Sir Alex Ferguson admits he’s honoured to finally be receiving a medal 40 years after leading Aberdeen to their greatest ever triumph.
The Dons stunned Europe by going all the way in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1983 and dumping the mighty Real Madrid 2-1 in the final in Gothenburg. Incredibly winners’ gongs were only awarded to the starting 11 and substitutes back then though, meaning Ferguson, his assistant Archie Knox and injured midfielder Dougie Bell all missed out on a piece of silverware of their own.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the triumph, a campaign led by Dons fans has secured an extra six medals from UEFA which will be presented as part of the Pittodrie club’s celebrations on the date of the final, May 12. Sir Alex is already the most decorated manager in football. He went on to lift 38 trophies as manager of Manchester United, won a total of 10 pieces of silverware with Aberdeen but that night in Gothenburg stands above them all.
The 81-year-old’s statue now stands outside the club’s ground. And he said: "It's a great honour to be receiving this medal and I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. Their efforts, along with the co-operation of UEFA, is much appreciated.
"It's also fantastic to see some of the wonderful people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during this hugely successful period for the club now being honoured."
Along with Ferguson, Knox and Bell, legendary trainer Teddy Scott and former vice-chairman Chris Anderson will be posthumously awarded a medal and the Donald family will also be recognised for the work of then director, Ian Donald, and his father and late chairman, Dick Donald. It follows a campaign led by Chris Gavin on behalf of the AFC Heritage Trust and former Dons chief executive Duncan Fraser.
The new medals have been cast from Dons hero Neil Simpson’s original gong. Ferguson’s team, dubbed the Gothenburg Greats will receive the Freedom of the City by Aberdeen City Council at a special celebration at Pittodrie on May 12.
Dons chairman, Dave Cormack said: “We are extremely grateful to Chris Gavin of the AFC Heritage Trust and Duncan Fraser for their tireless work on this special project which will now ensure Sir Alex, Archie, Dougie, and the Donald, Anderson and Scott families are rightly recognised for the important part they played in the club’s success in 1983.
“The presentation of these medals during the Freedom of the City celebrations will give our supporters a further opportunity to play their part in recognising the inspirational achievements of these players and staff.”
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