Aberdeen FC has announced that Steven Gunn, the club’s director of football, will leave Pittodrie next month. He was appointed to the role in May 2021 after previously serving as director of football operations and has given more than 25 years of service to the Granite City club.

David Lawrie, a club director and former Dons player in the early 1980s who later held senior roles at FC Nordsjaelland and San Diego FC, will take interim duties as director of football when Gunn leaves.

Gunn said the decision follows careful reflection after the May cup win and that the right moment has come to seek a new challenge after a long spell with the club. He noted Cup and league achievements, European campaigns and the player trading model, and said a fresh approach should benefit both parties. He would stay through the summer transfer window to help ensure a smooth transition before a successor is appointed. Chairman Dave Cormack said the club is grateful for Gunn’s long service and that a thorough recruitment process will be undertaken to appoint the best possible candidate for the role.