Aberdeen plan Viaplay Cup bus parade before Rangers showdown as party plans unveiled with 'optimism' soaring

Aberdeen could return from Hampden to a city bus parade if they prevail over Rangers at next month's Viaplay Cup final.

Barry Robson's side booked their place at the firs major final of the Scottish football season with a win over Hibs at the last four stage against Hibs. They now are aiming to win their first piece of silverware since Derek McInnes guided the club to success in this competition back in 2014.

As Aberdeen City Council's financial performance was being discussed, chief officer Jonathan Belford revealed the plans for a victory parade should the Dons prevail over Philippe Clement's side. The funds for the celebration would come out of the local authority’s Common Good Fund, with Belford noting previous cup wins had been “acknowledged and celebrated” in similar style. The 2014 cup-winning team, for example, earned a bus parade to celebrate their achievements. There is optimism that the plans can be realised.

Councillor M. Tauqeer Malik stated his belief that Aberdeen will overcome their Rangers challenge. He said: “I am very optimistic that Aberdeen Football Club will be victorious. I am optimistic that we will make it.”

Meanwhile, some anxious Dons fans are wondering when the 2500 remaining tickets for the game will be released. Chief executive Alan Burrows and the club have already held their hands up over issues surrounding the initial distribution of the briefs, of which 17,000 have sold.

Answering fan concerns on X, Burrows has aimed to cool concern. He said: "Hey lads - Our allocation was to be up to 19,500 based on 17,000 initial then circa 2,500 following the return of the debenture seats in the South Stand upper (both clubs get tickets in this way and it’s the same at every final for last umpteen