Brown to ponder his next move as he thanks Dons for his Pittodrie spell

Scott Brown has opened up on his exit from Aberdeen and revealed he will take time to consider his next move.

The midfielder terminated his contract at Pittodrie less than a year into a two-year deal. Brown confirmed that the opportunities provided to him as a coach under Stephen Glass would no longer be there with new boss Jim Goodwin.

Aberdeen enticed the 36-year-old north after the expiry of his Celtic deal with a dual playing and coaching role. In a message on social media, Brown explained his departure, thanked fans and revealed his next steps.

“Hi all,” he wrote. “Last season, I was given the opportunity by Stephen and the board at Aberdeen to take the next step in my football career – continuing to play the game that I love whilst gaining hands on coaching experience.

“Unfortunately the season didn’t go as well as we had hoped, and with the managerial change at the club, the opportunity to both play and coach wasn’t there anymore.

After speaking with Jim and Aberdeen, we decided it was best for us to part ways.

“I would like to thank Stephen and the board for giving me the opportunity and for the incredible support you have shown me in the short time I spent at your club. To Allan (Russell), Henry (Apaloo) and the rest of the backroom staff I enjoyed working with you.

“To the players, I have seen the character, the hard work and the determination that you put in day after day on the training pitch and I hope that it brings you, and everyone at the club, success in the future.

“To the fans, I know I was only with you for a short time but thank you for welcoming me to your club, and to your city. The support I received from everyone, from the terraces to meeting you around the city was unbelievable. Thank you! Aberdeen is a huge club.

“It has been a whirlwind few days and I am going to take some time to consider all my options and relax with my family. I am sure I will get a few rounds of golf in as well.”

Meanwhile, winger Jonny Hayes has signed a one-year extension to his deal, keeping him at Pittodrie until 2023.