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Nice One Simmie
The move will strengthen the club's youth development operation, and is the next move in the shake-up of the club's youth operations following from the appointment of Len Taylor last year.
Youth development has been seen as a weakness at Pittodrie for the last few seasons, with precious few youngsters making the grade in the way that they did in the 70s, 80s and early 90s.
Pittodrie head of Youth Development and Community Len Taylor believes it's great news for everyone at the Club.
He told RedWeb: "I see this as a logical progression for Neil who has done a tremendous job in heading up our community department over the past five years.
"During that time, he has acquired a considerable amount of expertise through his close involvement with the SFA and that knowledge will undoubtedly enhance the quality of training for our players in the youth development system at a crucial stage of their careers.
"Neil is already a great asset to AFC and will continue to be so in his new position."
44-year-old Simpson, who made 310 appearances for Aberdeen between 1978 and 1988, is looking forward to the new challenge.
He said: "Having been through the Pittodrie youth development system myself, albeit some years ago, I'm acutely aware that we all need to work together to ensure more talented kids, and their parents, choose Aberdeen as their potential career pathway.
"Obviously I'll be working extremely closely with Len and also Chic, who looks after the 14 to 17 age group, as well as my old team-mate Peter Weir who is undertaking a similar job in the Glasgow area."
He told RedWeb: "I see this as a logical progression for Neil who has done a tremendous job in heading up our community department over the past five years.
"During that time, he has acquired a considerable amount of expertise through his close involvement with the SFA and that knowledge will undoubtedly enhance the quality of training for our players in the youth development system at a crucial stage of their careers.
"Neil is already a great asset to AFC and will continue to be so in his new position."
44-year-old Simpson, who made 310 appearances for Aberdeen between 1978 and 1988, is looking forward to the new challenge.
He said: "Having been through the Pittodrie youth development system myself, albeit some years ago, I'm acutely aware that we all need to work together to ensure more talented kids, and their parents, choose Aberdeen as their potential career pathway.
"Obviously I'll be working extremely closely with Len and also Chic, who looks after the 14 to 17 age group, as well as my old team-mate Peter Weir who is undertaking a similar job in the Glasgow area."