In an exclusive interview with Daily Record, Anderson expressed return to Aberdeen, so he would overcome his injury. After two months without playing due to an injury, Anderson finally made his first appearance in his second Aberdeen spell, when he came on for Clark Robertson in the 76th minutes as a substitute, as Aberdeen lost 3–0 against Hearts on 31 March 2012. Despite the loss, Anderson expressed his delight at his return and said he felt that it meant a lot to receive a great welcome from fans. Anderson stated his aim to help the club reach a final for the first time in thirteen years. Having made twenty two appearances so far, Anderson signed a contract extension that will keep him until the next season. Anderson said he was happy at signing a contract extension and delaying his retirement. Anderson's first full season back with Aberdeen wasn't very successful, with the club finishing 8th in the Scottish Premier League. In the 2013–14 season, Anderson said he had unfinished business at the club and vowed to take them back to where they belong. On 25 January 2014, he scored his first goal for Aberdeen since returning to the club, scoring an injury time equaliser, as Aberdeen drew 2–2 with Motherwell. After beating St Johnstone 4–0 to reach the final of the Scottish League Cup, Manager Derek McInnes commented that the final meant many things for Anderson, while Willie Miller compared Reynolds and Anderson's central defense partnership to his own partnership with Alex McLeish during their time at Aberdeen. Anderson was the sixth Aberdeen captain to lift silverware when they defeated Inverness Caledonian Thistle 4–2 on penalties in the 2014 Scottish League Cup Final. Anderson himself came very close to scoring in the match, hitting the post with a volley. Anderson reacted on Aberdeen winning the Scottish League Cup as an "incredible feeling". Following the final, Derek McInnes announced he would be giving a new deal to Anderson. The captain's armband that he wore in the final, was snapped up by a fan who paid £500, which later went to charity. On 15 May 2014, Anderson signed a new one-year contract with Aberdeen. Anderson appeared and captained five out of the six for Aberdeen's Europa League matches. During the match against St Johnstone on 23 August 2014, Anderson was limped with a knee injury and was taken off in the 77th