Aberdeen send three players on loan to Cove Rangers after striking new cooperation agreeement

Aberdeen have entered into a new cooperation partnership to loan their young talents to League One neighbours Cove Rangers, after reaching the end of their agreement another third-tier club, Kelty Hearts.

In the summer, in the wake of new SFA rules allowing Premiership clubs to partner up with lower-league outfits and for Scottish 16-21-year-old loanees to move freely between them, the Reds partnered with Kelty.

Dons youth academy youngsters Joseph Teasdale, Cooper Masson and Lewis Carroll spent the first half of the season at the Fife club as a result, but have now switched to Cove for the remainder of the season as a result of the fresh agreement.

An Aberdeen statement read: “Aberdeen FC has entered into a new strategic co-operation agreement with city neighbours Cove Rangers, which will see three of the club’s promising young talents join the League One side on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season.

“The club announced during the summer a shift in its player development strategy, moving away from exclusive participation in senior youth development leagues towards providing managed, competitive exposure to senior football at the earliest appropriate stage via both standard and cooperation loans.”

The Dons added: “Aberdeen FC remains fully committed to delivering a clear and robust development pathway for its emerging talent.

“This new agreement has been designed to maximise opportunities for consistent game-time and meaningful first-team experience at a critical point in the players’ progression.”

Shift to Cove Rangers partnership will mean they’re closer to Aberdeen staff

Aberdeen youth academy director Stuart Glennie said moving the players – all 17 – to Balmoral Stadium would allow the Dons to “more closely monitor” their development.

“We would like to thank everyone at Kelty Hearts for the opportunity they have provided Joseph, Cooper and Lewis in a supportive and well-structured environment during the first half of the season,” Glennie said. “It was a great introduction to senior football for the players.”

“Our new co-operation agreement with Cove will allow our coaching staff to more closely monitor the players’ ongoing development, while further strengthening our relationship with a local club that shares our commitment to nurturing young talent.

“Several of our academy players have enjoyed positive loan experiences at Cove in recent years, and we believe this continued exposure to senior football, learning alongside good professionals, is the right step to help accelerate their transition from youth football into the professional game.”

Last term, right-back Dylan Lobban – who played league phase European football in the Conference League for Aberdeen’s first-team this season – was on loan at Cove.

He was there alongside the Dons’ Findlay Marshall, who has starred on loan in the Championship for Arbroath this campaign, and since departed Reds’ team-mate Adam Emslie.

Cove boss Hartley: We’ve had success with Aberdeen youngsters

Cove Rangers manager, and former Aberdeen midfielder, Paul Hartley said: “We’re delighted to welcome the three players to Cove Rangers.

“We aim give them a positive environment to continue their development, with the opportunity to get further exposure to competitive football alongside experienced senior professionals.

“This agreement also enables us to strengthen our squad, with these talented young players adding an exciting new dynamic.

“We’ve had success in recent seasons with youngsters from Aberdeen coming to the Cub and having a real impact and we’d like to thank everyone at Aberdeen for their support in making this happen.”

[Source: Press and Journal]