Alan Burrows

Chief Executive @AberdeenFC 🔴

[Suicide Prevention Scotland @SuicidePrevScot]

🎗️ Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Never has it been more important to use the word suicide.

Talking about suicide reduces the risk.

It might not be an easy conversation, but if you are worried about a friend or loved one ask them.

"Are you thinking about suicide?"

🔄

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

Really sorry to read this. Tam was a great wee guy and a huge personality. Any time you came up against Hibs (regardless if it was first time / youth team), he was always about for a blether. Him and Joyce were those “ever presents” staff you just associate with certain clubs. The familiar faces that make a club what it is.

My condolences and thoughts are with Joyce and Tam’s family. RIP.

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

@steve7572 Hi Steve - they were supposed to be at Pittodrie yesterday/today, but there has been a slight delay at customs, so they will be another week / 10 days before we start sending them out. They will be MUCH earlier for 24-25, as we've changed our process. Sorry for the hold up.

[Aberdeen FC @AberdeenFC]

Red Army... @TEXO_UK are looking to help in the community through their new Challenge TEXO initiative and Dons supporters can play a part!

Nominate a worthwhile cause 👇

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

@lynnmcara73 @camer0n_mcd @AberdeenFC https://t.co/Xs8wchmO38

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

The patch of grass and stadium are the things within AFC's direct control, Ian. That's why I commented only on those things initially.

When I put that update out, all the major road and rail networks were all open, people were still moving (Motherwell players and staff themselves were almost at Aberdeen by that point), and the forecast was to improve significantly by 3/4pm.

Clearly, the situation on the roads and rail got much worse and that changes the dynamic. If games are going off for things that aren't related to the pitch and/or the home stadium, then both the league and the Police become involved, which is what happened here.

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

The patch of grass and stadium are the things within AFC's direct control, Ian. That's why I commented only on those things initially.

When I put that update out, all the major road and rail networks were all open, people were still moving (Motherwell players and staff themselves were almost at Aberdeen by that point), and the forecast was to improve significantly by 3/4pm.

Clearly, the situation on the roads and rail got much worse and that changes the dynamic. If games are going off for things that aren't related to the pitch and/or the home stadium, then both the league and the Police become involved, which is what happened here.

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

Pitch / Stadium update:

- At the moment, the wind and rain is battering the North East. Another 20mm of rain due to fall on Pittodrie between now and KO and wind currently gusting around about 60/65mph.

- Despite that, at the moment, the stadium is holding up fairly well. Not too much damage so far, other than some signage.

- Pitch is wet, but is draining pretty satisfactorily at this stage. We have our ground staff, when they aren't blowing about the place, on standby should any quick remedial work be required (when the wind eventually eases).

- Better news is that the worst of the weather is between now and 3.30pm, before it calms down quite a fair bit: https://t.co/tgACWawNAO

- As we stand now, with the forecast as it is, things are good to go. If anything changes for the worst, we'll update in as much time as possible...

[Aberdeen FC @AberdeenFC]

Matchday 17/38.

Back at Pittodrie. COYR!

#StandFree

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

We were in constant dialogue. Up until shortly before 3pm, the A90 was open but slow around Forfar and folk were being asked to use the A92. However, when the A90 was closed and the A92 eventually closed in places, there was only one call that could be made (particularly as the easing of the weather is slower than what has been forecast).

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

No, you've misread me, we were pushing to have it off given the deteriorating travelling conditions.

Both teams (AFC and MFC) are in Aberdeen and ready to go, the stadium and pitch is fine and the weather is going to get better (as per forecast), but with the various major road and rail networks shutting and in a bad way, it would've been wrong to ask our fans (and Well fans) to travel and try and navigate it, as it's likely the won't be sorted for a while.

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

@GlasgowDons From some of the replies I've had, a couple of the roads in and around the Perth area are struggling a bit so, all going well with the game, give yourselves as much time as you possibly can to get up. 🚌

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

Merry Christmas to the Red Army 🔴🎅🏼

I hope you, and your family, have a wonderful, fun and peaceful day. See you back at Pittodrie very soon.

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

@doc42 Nope. The match official called the game off after inspecting the pitch. There was no discussion with either club prior to him making that call (ultimately it is his decision).

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

Desperately sorry for every Dons fan (we had sold out the Bob Shankley Stand with over 3,000 due to be there) who made the trip to Dundee, only for the game to be called off just before 2pm.

We checked with our opponents earlier in the morning and were assured the pitch was fine. It was therefore a surprise and bitter disappointment that we’ve ultimately not got a game to play.

Games going off at this time of year isn’t the biggest issue (albeit with the calendar so congested, it’s not helpful in the slightest). Giving supporters as much notice, even as a precaution, as possible should be absolutely paramount. Collectively, we’ve got to be much, much better.

Sorry once again to all those who have bought tickets and made the journey.

[Aberdeen FC @AberdeenFC]

Our game with Dundee this afternoon has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and concerns over player safety.

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

No we didn’t. AFC sold out all 19,500 (17,250 in 10hrs then the remaining 2,250 the minute the SPFL handed us the debenture tickets) and had several thousand still on the waiting list who sadly missed out. That puts us in an undeniable spot to get 50/50 when we return for the next final. 👍🏼

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

@Cairnsy1903 @emma_burrows16 👍🏼👊🏼🔴

[Alan Burrows @Alan_Burrows]

I hope you will indulge a rare personal (but long) post from me, rather than something work related.

It was a year ago today that @emma_burrows16 and I were told that we had lost our baby unexpectedly. We went for a 12-week scan full of hope, excitement and anticipation of our family growing, and Eva being a big sister, only to have that shattered. Complications arose afterwards too, but my wife was incredibly brave and strong to get through it in hospital.

The pain of it was intense, even more so for Emma. It was difficult for me too, but nothing can compare to her. And it is again today.

Sadly, we experienced the same thing again just last summer, and all in all, it's been a pretty tough twelve months for both of us, coping with that and other changes. One thing that really struck me, as we have both been quite open about what happened on both occasions, was the amount of folk who very kindly reached out in sympathy, explaining it had happened to them too and offering support. In fact, I was taken aback by the volume of folk who had experienced the same pain as we had. It was very sobering.

The purpose of this post is, I suppose, to get it off my chest but more so, to offer up any support to anyone who is or has experienced the same difficult road and struggles. Sometimes it's good (for some people, not everyone of course) to talk about it and open up, but often you don't know who that could or should be. Maybe it's easier if that person isn't someone close to you or your partner / family, as it feels a little bit more arms-length.

If that is you, and things are getting on top of you and you want to chat or get it off yer chest - drop me a DM (they are open!). 🕊️

[Clive @bigcliff1903]

Hi guys, one of our group (John Strachan) has lost his passport today between the airport and the train station. Please can any dandies in Helsinki keep an eye out for it? Please retweet 🙏🏻 @AberdeenFCSLO @AberdeenFC @CormackDavie @Alan_Burrows @DiversHill @GlenrothesReds ❤️