Academy Dons

Taylor officially launched the youth academy at Pittodrie alongside Dons Legend and Director of Football Willie Miller and Sports Minister Patricia Ferguson.

The academy programme involves young players being coached by the club from the age of nine at one of its six centres throughout the country.

Outlining the project, Taylor said that the club will provide a seven year apprenticeship with parents and coaches working together to help young players be the best they can be.

Taylor said: "The youth academy will strike a balance between education and football development, and all the youth players will be encouraged to use the non-football skills they learn during their careers and afterwards.

"Aberdeen is entrusted with developing these boys and we will instil desire and mental resilience which will serve them well in the future."

Miller said: "Many things have changed in football but clubs still have to play a big part in developing top football talent.

"When I was a youngster it was left to the schools and the boys' clubs to develop the players with clubs coming in when they were 16 years old or ready to turn professional.

"Now the responsibility is firmly on the football associations and their member clubs.

"In my opinion lip service has been given to youth development for too long but I can assure you the club is committed to its youth academy.

"This launch is a restating of the directors' commitment as a board to developing its own talent."

Academy status will bring many benefits to Aberdeen's youth development, not least funds from various sources including the Scottish Executive.