Aberdeen Football Club have been boosted by a new $1m (£754,200) investment from an American businessman.

Tom Crotty, who was introduced to the Dons by director Dave Cormack, has put the cash into the club through the acquisition of shares.

It follows the announcement Aberdeen have secured more than 60% of the funding required for the first phase of their plans for a community sports hub, training academy and stadium.

Boston-based Mr Crotty's pledge brings the total investment for phase one to over £6m.

He said he decided to make his investment following recent visits to Aberdeen and his first match at Pittodrie Stadium.

Speaking from Boston, Mr Crotty said: "I'm really happy to be part of what is a very exciting time for the club both on and off the pitch.

"My experience of soccer is that it has a profoundly positive impact across whole communities.

"This is why my investment is directed towards enhancing the community facilities on offer as part of the club's modern and progressive development."

Mr Crotty has been in the venture capital industry for 30 years.

In his youth, he was captain of the Notre Dame Men's college team, in which he has remained closely involved, and where he met Aberdeen legend and Notre Dame head coach, Bobby Clark.

He helped charity, Grassroots Soccer, get off the ground with Bobby's son Tommy Clark.

The charity is focused on adolescent health, using the attraction of football to teach children life skills.

Mr Cormack, who recently confirmed that his family foundation's pledge of £1m was also to be ring-fenced for the community part of the development, said: "I've known and worked with Tom for ten years and I know he will be a great ambassador for AFC.

"I'm delighted he has agreed to come on-board and I'll continue to spread the word about our vision in the US with his help and support."

Dons chairman Stewart Milne said: "It's great to see Dave's efforts in attracting US investment to the club come to fruition.

"A key part of his new role at the club was to help us source and secure investment from America and we're staggered by this first pledge.

"Tom's investment in the club is an endorsement of our vision and long-term strategy."