Bruce Anderson (footballer, born 1998)

Bruce Anderson (born 23 September 1998) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Kilmarnock. He has previously played for Aberdeen, where he came through the ranks from the age of 11, Elgin City, Dunfermline Athletic, Ayr United, Hamilton Academical and Livingston.

Aberdeen
Anderson began his footballing career with Dyce Boys Club when he was five, before signing with Aberdeen youth teams when he was 13. His first experience of senior football came when he moved out on loan to Scottish League Two side Elgin City at the beginning of the 2017–18 season. In five months with the club, Anderson scored six times in fourteen appearances, before returning to his parent club in January 2018.

He made his Aberdeen debut as a substitute against Rangers on 5 August 2018, scoring an equalising goal in stoppage time to secure a 1–1 draw. On 4 September 2018, Anderson signed a new deal until summer 2021. He joined Scottish Championship side Dunfermline Athletic on loan in January 2019.

Anderson was one of eight Aberdeen players who received a suspended three-match ban from the Scottish FA after they breached coronavirus-related restrictions due to visiting a bar in August 2020. On 5 October 2020, Anderson signed for Ayr United, on a season-long loan. However he was recalled by Aberdeen in January. He made 12 appearances scoring two goals against Albion Rovers in the League Cup. On 1 February 2021, Anderson joined fellow Premiership side Hamilton Academical on loan until the end of the season. He scored his first goal for Hamilton in a 4–1 win against Motherwell on 13 February 2021.

Livingston
Anderson signed a three-year contract with Livingston in May 2021, which due to take effect when his contract with Aberdeen expires. He moved in the opposite direction of fellow striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, who signed a two-year contract with Aberdeen on the same day.

Anderson was Livingston's top scorer in the 2021-22 season, bagging 11 league goals and 13 across all competitions in 34 appearances. The following season was less fruitful, with a return of 7 goals in the 36 appearances. His performances did, however, catch the attention of Georgian side FC Torpedo Kutaisi who made a six-figure transfer offer for the forward, which Livingston accepted. Anderson turned down the move without entering into discussions with the club.

Kilmarnock
After leaving Livingston as a free agent, Anderson signed a two-year contract with Kilmarnock in May 2024.

Personal life
Anderson has spoken publicly about life as a footballer with type-1 diabetes. Anderson first learned of his condition after being hospitalised with a football injury while playing for Aberdeen as a teenager. During a match for Livingston in 2021, Anderson collapsed having suffered a diabetic seizure on the pitch but made a full recovery.