Shinnie set to leave Aberdeen

Dons skipper to leave Pittodrie when contract expires after helping end 35-year Scottish Cup wait

Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie is set to leave Pittodrie when his contract expires next month, bringing the curtain down on a memorable second spell with the club.

The 34-year-old midfielder has been one of the Dons’ most reliable performers in recent years and signed off in the best possible fashion by leading the team to Scottish Cup success against Celtic at Hampden. That victory ended Aberdeen’s 35-year wait for the trophy and gave Shinnie a fitting final major moment in red.

The club had offered Shinnie a new two-year deal and even discussed a possible coaching role, but the former Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Derby County man wants to continue playing at first-team level for the time being. His decision means he is now expected to move on in search of regular football.

Shinnie’s departure will be a blow to Stephen Robinson’s side, with the midfielder having built a reputation as one of the most dependable leaders in the Aberdeen dressing room. His influence on and off the pitch has made him a key figure during his time at the club.

He leaves Aberdeen having made 344 appearances across his two spells, and his name will be remembered fondly by supporters after helping deliver one of the club’s most significant days in modern history.