Scott Brown leaves Aberdeen ‘to focus on developing his coach’

Scott Brown has left Aberdeen to pursue coaching opportunities in a move that seems to bring the curtain down on his playing career.

The 36-year-old joined the Dons on a two-year deal last summer to team up with former Hibernian team-mate Stephen Glass as player/coach.

The former Celtic captain was given the armband – Joe Lewis remains the club’s captain – and was a regular for most of the season.

But new coach Jim Goodwin has made it clear that Brown will have to focus on playing after the Waterford native took over from Glass’s sacking last month, with limited coaching opportunities.

Brown was interviewed by St Mirren for the manager job Goodwin left before Stephen Robinson took up that role and the former Scotland captain has now come to an agreement with the club to terminate his contract. he.

Aberdeen announced the deal would allow Brown to “focus on his coaching development in order to take the first steps in his managerial career when the opportunity arises”.

In a statement released by Dons, Brown said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the management at Aberdeen, of course, Stephen Glass and his behind-the-scenes staff, for giving me the opportunity. enjoy my first taste of coaching..

“I also want to thank all of my teammates and the wonderful staff at Cormack Park and Pittodrie.

“I know I’ve only been in the Northeast for a short time, but the fans made me feel welcome from day one, so I also have to thank them for their support. so many, so much.

“Aberdeen is a big club and I know that there is a real determination from all to deliver success both on and off the pitch. I wish them all the best for the rest of the season. .”

Aberdeen’s comments came from director of football Steven Gunn, rather than Goodwin.

Gunn said: “When Scott arrived at the club, we understood his desire to start moving into a coaching role and we were obviously going to help whenever we could.

“Scott has been an outstanding asset to us over the past 11 months and his contributions, both on and off the pitch, have been invaluable.

“I’m sure he will bring with him the same desire, determination and will to win as he has shown throughout his career as he embarks on this next chapter.”

A club statement added: “All at Aberdeen FC would like to thank Scott for his contributions throughout his time with the club. We wish him all the best. the best in my future career.”

Brown won 22 major titles with Celtic and played 55 times for Scotland during his career.

The midfielder made 33 appearances for the Dons, including one under Goodwin.

Brown missed the former St Mirren coach’s first two games due to a hamstring injury and started in the 0-2 loss to Hearts before being rested after the loss to Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.