
Referee: Craig Thomson
16 March 2019 30 Aberdeen 1–1 Livingston Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 GMT McGinn 30' Report Sibbald 43' Attendance: 14,366
Referee: Don Robertson
30 March 2019 31 Hearts 2–1 Aberdeen Tynecastle Stadium
15:00 GMT Clare 59' (Penalty)
Ikpeazu 77'
Report McLennan 16' Attendance: 17,880
Referee: John Beaton
3 April 2019 32 Aberdeen 3–1 Motherwell Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 BST Lowe 4'
Ball Yellow card 54'
McGinn 71', 90+7'
Report Hastie 36'
McHugh Yellow card 43'
Attendance: 13,228
Referee: Gavin Duncan
6 April 2019 33 Dundee 0–2 Aberdeen Dens Park
15:00 BST Report Cosgrove 59' (pen), 77' Attendance: 6,593
Referee: Andrew Dallas
20 April 2019 34 Kilmarnock 0–1 Aberdeen Rugby Park
15:00 BST Broadfoot Red card 36'
Findlay Yellow card 35' Yellow-red card 84'
Taylor Yellow card 48'
Boyd Yellow card 78'
McKenzie Red card 90+4'
Report Devlin Yellow card 8'
Cosgrove Yellow card 33'
McKenna Yellow card 48' 66'
Shinnie Yellow card 76'
Attendance: 6,531
Referee: Steven McLean
28 April 2019 35 Rangers 2–0 Aberdeen Ibrox Stadium
15:00 BST Defoe Yellow card 33'
Tavernier 48' (pen.), 80' (pen.)
Report Considine Yellow card 44' Yellow-red card 79'
Lewis Yellow card 81'
McKenna Yellow card 90+1'
Attendance: 49,667
Referee: Don Robertson
Note: Game televised on Sky Sports football
4 May 2019 36 Aberdeen 0–3 Celtic Pittodrie Stadium
12:30 BST Ball Yellow card 12'
Logan Yellow card 43'
Cosgrove Yellow card 68'
Report Weah Yellow card 21'
Ajer Yellow card 23'
Lustig 40'
Šimunović 53'
Édouard 88'
Brown Yellow card 90+1'
Attendance: 15,189
Referee: John Beaton
Note: Game televised on Sky Sports football
10 May 2019 37 Aberdeen 2–1 Hearts Pittodrie Stadium
19:45 BST Considine Yellow card 49'
Ferguson 54'
Stewart 77'
Lewis Yellow card 88'
Report Burns Yellow card 21' 65'
Clare Yellow card 48'
Dikamona Yellow card 80'
MacLean Yellow card 90'
Attendance: 14,371
Referee: Bobby Madden
Note: Game televised on BT Sport 1
19 May 2019 38 Hibernian 1–2 Aberdeen Easter Road
15:00 BST McNulty 26'
Milligan Yellow card 34'
Oméonga Yellow card 79'
McGregor Yellow card 88'
Mallan Yellow card 90+1'
Report Cosgrove 43'
Ball Yellow card 88'
Wilson 63'
Attendance: 18,631
Referee: Euan Anderson

UEFA Europa League[edit]

Qualifying phase[edit]

26 July 2018 1st Leg Aberdeen Scotland 1–1 England Burnley Aberdeen, Scotland
19:45 BST Mackay-Steven 19' (pen.)
Logan Yellow card 56'
UEFA
AFC Report
Tarkowski Yellow card 18'
Lowton Yellow card 37'
Vokes 80'
Stadium: Pittodrie Stadium
Attendance: 20,313
Referee: Siebert (Germany)
2 August 2018 2nd Leg Burnley England 3–1 (a.e.t.)
(4–2 agg.)
Scotland Aberdeen Burnley, England
19:45 BST Wood 6'
Cork 101'
Barnes 114' (pen.)
Lowton Yellow card
Gudmundsson Yellow card
BBC Report
UEFA
Ferguson 27'
Shinnie Yellow card
Considine Yellow card
Stadium: Turf Moor
Attendance: 17,404
Referee: Irrati (Italy)

Scottish League Cup[edit]

18 August 2018 Second Round Aberdeen 4–0 St Mirren Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 BST Mackay-Steven 16', 57' (pen)
Shinnie 20'
May 26'
Report McGinn Yellow card 44'
Willock Yellow card 52'
Attendance: 9,011
Referee: Steven McLean
25 September 2018 Quarter final Hibernian 0–0
(5–6 p)
Aberdeen Easter Road
19:45 BST Hyndman Yellow card 35'
Mallan Yellow card 42'
Porteous Yellow card 86'
Report Devlin Yellow card 33'
Considine Yellow card 76'
Ball Yellow card 105+1'
Attendance: 11,170
Referee: Steven McLean
Penalties
28 October 2018 Semi final Aberdeen 1–0 Rangers Hampden Park
16:30 GMT Shinnie Yellow card 3'
Ferguson Yellow card 45+7' 79'
McKenna Yellow card 54'
Lewis Yellow card 90'
Report Ejaria Yellow card 2'
Sadiq Yellow card 83'
Attendance: 46,186
Referee: John Beaton
2 December 2018 Final Celtic 1–0 Aberdeen Hampden Park
15:00 GMT Forrest Yellow card 24'
Christie 45+5' Yellow card 50'
Rogic Yellow card 59'
Report Ball Yellow card 60'
Logan Yellow card 68'
Ferguson Yellow card 78'
Cosgrove Yellow card 78'
Attendance: 50,936
Referee: Andrew Dallas[153]

Scottish Cup[edit]

19 January 2019 Fourth Round Aberdeen 1–1 Stenhousemuir Pittodrie Stadium
15:00 GMT Lowe 21' Report McBrearty Yellow card 52'
McGuigan 71'
Reid Yellow card 90'
Attendance: 9,661
Referee: Barry Cook
29 January 2019 Fourth Round replay Stenhousemuir 1–4 Aberdeen Ochilview Park
19:30[154] GMT Munro 53'
Dickson Yellow card 72'
Logan Yellow card 8'
McGinn 21'
Cosgrove 30' (pen.)
Stewart 38'
Donaldson 67' (o.g.)
Attendance: 2,429
Referee: Barry Cook
10 February 2019 Fifth Round Aberdeen 4–1 Queen of the South Pittodrie Stadium
15:30 GMT McGinn 47'
Considine 63'
Cosgrove 67', 73' (pen.) Yellow card 8'
Report Low Yellow card 39'
Dobbie 50'
Attendance: 7,857
Referee: Euan Anderson
Note: Game televised on BBC One Scotland
3 March 2019 Quarter-final Aberdeen 1–1 Rangers Pittodrie Stadium
13:30 GMT Cosgrove 11' (pen.) Yellow card 71'
McLennan Yellow card 53'
Shinnie Yellow card 72'
Lowe Yellow card 78'
Report Morelos Yellow card 15'
Worrall 49'
Attendance: 15,395
Referee: Kevin Clancy
Note: Game televised on Premier Sports
12 March 2019 Quarter-final replay Rangers 0–2 Aberdeen Ibrox Stadium
19:45 GMT Candeias Yellow card 30'
Morelos Yellow card 33'
Davis Yellow card 90+1'
Report McGinn 3', Yellow card 53'
McKenna Yellow card 34'
May Yellow card 38'
Ferguson Yellow card 42'
McLennan 62'
Shinnie Yellow card 67'
Ball Yellow card 70'
Campbell Yellow card 79'
Considine Yellow card 82'
Attendance: 47,397 (931 Dons fans)
Referee: Kevin Clancy
14 April 2019 Semi-final Aberdeen 0–3 Celtic Hampden Park
14:00 BST Ball Yellow card 27' Yellow-red card 36'
Considine Yellow card 54'
Lowe Yellow card 64'
Ferguson Red card 67'
Report Forrest Yellow card 23' 45+2'
Édouard 61' (pen.)
Rogic 69'
Attendance: 46,773
Referee: Craig Thomson
Note: Game televised on Premier Sports

Scottish Challenge Cup[edit]

14 August 2018 Round 1 Raith Rovers 3–1 Aberdeen Colts Stark's Park
19:45 Wedderburn 16'
Matthews 28'
Nisbet 30'
Report Anderson 72' Attendance: 479
Referee: Grant Irvine

Squad statistics[edit]

Appearances[edit]

As of 19 May 2019
No. Pos Player Premiership Europa League League Cup Scottish Cup Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
1 GK England Joe Lewis 37 0 2 0 4 0 6 0 49 0
2 DF England Shay Logan 25+1 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 34 0
3 DF Scotland Graeme Shinnie (c) 36 3 2 0 4 1 5 0 47 4
4 DF Scotland Andrew Considine 33 2 1 0 4 0 6 1 44 3
5 DF Scotland Scott McKenna 30 2 2 0 3 0 4 0 39 2
7 FW Scotland Greg Stewart 12+3 1 0 0 0 0 5 1 20 2
8 MF Republic of Ireland Stephen Gleeson 7+8 0 0+1 0 1 0 0+2 0 19 0
9 FW England James Wilson 11+12 4 0 0 2+1 0 0+5 0 31 4
10 MF Northern Ireland Niall McGinn 22+5 5 2 0 2+1 0 3+2 3 37 8
11 MF Scotland Gary Mackay-Steven 19+1 4 2 1 4 2 3+1 0 30 7
14 DF England Greg Halford 0+2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
16 FW England Sam Cosgrove 29+6 17 2 0 2 0 5 4 44 21
17 FW Scotland Stevie May 21+11 2 0+2 0 1+2 1 4+1 0 42 3
18 DF Scotland Michael Devlin 16+6 1 2 0 3 0 0+3 0 30 1
19 MF Scotland Lewis Ferguson 33 6 2 1 3 1 6 0 44 8
20 GK Czech Republic Tomáš Černý 1+1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
21 DF England Dominic Ball 24+7 0 1+1 0 3+1 0 3 0 40 0
23 MF Scotland Frank Ross 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0
24 MF Scotland Dean Campbell 1+7 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 10 1
27 FW Scotland Connor McLennan 18+3 3 0 0 0+2 0 3+1 1 27 4
29 DF England Max Lowe 31+2 2 0 0 2+1 0 6 1 42 3
30 GK Republic of Ireland David Craddock 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
31 FW Nigeria David Dangana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
33 MF Scotland Ethan Ross 0+4 0 0 0 0 0 0+1 0 5 0
34 MF Finland Miko Virtanen 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
37 DF Scotland Jack MacKenzie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Players who left the club during the season
7 MF Republic of Ireland Chris Forrester 1+4 0 0+1 0 0+2 0 0 0 8 0
15 FW Scotland Scott Wright (on loan) 4+9 0 0+2 0 2 0 1 0 18 0
25 FW Scotland Bruce Anderson (on loan) 1+13 2 0 0 0+3 0 0 0 17 2
28 DF Republic of Ireland Tommie Hoban 4+1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 9 1
32 DF England Sam Roscoe (on loan) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
36 DF Wales Ryan Harrington (on loan) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Goalscorers[edit]

As of 19 May 2019

Ranking Nation Number Name Scottish Premiership Europa League League Cup Scottish Cup Total
1 England 16 Sam Cosgrove 17 0 0 4 21
2 Northern Ireland 10 Niall McGinn 5 0 0 3 8
= Scotland 19 Lewis Ferguson 6 1 1 0 8
4 Scotland 11 Gary Mackay-Steven 4 1 2 0 7
5 Scotland 3 Graeme Shinnie 3 0 1 0 4
= England 9 James Wilson 4 0 0 0 4
= Scotland 27 Connor McLennan 3 0 0 1 4
8 Scotland 4 Andrew Considine 2 0 0 1 3
= Scotland 17 Stevie May 2 0 1 0 3
= England 29 Max Lowe 2 0 0 1 3
11 Scotland 5 Scott McKenna 2 0 0 0 2
= Scotland 7 Greg Stewart 1 0 0 1 2
= Scotland 25 Bruce Anderson 2 0 0 0 2
14 Scotland 18 Michael Devlin 1 0 0 0 1
= Scotland 24 Dean Campbell 1 0 0 0 1
= Republic of Ireland 28 Tommie Hoban 1 0 0 0 1
Own Goal 1 0 0 1 2
TOTALS 57 2 5 12 76

Disciplinary record[edit]

As of 19 May 2019

Number Nation Position Name Premiership Europa League League Cup Scottish Cup Total
Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Red card
1 England GK Joe Lewis 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0
2 England DF Shay Logan 8 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 11 0
3 Scotland DF Graeme Shinnie 7 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 11 0
4 Scotland DF Andrew Considine 8 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 12 1
5 Scotland DF Scott McKenna 3 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 1
7 Republic of Ireland MF Chris Forrester 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
7 Scotland DF Greg Stewart 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
8 Republic of Ireland MF Stephen Gleeson 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
10 Northern Ireland MF Niall McGinn 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
11 Scotland MF Gary Mackay-Steven 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
16 England FW Sam Cosgrove 4 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 7 1
17 Scotland FW Stevie May 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
18 Scotland DF Michael Devlin 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 1
19 Scotland MF Lewis Ferguson 11 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 14 1
21 England DF Dominic Ball 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 9 1
24 Scotland MF Dean Campbell 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
27 Scotland FW Connor McLennan 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0
28 Republic of Ireland DF Tommie Hoban 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
29 England DF Max Lowe 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 0
TOTALS 66 4 3 0 11 0 16 2 96 6

Team statistics[edit]

League table[edit]

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation[a]
2 Rangers 38 23 9 6 82 27 +55 78 Qualification for the Europa League first qualifying round[b]
3 Kilmarnock 38 19 10 9 50 31 +19 67
4 Aberdeen 38 20 7 11 57 44 +13 67
5 Hibernian 38 14 12 12 51 39 +12 54
6 Heart of Midlothian 38 15 6 17 42 50 −8 51
Source: Soccerway BBC
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Play-off (only if deciding champion, UEFA competitions qualification and second stage group allocation).[155]
Notes:
  1. ^ Teams play each other three times (33 matches), before the league is split into two groups (the top six and the bottom six).
  2. ^ Since the winners of the 2018–19 Scottish Cup, Celtic, qualified for European competition based on league position, the spot awarded to the Scottish Cup winners (Europa League first qualifying round) was passed to the fourth-placed team.

Results by round[edit]

Round1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738
GroundHAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAAAHHA
ResultDWDLDWLWLPWWWLPWLWWLWWDWLDWLDDLWWWLLWW
Position65588777788766767434444333333344433444
Updated to match(es) played on 19 May 2019. Source: Competitive matches
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Transfers[edit]