Craig Samson joins Aberdeen four years after retirement

The veteran goalkeeper, 37, stopped playing in 2018 as he ventured into coaching.

But Aberdeen have today confirmed they are facing an emergency between the sticks with some serious injury issues.

And Samson has answered the Dons' SOS call, by joining on a short-term basis as both a back-up keeper and coach.

Aberdeen's goalie coach Gordon Marshall needs surgery, as so faces a spell out of action. 

Meanwhile, first choice Joe Lewis is currently unavailable, with back-up Gary Woods currently taking the gloves for Stephen Glass' side.

Young keeper Tom Ritchie has featured on the bench, but he has sustained a serious injury, meaning they had no other option - which had lead to Samson's signing.

As Gordon Marshall recovers from a knee injury, we can confirm that Craig Samson has this week joined the club to support goalkeeper training.

Following a serious injury sustained by Tom Ritchie, Craig has also been registered as a back-up goalkeeper and is in today’s squad.

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) February 12, 2022

An Aberdeen statement reads: "As Gordon Marshall recovers from a knee injury, we can confirm that Craig Samson has this week joined the club to support goalkeeper training.

"Following a serious injury sustained by Tom Ritchie, Craig has also been registered as a back-up goalkeeper and is in today’s squad."