European group stage action is payback for Aberdeen chairman Dave Cormack’s backing, says legend Jim Bett.

Aberdeen will receive about £5 million in Uefa prize monies after securing guaranteed European group stage participation for the forthcoming season.

Aberdeen icon Jim Bett believes Euro group stage success and Scottish Cup glory are retaliation for chairman Dave Cormack’s support of the club. Cormack, an American-based billionaire, recently stated that his family had invested another £8 million in Aberdeen. Cormack has been chairman since November 2019, when he succeeded Stewart Milne. He led the team through the Covid pandemic, which shuttered stadiums to fans for the 2020-21 season. Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup on penalties against Celtic in the final at Hampden, securing Cormack’s first prize as chairman.

Big financial outlay to build squad

Aberdeen are guaranteed Euro group action in the coming season and will receive a Uefa bonus of approximately £5 million. Bett stated, “Chairman Dave Cormack has made significant investments in the team and is deeply committed to the club. “Aberdeen has a reasonably large squad, so that must have required a significant financial investment. “Cormack has helped manager Jimmy Thelin by providing funds to bring new players. “It paid off, as Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup and advanced to the European group stages.” “I was so happy for the chairman when Aberdeen won the cup at Hampden.” The reward for that prize achievement is a Europa League play-off position and assured continental group stage activity until December.

If the Dons win the play-off, they will qualify for the Europa League, with eight guaranteed group games until January 29.

Aberdeen showed character in final

Should Aberdeen lose the two-legged play-off, they have the option of slipping into the Conference League, where they will play six league games until December 18. The Europa League play-off draw will take place on August 4, with ties scheduled for August 21 and August 28. Bett, who is now living in Iceland, stated that winning the Scottish Cup was a significant lift for the players. “They were under tremendous pressure heading into the final. “However, they all delivered on what was a historic day for the club and its fans. “Aberdeen demonstrated a lot of character in the manner they handled the penalties. “Taking penalties is difficult, especially in a cup final, due to the high level of pressure.

“The benefits for winning the Scottish Cup now include guaranteed group stage action, which is important for Aberdeen. “Even if they lose the play-off, they will still fall into the Conference League. “Next season will be very exciting for Aberdeen.” Aberdeen manager Thelin has already begun to improve his team in readiness for the Euro group rounds.

Europe will improve Aberdeen

Kusini Yengi, 26, an Australian international striker, was signed on a free transfer until the summer of 2028 after his contract with Championship Portsmouth expired. Emmanuel Gyamfi, 20, was signed from German Bundesliga 2 team FC Schalke 04 on a four-year contract for an undisclosed price. Nicolas Milanovic, an Australian winger, was signed for roughly £400,000 from A-League team Western Sydney Wanderers. The 23-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Dons, with the option to extend it to four. Former Australian under-23 international goalkeeper Nick Suman, 25, joins on a two-year free transfer after his contract with Cove Rangers expired. Thelin and his recruitment team are in advanced discussions about more transfer prospects.

 

Bett won the Scottish Cup and the League Cup with Aberdeen in 1989-90, and he appeared in 23 European games for the Dons. He believes that European group play will strengthen Thelin’s squad, which has been reinforced by recent arrivals. Bett, 65, stated: “Playing in Europe helps you progress as a player. “You may potentially face some of Europe’s top players. “In Europe, you encounter good teams that play differently, and it’s also beneficial to move away from your home league. “All of the supporters like European nights and will be able to see major evening games at Pittodrie and away from home. “Everyone looks forward to Europe and the players will also be relishing the challenge.”

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