AFC DONScast

After two decades of dissecting the highs, the lows, and everything in between, the final whistle has blown. In this emotional series finale, Graeme Mackay looks back on a 20-year journey following the Dons, while breaking down a frantic final week of the 2025/26 season.
Inside this episode:

• Match Reviews: A somber farewell to Pittodrie against St Mirren and the heartbreak of a last-gasp 3-2 defeat at Dens Park.
  
• The Robinson Rebuild: From the shock U-turns on Alfie Stewart and Alfie Bavidge to the looming exit of Marko Lazetic and the pursuit of Liverpool starlet Trey Nyoni.
  
• The Shinnie Dilemma: Graeme Shinnie faces a massive career decision, coaching at Cormack Park or playing elsewhere?
  
• DonsTalk Feedback: The Red Army reacts to a "shambolic" season and looks ahead to a summer of major surgery.
  
• Aberdeen Women: A character-filled draw with Motherwell as they prepare for the critical SWPL play-off.
  
• The Final Send-off: A heartfelt thank you to the listeners who made the DONScast what it is over the last 20 years.
  

Thank you for being part of our journey since 2005. For the final time... Stand Free.

Safety Secured & The Olusanya Show

The math was simple: win and we’re safe. This week on the AFC DONScast, Graeme Mackay breaks down a commanding 2-0 victory over Dundee United at a sun-drenched Pittodrie. We deep dive into a Man of the Match performance from Toyosi Olusanya, whose pace and power bullied the United defence and paved the way for Stuart Armstrong’s opener and his own well-deserved first goal for the club.

On this episode:

• Match Analysis: Tactical insights into Stephen Robinson’s victory over Jim Goodwin and how the Dons found their clinical edge.

• The Rebuild: Is a U-turn on the cards for academy graduates Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart? Plus, the latest on Graeme Shinnie’s future and the battle to keep Dimitar Mitov.

• Around the Grounds: A look at the Premiership table as Hearts and Celtic battle at the top, and the Dons close the gap on 7th place.

• AFC Women: Scott Booth’s side secures a dominant 4-0 win over Hamilton Accies heading into the play-offs.

• Looking Ahead: Previewing our final midweek home clash against St Mirren and the season finale at Dens Park.

Grab your coffee and settle in, it’s time to talk Aberdeen. Stand Free!

A massive sigh of relief or a missed opportunity? This week, Graeme Mackay breaks down a rollercoaster 2-2 draw against Livingston at Almondvale. We celebrate a career milestone for Mitchel Frame as he bags his first senior goal, and analyse the grit shown to maintain a three-game unbeaten run under Stephen Robinson.

On this week's episode:

• Match Review: Every twist from Friday night, including Frame’s worldie, Mitov’s heroics, and that late Muirhead screamer.

• Fan Reaction: We head to the DonsTalk forum to see why the Red Army is feeling cautiously optimistic.

• The Big Interviews: Hear from Stephen Robinson on "scrapping" for safety and Liam Morrison on silencing the skeptics.

• Pittodrie News: Former boss Jimmy Thelin breaks his silence, a new Commercial Director is appointed, and we have a major update on the proposed beachfront stadium.

• Around the Grounds: A full sweep of the SPFL action, including relegation heartbreaks and title celebrations across the leagues.

• Scotland Watch: Looking ahead to the Tartan Army's 2026 World Cup group stage fixtures in North America!

Stay safe, keep the faith, and Stand Free! 🔴

Survival Grit, POTY Glamour, and the Red Revival

It’s Sunday, April 26th, and the AFC DONScast is back! Graeme reflects on a massive weekend at Pittodrie as Aberdeen secured a vital 1-0 win over Kilmarnock. We break down Afeez Aremu’s lightning-fast opener, Dimitar Mitov’s heroics, and the gritty defensive display that moved the Dons eight points clear of the danger zone.

On this week’s show:

• The Killie Clash: Full match analysis and reaction to a huge three points.

• Player of the Year Awards: We recap a glittering night at P&J Live. Congratulations to Mats Knoester and Hannah Stewart on their big wins!

• Transfer Talk: The latest on Findlay Marshall’s extension, the battle to keep Dennis Geiger, and a potential move for Jeremiah Chikola-Mullen

• DonsTalk Forum: We see how the Red Army is reacting to the "Red Revival."

• Women’s Team Update: Heartbreak at Balmoral Stadium as the survival climb gets steeper.

Plus, we look ahead to Friday night's crucial trip to Livingston.

Stand Free!

Nisbet Double Sinks Hibs, Legends Day Magic, and Mowbray Returns

Welcome back to the AFC DONScast with Graeme Mackay! What a difference 90 minutes makes. This week, we are unpacking a massive 2-0 victory over Hibs at Pittodrie. On an emotional inaugural Legends Day honouring the 'King of the Beach End,' Joe Harper, the Dons delivered exactly what the Red Army needed: a dominant display, a clean sheet for Dimitar Mitov, and a clinical brace from Kevin Nisbet.

We break down the early VAR drama, Hanley's red card, and the shifting mood amongst the fanbase. Off the pitch, we discuss the huge boardroom news: Darren Mowbray is back as Head of Recruitment , and the club is closing in on a new long-term deal for 19-year-old prospect Findlay Marshall.

Plus, we look ahead to Stephen Robinson’s post-split survival mission starting with Kilmarnock, discuss Alfie Stewart's bittersweet Challenge Cup final, and recap a dramatic weekend across Scottish football, including Brora Rangers' historic Highland League title win.

Listen now and Stand Free!

Relegation Realities, St Mirren Defeat, and Legends Day Prep

Welcome to the Easter Sunday edition of the AFC DONScast with Graeme. It was a miserable weekend in Paisley as Aberdeen slumped to a 2-0 defeat against St Mirren, dragging the Dons right into the thick of a relegation fight.

In this week's episode, we unpack Stephen Robinson's stark post-match home truths and the brutal, but fair, reaction from the Red Army on the DonsTalk forums. We also dive into a jam-packed news roundup, including:

• International break updates for our Dons flying the flag.

• The arrival of Elvis Bwomono and the departure of Sivert Heltne Nilsen.

• Aberdeen officially joining the Union of European Clubs (UEC).

• The latest delays regarding the new beach stadium talks.

Elsewhere, we discuss a devastating 96th-minute, 2-1 defeat for Aberdeen Women at Links Park against Montrose, worsening their own relegation play-off fears.

Finally, we look ahead to a massive fixture at Pittodrie against Hibs, which marks our inaugural Legends Day celebrating the King of the Beach End, Joe Harper.

Tune in, keep the faith, and Stand Free!

In this week's episode of the AFC DONScast, Graeme breaks down a weekend of stark contrasts for Aberdeen FC.

We dive into the men's crushing 4-1 defeat under the lights at Ibrox, discussing what this means for Stephen Robinson's struggling squad as the relegation alarms ring louder than ever.

We also head over to the DonsTalk forum to unpack the bleak fan reaction and the growing campaign for defensive changes.

Plus, we bring you massive news from Pittodrie:

• First-team coach Peter Leven officially departs after nearly three years.

• Stephen Robinson prepares his blueprint for a massive summer rebuild.

• Details are revealed for the inaugural "Legends Day" honouring the King of the Beach End, Joe Harper.

Finally, we celebrate a brilliant 3-2 away victory for Aberdeen Women against Hamilton Academical, featuring a star-making debut from 16-year-old Mia Selbie.

We also preview the Scotland national team's upcoming 2026 World Cup warm-ups.

Welcome to a brand-new, massive episode of the AFC DONScast!

It’s been a turbulent two months at Pittodrie, but the dark cloud of uncertainty has finally lifted. We unpack one of the biggest stories of the season: the arrival of Stephen Robinson as the 26th permanent manager in Aberdeen’s history.

Here's what Graeme and the team are covering this week:

• The New Gaffer: We discuss Robinson's appointment, his contract until the summer of 2029, and his immediate mandate to stabilise the ship.
• Exclusive Interviews: Hear directly from Stephen Robinson on his overarching philosophy, plus post-match reactions from his first 90 minutes in the dugout.
• Falkirk Fallout: A deep dive into the 1-1 draw, the tactical shift to a 5-3-2 formation, Kevin Nisbet's early goal, and the frustrating late equaliser from Barney Stewart.
• The Red Army Reacts: We take the temperature of the DonsTalk forum, discussing the fans' cautious optimism, the new strike partnership of Marko Lazetić and Nisbet, and the anger over set-piece deliveries.
• Transfer Gossip & Squad News: Exploring the five-club scramble for Bromley defender Omar Sowunmi, the bombshell departure of 19-year-old Alfie Bavidge, and a devastating injury blow for Kusini Yengi.
• Aberdeen Women: A tough SWPL defeat against Motherwell Women at Balmoral Stadium.
• Backroom Changes: Interim assistant Tony Docherty departs following a coaching restructure.

Hit play to get all the latest updates, and don't forget to join the debate at donstalk.co.uk!

A Week to Forget: Celtic Heartbreak, Cup Exit & Fan Frustration

It’s been an action-packed, albeit frustrating, week for the Dons, and we’ve got plenty to get stuck into on today's show. Graeme is here to dissect a miserable few days on the pitch and some developments off it.

In this episode:

• Celtic Fallout: We break down the rollercoaster 2-1 defeat to Celtic under the lights at Pittodrie. Despite a spirited fightback and a Kevin Nisbet penalty, a late VAR call left the Dons empty-handed.
• Cup Dreams Dashed: Full match reaction to the disastrous 3-0 defeat against Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup Quarter Finals. We discuss the heavy rotation, the defensive errors, and Aberdeen's ongoing wait for a first away goal in 2026.
• The Red Army Reacts: We dive into the explosive fallout on DonsTalk, covering fan frustrations with the board, the squad's mentality, and the ongoing managerial vacancy.
• Off-Pitch News: Darren Mowbray officially returns to Pittodrie as Head of Recruitment ahead of a crucial summer window. Plus, we have details on the newly launched 2026-27 season tickets and an exclusive interview with Chairman Dave Cormack.
• Round-Up: A look back at all the weekend's action across the SPFL, Scottish Cup, and Highland League.

Join the debate at donstalk.co.uk and follow us on Facebook, X, Bluesky, and Threads!

We have officially crossed into March, which means the gloves are off and the business end of the Scottish Premiership season is well and truly upon us.

Coming up on today's episode, we are unpacking a highly frustrating week on the road for Aberdeen. We cover:

• A gritty, goalless draw on a winter-battered pitch at Tannadice against Dundee United, including that Kevin Nisbet miss.
• A tough afternoon in the capital that saw the Dons fall 1-0 to Hearts at Tynecastle, leaving top-six dreams hanging by a thread.
• The appointment of Ian Burchnall as the new First Team Coach to support Peter Leven.
• A massive new ticketing and fan experience partnership with American tech company 'Jump'.
• The launch of the 2026/27 season tickets and the impending departure of 19-year-old striker Alfie Bavidge.

Plus, we dip into the DonsTalk forum to hear exactly what you have to say about the current state of play.