This news is massive for Dons fans, and is far more important than the upcoming fixtures against both halves of the Old Firm in Glasgow. To have currently Scotland's best centre-half and the Scotland Under-21 captain remaining partners at the back for the next four years should give great confidence to the fans as we watch the team grow in stature under the inspiration and guidance of new management team Jimmy Calderwood and Jimmy Nicholl.
While the characterful pair take all the plaudits, it is apparent that there is much change behind the scenes also, and credit for this must go to Willie Miller and Stewart Milne. There is a sense of calm confidence behind the scenes since summer, and this spreads through to team management, players and fans. Milne, to his great credit, realised drastic change was needed after a woeful campaign last season, and did not stop at merely a new manager to implement it.
The extension of the centre-halves contracts ensures stability for the club - on the field, and indeed off it - if one or either decided to leave the club during their contract as this would command a fee. However, with barely a Scottish club or lower league English club prepared to pay transfer fees in the current climate, contracts have become more and more binding, and this is good news for clubs like Aberdeen.
With Ricky Foster, the rejuvinated Darren Mackie, Phil McGuire and Stevie Tosh out of contract soon, the next step for the management will be to tie these players down, if necessary. Expect these players to be trying their hearts out in the next few weeks to prove that they are worthy of long-term stay at Scotland's most improved club.