Dons director Cormack targets American dream

ABERDEEN director Dave Cormack has outlined his American dream after revealing that he wants the Dons to tap into the huge market Stateside.

The Atlanta-based software entrepreneur, who sold his business for £567 million last year, believes his home-town team could make millions by building a solid fan base in the US.

Cormack hopes the foundations for their plan can be laid by Aberdeen joining forces with American grassroots organisations.

Cormack, who last year pledged £1m from his family’s trust to the club’s proposed £50m stadium and training complex, said: “Why can’t Aberdeen be America’s Scottish football team?

“Yes, there are Celtic and Rangers fans over there but we’ve been approached by some teams and we’re going to explore affiliating with some of these youth soccer associations.

“There’s one in California where there’s an Aberdeen connection, and what they would like to do is tap into Aberdeen’s online curriculum for professional youth development.

“Maybe have somebody go out once a year. They would then buy all of their kits for the 2000 kids that play in that association.

“We could generate probably £1-2m a year just by working with 20 or 30 clubs over there.

“We’re going to explore, the commercial team and others, how we might tap into the American football fan.

“We’re trying to make Aberdeen their Scottish team. So, not everything is going to work but I learnt a long ago if you are going to fail, fail fast and learn quickly.

“If you don’t try you never succeed.”