CELTIC skipper Scott Brown is leaving after 14 years to become Aberdeen player-coach.
The former Scotland midfielder, 35. will assist Stephen Glass at Pittodrie for Celtic’s Scottish Premiership rivals.
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Brown travelled north on Thursday to have a medical before agreeing terms on a two-year contract which will see him play in red next season.
Brown said: “There is no doubt I had a lot to deliberate when deciding my next steps, particularly after enjoying fourteen successful years at Celtic.
“However, the opportunity to join Aberdeen, a Club entering an exciting new period with my former team-mate Stephen now at the helm, was one I couldn’t pass up.
“Once this season concludes, I’m looking forward to joining Stephen, the playing and coaching staff and everyone at Aberdeen FC.
“I am totally committed to the challenge that lies ahead in meeting the ambitions of the club and its fans.
“I still feel I have got a lot to give, not only on the pitch, but in a broader capacity as I embark on my coaching journey. I will be relentless in my quest for success for Aberdeen.”
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His decision to move on will bring the curtain down on a hugely successful spell with the Hoops where he lifted a total of 22 trophies.
Capturing Brown is a major coup for Glass, who will officially take over next month before the Dons face St Johnstone, as he bids to rebuild the club over the summer.
Glass said: “The opportunity to bring a player of Scott’s calibre, a leader who has more European appearances for Celtic than any other player, is a huge coup for me and for Aberdeen.
“His experience will be invaluable on the pitch and he is someone who will help set the standards we expect at this Club.
“A born competitor, with a strong appetite to win, his hands-on approach and desire to nurture will hugely benefit the development of the young, emerging talent we have here.
“Scott will be a big part of my coaching team and whilst his impact will undoubtedly be felt on the pitch where I believe he still has much to give, I am looking forward to assisting his transition into coaching.
RUSSELL TARGETED
“He is excited about coming to Aberdeen and working with the current playing, and wider coaching and support staff already in place.
“I’ve no doubt he will be a success here.”
Chairman Dave Cormack will back him in the summer with funds to sign players in a bid to challenge at the top end of the Premiership.
But Glass is building his backroom team first and moves are now underway to land England coach Allan Russell as co-assistant manager.
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Russell, who is currently with Gareth Southgate’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers, has been earmarked for the other backroom berth.
His arrival will hinge on whether England give him permission to combine his current strikers coach role with working full-time at Aberdeen.
If Glass gets his man, he will spend the summer with Southgate’s squad at the Euros before heading north.
