I’ve supported the Dons my entire life. That will never change.

I’ve also been one of the luckier fans in the Red Army because I’ve had a part-time job with the club since the 2005/2006 Season, and despite the many jobs I do, it has always been my favourite. I doubt that will ever change either.

I’ve always viewed it as a role where you are the custodian of a microphone representing not just the club, but everyone within the stadium, the corporate voice, but also the voice of every fan – that’s a bit of a balancing act, and it’s become more confined and constrained by the season, as to what you can and cannot do or say – but it remains the best job in the world.

My time has not been trophy laden, nor has it been trophy less with one League Cup win to speak of, and relatively successful years for the vast majority with European adventures becoming something we’d almost taken for granted at the start of every season.

Many good things and much good work continues apace behind the scenes at both Pittodrie and Cormack Park, and like everyone else with a vested interest, I hope it all bears fruit in the longer term. (Not too long though, please!)

I will serve the club as long as it requests my presence or as long as I am able – whichever comes first, but as it is only a part-time job, occasionally one of my other full time roles gets in the way and I have to pass up the chance to be stadium announcer on that rare occasion.

One of those times is this weekend as the curtain falls on an otherwise forgettable campaign – with everything decided and nothing to play for, I imagine it would ordinarily be one of those games which would take place pretty much like a beach kick-about with most thoughts already focussed on that destination, and a crowd reserved mainly of real diehards, with a much lower than usual attendance.

But this Sunday is not a normal end of season affair.

It will be the last time we see Andy Considine in a red shirt.

He brings his one-club career to a close to move who knows where. I could have a couple of educated guesses, but I’d rather not.

Instead, I just want to pay tribute to a player who’s served our club, boy and man, who’s never less than a 7 out of 10, week in week out, and who finally got capped for his nation in the twilight of his career.

He hasn’t seen the glittering success of some of his more illustrious counterparts in the 500+ appearances club, but that shouldn’t detract from his years of faithful service.

Andy, I’m really sorry I can’t be there on this occasion. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you’ve given our club over the years.

Once A Don, Always A Don.

Stand Free.

By the way, don’t miss the Red Matchday Programme at the game. The cover for this weekend is outstanding.

Here’s this week’s Pittodrie P.S. with more than a passing mention to Andy’s final farewell.