Aberdeen are to appoint American multi-millionaire Tom Crotty as a director.
The US businessman, who has already invested £1.3million into the club, will be voted on to the Pittodrie board later this month.
Crotty’s money has been used towards the first phase of building the Premiership club’s new training complex at Kingsford, which is scheduled for completion in the summer.
Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne said: “This decision reflects the fact that Tom is now a major investor in the club and in phase one of the Kingsford plans – the community sports hub, football academy and training facilities at Kingsford.
“He has a wealth of business experience and contacts which will help us attract and secure further investment from both the UK and overseas.
“Tom played a pivotal role in selecting AFC to be its first UK partner and through this partnership, the AFC Community Trust will be rolling out a football-inspired education programme for young people around mental health.
“We’re working on further initiatives with Grassroot Soccer to tackle other social challenges by educating and inspiring young people to live healthier and more productive lives.
“Tom has a great interest in football but also in other sports and we are thrilled he has agreed to join the board and bring an overseas perspective to our long-term vision for AFC.”
Crotty has been involved in several success business and football ventures Stateside was introduced to Aberdeen by director Dave Cormack and his close friendship with former Dons keeper Bobby Clark via Notre Dame University.
Crotty also helped Clark’s son, Tommy, get their charitable football programme Grassroot Soccer up and running.
Crotty said: “This appointment is an honour and a challenge.
“I first set foot in Pittodrie during the summer of 2003 when Bobby brought the Notre Dame men’s soccer team to Scotland for training and exhibition matches.
“All these years later I’m thrilled about playing an influential role in realising the bold vision of a club with such a rich heritage but a refreshing head-on approach to meeting the challenges of the modern football era.
“This scale of ambition is highly appealing and, having got to know the directors and management over the past 18 months, I have every confidence in their determination and ability to achieve it.”
