Fraser handed Dons role

09 August 2010 14:52
Duncan Fraser has been appointed chief executive of Aberdeen.[LNB] The appointment of the club's former managing director comes as the Dons prepare to lodge a planning application for the proposed new stadium at Loirston Loch.[LNB]Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne told the club's official website: "The major shareholders believe that, with the necessary continuing financial support to meet the future challenges, particularly in terms of the new stadium and training facilities we need to appoint an individual who will be responsible for all aspects of the club on a day to day basis, will develop an integrated strategic approach across the whole club and move the organisational structure forward to take full advantage of the opportunities a new stadium will offer.[LNB]"This step also enhances our good relations with the bank as we move forward and seek to secure investment both from internal and external sources to make the stadium and training facilities a reality.[LNB]"Duncan has a proven track record of managing the club's business and has worked extremely well with the bank over the years and his appointment as CEO underlines the board's confidence in his abilities to drive the club forward at this challenging juncture."[LNB]Milne added: "Duncan and I began discussions on this appointment some time ago and we both agreed that with the enormous challenges ahead, he should step down from the SPL Board which he did last month, to concentrate totally on the club.[LNB]"Duncan's promotion to CEO will enable him to develop key staff who will take on additional responsibility.[LNB]"The board's aims are to give the fans a better team, a new stadium and training facilities and confidence in the future. We are making progress.[LNB]"Our planning application for the new stadium will be lodged shortly and we have arrived at an excellent solution for new training facilities through the deal with Cove Rangers at Calder Park.[LNB]"A lot of hard work has also been put into reshaping the first team with a strong emphasis on the youth development system."[LNB]Commenting on his appointment, Fraser said: "I am delighted by the board's continued support in both me and the club and looking forward to playing a more strategic role at this extremely challenging time.[LNB]"My focus will be on driving the projects forward, getting the right organisational structure for the future and developing our key personnel to empower them to ensure we move forward on and off the pitch."[LNB]

Source: Team_Talk