There are some players who just ‘get’ Aberdeen, and from the moment he stepped onto the Pittodrie turf, Leighton Clarkson was one of them. It is with a heavy heart—and a fair bit of nostalgia—that I write about his departure today.
The news has been confirmed: our Scottish Cup-winning midfield maestro is heading south to join Blackpool in a permanent deal. After three-and-a-half years of orchestrating our play from the centre of the park, the 24-year-old is moving on to a new challenge in the EFL Championship.
From Liverpool Starlet to Pittodrie Legend
I remember the buzz when we first landed Leighton on loan from Liverpool. We’ve seen many young English prospects come and go, but Clarkson was different. He didn’t just have the technical ability; he had the footballing brain to match.
He quickly became the heartbeat of the side. Whether it was a cross-field diagonal pass or a late run into the box, he offered a level of composure that we had sorely missed. His permanent signing felt like a massive statement of intent for the club, and looking back at his 154 appearances, it’s clear he repaid that faith in spades.
The Legacy: That Unforgettable Cup Run
If you ask any member of the Red Army about Leighton’s legacy, they won’t point to his 18 goals—they’ll point to the silverware.
Helping guide Aberdeen to that Scottish Cup triumph last season was the pinnacle of his time in the Granite City. Watching him lift that trophy during the parade is a memory that will stay with me forever. He wasn’t just a “loan player” who stayed on; he became one of us. He understood the pressure of the shirt and the expectations of the North East.
Why Now? The Sporting Director’s View
Aberdeen’s Sporting Director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, was full of praise for the departing midfielder but was honest about the logistics of the move.
“Leighton has been a fantastic servant to this football club. However, we have to respect a player’s desire for regular first-team action and a fresh start closer to home. We wish him nothing but the best.”
From a fan’s perspective, it’s a tough pill to swallow mid-season, but we have to admit that the midfield dynamic has changed under the current tactical setup. Leighton deserves to be starting every week, and if Blackpool can offer him that, we can’t stand in his way.
Fitba Focus Verdict: A Massive Void to Fill
Losing a player of Clarkson’s calibre during the January window is always a gamble. He provided a link between the defence and the attack that is incredibly hard to find. As we look toward the remainder of the season, the question for the coaching staff is simple: Who steps up now?
Do we look to the market for a direct replacement, or is there a youngster in the academy ready to seize the “Clarkson role”? One thing is for certain—Leighton Clarkson leaves with his head held high and his place in Aberdeen history secured.
Thanks for the memories, Leighton. Once a Don, always a Don.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Aberdeen fan with years of experience in the sports media industry, Peter provides expert analysis and a dedicated "Dons" perspective on the Scottish game. He is passionate about giving a voice to fans across the entire Scottish football pyramid.
