Mark McGhee has fulfilled an ambition by being named Aberdeen manager.

The former Pittodrie striker has been appointed as Dons manager with Scott Leitch, his assistant at Motherwell, his number two.

McGhee, who was part of the Dons side that won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983 with a 2-1 win over Real Madrid in Gothenburg, revealed his delight at returning to the north-east.

"It is fantastic," McGhee said. "When you set out as a manager, you have certain ambitions and one of mine was to manage the clubs I played for, Newcastle, Celtic and Aberdeen.

It's 25 years since I left, but it looks as beautiful as ever and it just encourages me.
Newly-appointed Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee

"I had great times here as a player and here I am, managing to fulfil an ambition to come back as manager. It's unbelievable for me.

"Aberdeen was a huge part of my career - we had the European Cup Winners' Cup win, three Scottish Cup final wins in a row with Alex Ferguson and I've got great friends from that team and that era," said McGhee. "

"There are a lot of memories. It's 25 years since I left, but it looks as beautiful as ever and it just encourages me."