20th April 2008

Derek McKay

The Association was devastated to learn of the sudden passing of one of our members Derek McKay. Derek was one of the many ex-Dons and association members who lived and worked overseas. It is always difficult when we lose someone who played an active part in our activities and Derek will be sadly missed. All at the association pass on their sympathy to Derek's family. 

Kevin Stirling looks at Derek's Aberdeen career.

Roy of the Rovers may have achieved fame in comic books of yesteryear but in 1970 Derek McKay carved out his own piece of Pittodrie folklore on a real life fairytale.

Had Aberdeen boss Eddie Turnbull had his way it could have all been so different. By the time that the Dons were due to meet Falkirk in a crucial Scottish Cup quarter final at Brockville in February 1970 the Aberdeen squad had been decimated as a flu virus swept through the club. Turnbull had attempted to get the game postponed due to Aberdeen having so many players unfit. That of course was refused and several of the Aberdeen players were forced to play while still unwell. One player who was drafted into the side was 20 year old Derek McKay. Signed on a free transfer from Dundee in July 1969, McKay had returned to Deveronvale in search for a club before Eddie Turnbull took him to Pittodrie.

Turnbull still had to be convinced as he initially took him to Aberdeen on a four week trial. McKay had made his first team debut against Ayr Utd at Somerset Park on 4^th October 1969, the same day as new record signing Joe Harper wore the red of Aberdeen for the first time. Little did they know that they would team up some months later at Hampden in the Scottish Cup Final. It was against Falkirk that McKay made an immediate impact scoring the only goal of a scrappy game. Young McKay had done enough to keep his place in the team, playing in a right wing role along with Joe Harper and Jim Forrest.

In the semi final against Kilmarnock at Muirton Park Perth, it was that man McKay again who scored the only goal of the game to take Aberdeen through after a tense battle. Although never blessed with an abundance of natural ability, McKay found favour with Turnbull whose tactics were based on quicker front players. McKay himself was looking forward to the Final when he explained the secret behind his success before the big game against Celtic?"I have had a fantastic amount of help from Teddy Scott and thanks to him changing my style I managed to score 15 goals from 16 games. My confidence has soared in this new role and I am sure we will thrive in the big game atmosphere."

McKay concluded the fairytale by scoring twice against an all-conquering Celtic side in the Dons famous 3-1 win. It was Turnbull who called it right by using McKay and Arthur Graham in wide roles and they cut through the Celtic defence with Joe Harper playing in a withdrawn role. The legend that was "Cup-tie McKay" was born.

While much was expected from McKay the following season it just never happened and within a year he was off to ply his trade in the Far East. Derek McKay eventually settled in Australia and he was back in Aberdeen in 2005 when that successful side of 1970 gathered for a reunion.

Total Appearances 19 Goals 4

 

 

Reggie Morrison - 29th November 2006

Aberdeen Football Club is saddened to learn of the death of former goalkeepr Reggie Morrison who spent eight years at Pittodrie during the 50's. Reggie's funeral will take place at St Andrews Church in Peterhead on Friday at 1pm.

Reggie Morrison Signed from local Junior club Lewis United in 1951, he went on to enjoy an eight-year spell at Pittodrie that brought a first league title and League Cup during that period. During his Aberdeen career Reg made 87 competitive appearances for the Dons after making his debut against Falkirk on 20th April 1953. Reggie was often the understudy to Scotland international Fred Martin and that curtailed his first team appearances. Both keepers were held in such high regard that in 1955 after Reggie played in the Scotland U-23 side against England in Sheffield, Aberdeen had both Scotland international keepers on their books.

Viewed by many as far too good a keeper for reserve team football, Reggie loved his career with the Dons and was known as the real joker in the Dons pack, always looking to play the practical joke on his team mates. Reggie also had the distinction of being the best in the business when it came to saving penalties. In his Aberdeen career alone he racked up an astonishing 21 penalty saves in all matches, which no doubt would go down as some sort of record.

Before joining Dundee in 1959, Reggie had recalled his time doing his National Service and his brush with royalty;

"During my days with National Service when I was stationed near Darlington I was playing for the Northern Command team. One Monday night it was quite late when we made the trip back by bus. After a quick stop at a café I forgot to get back on the bus and I was left stranded, miles from base. I knew I was in deep trouble breaking curfew so I made it to the Great North Road and hoped I would get a lift. I must have been around five miles into my walk when this great big fancy car came up behind me. "Explain yourself soldier" came the voice from the back of the car. After I told him what had happened he told me to get in the car with him. As we neared the barracks I told him to take the next road on the right. "I know where I am going soldier" was the reply. After I got into the barracks the guard asked me what had happened and did I know who was in the car with me. I had no idea but was told that it was actually the Duke of Kent!"

Update - 14th September 2006

Newsletter No7

The latest edition of the Former Players newsletter will be ready this week and all members should receive their copies early next week. Included in the latest edition is an exclusive interview with former Don and member George Mulhall. There is also a look back on the successful Golf Outing at Deeside with some photos from the event as well as former Dons Eddie Thomson being recalled in Hiroshima of all places.

21st August 2006
Sandy Finnie
It was with great sadness that we learned of the untimely passing of our great friend Sandy Finnie. Sandy as many of you know looked after the administration of the Association and while we have to come to terms with this loss, it is fair to say that he will be a great loos to us as a friend and to the FP's Association. The Association will be looking at some way of remembering our good friend in a proper way that would be appropriate to his memory.

4th August 2006
Golf Outing
The Association held their second golf outing at Deeside which turned out to be a great success. Around 40 ex-players turned up from all corners of the country to catch up with some old friends and take in the delights that the Deeside course had to offer. The day was helped along by the wonderful support that the association receives from the 50 club at Pittodrie and without their support, the day would certainly not be as successful. Following the various rounds that were played a buffet was enjoyed before Joe Harper delighted the audience with his own raw wit and charm. While a lot of work went on behind the scenes to make the day a success, the association is already planning for next years event.

Update - 1st May 2006
Ally Shewan
The association is delighted to have strengthened their committee with former captain Ally Shewan joining and taking an active part in the committee's work. Ally will be a welcome addition and his enthusiasm for the task ahead is welcomed. Ally was a record appearance maker for the club in the 60's and was also a welcome guest earlier in the season at one of the Dons matches.

Eurpoean Former Players Association
Aberdeen are affiliated to the European Former Players Association whose base in Barcelona. As part of the entertainment before the UEFA Cup final in Eindhoven next month, the EFPA have arranged an all-star match between some of the finest European players coming up against a select from Holland. Terry Venables will be in charge of the European select and included in his side will be the likes of Enzo Schifo (Belgium), Zvonmir Boban (Croatia), Fernando Hierro (Spain), Jean Pierre Papin (France), Mario Basler (Germany), Toni Polster (Austria), Ally McCoist (Scotland) and John Barnes (England). The match will be played in Eindhoven on 9th May and Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard was on hand to get proceedings under way with the press launch of the game in Barcelona.

19th November 2005
John Craig
 

Everyone at Aberdeen Football Club was saddened by the news that former midfielder John Craig has died, aged 52, after suffering a heart attack after watching the weekend Old Firm match on TV, while on holiday in Tenerife.

Craig made 18 competitive first team appearances for the Dons in 1973-74 and 1974-75 and was a prominent member of the Aberdeen Reserve side which lifted the Reserve League Cup (pictured) as well as the Reserve League title in Season 1972-73. He was voted the Scottish Young Player of the Year in 1973. Craig left Aberdeen for Partick Thistle in 1975 and went on to play for Hearts, Morton and Keith.

John was the younger brother of former Aberdeen Player and Coach Tommy Craig, now at Newcastle, and was the father of Michael, who spent several seasons on the books at Pittodrie after joining from Celtic.

He is survived by his wife Frances, and children Michael and Laura. Everyone at Pittodrie would like to offer their condolences to the family at this sad time.

17th February 2005
Joe O'Neil

All at Pittodrie were saddened today to hear of the death of former player Joe O'Neil and would like to pass on their condolences to his family.

Born Glasgow 15th August 1931
Career: Bridgeton Waverley; 19050 Aberdeen; November 1952 Loaned to Southend Utd; March 1956 Leicester City; October 1957 Northampton Town; July 1959 Bath City; May 1961 Weston-super-Mare (Player/Manager).

Debut: Aberdeen v Partick 17.2.1950
Aberdeen appearances: 27
Aberdeen goals: 6

Arrived at Pittodrie in 1949 along with Ian McNeill and made his first team debut some months later. His finest hour for Aberdeen came in the Scottish Cup semi final against Rangers at Hampden on 10th April 1954. Joe had suffered a depressed fracture of the skull in a game against Falkirk only three weeks earlier yet declared himself fit for the game against Rangers, against doctors advice. Joe scored a hat trick in the Dons memorable 6-0 win the clubs first win over Rangers in the Scottish Cup and Rangers worst defeat ever in the cup to date.

Joe was injured for the Final against Celtic but played his part in the Dons first championship success in 1955. Joe was a giant of a player, an inside forward who competed with Bob Wishart for a starting place in the championship side. After failing to gain a regular place in the Aberdeen team Joe followed manager Dave Halliday to Leicester in 1956 where he had to wait 18 months before finally making his debut for the First Division club.

Joe eventually joined Bath City where he met up with former Don Ian MacFarlane. Joe scored regularly for the non-league side and he was among the goals during their FA Cup run of 1960. Bath were eventually knocked out by Brighton where he came up against his good friend Ian McNeil before a record 18,020 crowd at Baths Twerton Park. Following a stint in the National Service at Shoeburyness he returned to Bath as manager and took up residence there ever since.

Marathon Man Jens Still Going Strong?
Club historian Kevin Stirling spoke to Jens Petersen whilst he was on a recent visit back to the Granite City. Click here to read the interview.

Yashin, Puskas, Matthews and Kinnell?
Club historian Kevin Stirling spoke to George Kinnell in March 2004. Click here to read the interview.

15th October 2005

FP's Lapel Badges

The association has now taken stock of their own exclusive Former Players enamel lapel badges. Each member will be issued with a badge. The badge is the same as the Association logo and the committee were delighted with the quality of the badges. These will be sent out to members along with the latest newsletter.

27th August 2005

Former Dons and Association member Brian Irvine was a welcome guest to Pittodrie for the Falkirk game at Pittodrie. Brian took time out from his BBC Scotland work to dine with the guests at in the Richard Donald Suite before the game. Brian also presented the sponsors gifts and was well received by the guests. Brian still holds Aberdeen Football Club in high esteem and the Association was delighted to catch up with him.

August 2005

Golf outing 5th August 2005

The Aberdeen Former players association will be holding their inaugural Golf outing on Friday 5th August at the Deeside Golf Club, Bieldside, Aberdeen. The tee has been booked between 10.30am-12.30pm and the proposed itinerary is as follows; 9.30am tea/coffee bacon rolls 10.30-12.30pm tee off (format to be decided once numbers confirmed) 6pm Dinner 8pm presentation of prizes and raffle

It is hoped that ex-players will join teams from the local business community who are supporting the event. Profits from the day will go to the association funds and it is hoped that we can make this an annual event.

We do hope that you will be able to support us in this first venture and anyone interested in attending should make contact with us at Pittodrie on 650400 or fax 01224 644173 or e-mail formerplayers@afc.co.uk 

June/July 2005
The Association contacted all members with a view to holding a golf outing next year. Jimmy Wilson will be organising the event from the Association side of things and the proposal is for next summer. It is hoped that a favourable turn out of ex-Dons will make the event which will be open to supporters and businesses to play in a group which will include a former Don.

Anyone wishing to take part should contact the club on 01224 650400 or email formerplayers@afc.co.uk

April 2005
In conjunction with Aberdeen Football Club and Rainbow City Taxis the Association will be involved in the reunion to celebrate some of the greatest achievements in the clubs history. In April next year it is hoped that some of the side that won the League in 1955, the Scottish Cup in 1970 and some of the clubs later achievements will be present for a gala Dinner. Details will follow once confirmed.

November 2004
The 2nd Hall of Fame Dinner was held at the stadium, sponsored by Rainbow City Taxis the event was a huge success as another six Aberdeen legends took their bow. Joe Harper, Jim Leighton, Ally Shewan, Eddie Turnbull, Neil Simpson and Ian Donald on behalf of his late father Dick were all present to accept their awards. One of the highlights of the evening was an impressive stand up show from Dons assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl who was present along with Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood for the evening.

July 2004
A team of former Aberdeen players took part in the Gavin Slessor Testimonial at the Chris Anderson Stadium. The association was delighted to put out a team that played an Aberdeen supporter select. Although the game was a bit one-sided in that the former players cruised to a comfortable win, the 2,000 crowd were treated to some fine exhibition stuff from the side which included Drew Jarvie, Neil Cooper, Steve Cowan, Jim Bett, John Hewitt, Alan Lyons, Ian Wilson, Willie Garner with manager Duncan Davidson taking a back seat for this one.

March 2004
The inaugural Aberdeen FC Hall of Fame was launched with the first inductees being honoured at a Dinner in the RDS facility at Pittodrie. Former Don Joe Harper was a guest speaker along with comedian Jimmy Bright as the first six Aberdeen legends were inducted in to the Hall of Fame at the club. Willie Miller, Teddy Scott, John Hewitt, Drew Jarvie, Jim Bett and Fred Martin were all present to receive their awards.

February 2004
Former players Hans Gillhaus and Willem Van der Ark returned to Pittodrie for the game against Dunfermline and were on the pitch at half time to make the draw for the club lottery. Willem informed us that he was now an estate agent back in Holland while Hans remains involved in football as chief scout for his former club PSV Eindhoven.

December 2003
One of the first matters the association acted upon was to help former player Frank Munro. Frank was being honoured by former club Wolverhampton and his former team mate Steve Kindon was arranging a testimonial dinner. Frank was not in the best of health and several of his former Aberdeen team mates who toured the States with him in 1967 passed on their best wishes. The Association also put together a video of the trip and also sent down some photographs, which were greatly appreciated by Frank.

November 2003
The Aberdeen FC Former Players Association is officially launched at press conference at Pittodrie where the first newsletter was also distributed. Duncan Davidson and Jimmy Wilson were on hand to speak to the press and their hopes for a successful venture. Duncan was hopeful that the Association would be a success??We have had a great response, but there is still plenty of room to grow and develop. Already quite a few have taken up the offer to attend matches and perhaps we can attract some more who live further away in the future?.