What factors contributed to Aberdeen FC’s unprecedented success under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1978 and 1986?
“The foundations were laid by Ally MacLeod and later strengthened by Billy McNeill between 1975 and 1978. During this period, several key players were brought in, including Gordon Strachan, Steve Archibald, Stuart Kennedy, and Joe Harper. By the time Alex Ferguson arrived, the club already had a core of established internationals, such as Bobby Clark, Kennedy, and Willie Miller.
“What went largely unnoticed at the time, however, was the emergence of a remarkable crop of young talent—a group reminiscent of Scotland’s ‘Class of ’82.’
“Ferguson arrived as a young, ambitious manager with a point to prove. When you combined his relentless drive with the club’s growing experience and rising youth, it created the perfect storm.”
How did the emergence of the oil industry in Aberdeen influence the club’s rise during this golden era?
“The oil industry in Aberdeen brought significant wealth and drew thousands of workers to the area. Before the oil boom, Aberdeen was anything but cosmopolitan, but that quickly changed as the industry transformed the city.
“To be honest, the club didn’t capitalise on the oil sector as effectively as it could have. However, there were plenty of spin-offs, with new supporters coming in and spending a substantial amount of money.”
What was it like to witness Aberdeen’s success in Europe, winning the Cup Winners’ Cup and Super Cup in 1983? Looking back, how significant were those triumphs for the club’s legacy?
“Aberdeen, as a club, is defined by its achievements in Europe. It’s the one thing that has truly endured and, above all else, sticks in the craw of opponents—though they would never admit it.
“Personally, I was on the St Clair ferry to Gothenburg, and it was an unforgettable week. I knew the ferry well, as it was the same one I took every summer to Shetland for my holidays between 1966 and 1975, visiting my grandparents.
“Gothenburg was a magical evening. We actually outplayed Madrid for most of the game. I was right behind the goal for the winner—the first time I ever cried at full-time of a match.”
How did Sir Alex Ferguson’s background and managerial style shape the team’s transformation into a dominant force?
“Statue of Sir Alex Ferguson at Pittodrie” by Watty62is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Ferguson was a volatile figure in many ways. At Aberdeen, he had to be involved in everything—from the tea room to the boardroom. Nothing escaped his attention.
“Looking back, it was a tough but highly effective approach. He cultivated a siege mentality within the club, fully aware that many in the west were ready to pounce on any sign of weakness or failure.”
In what ways did Aberdeen FC’s achievements during this period surpass their previous 75 years of existence?
“During the tenure of Sir Alex Ferguson, he delivered 11 major trophies to Pittodrie in just seven years—a staggering achievement considering the club had won only five in its previous 75 years.
“His success in Europe, however, eclipsed everything. More than just silverware, he instilled a winning mentality the club had never known. Aberdeen had always been seen as a ‘nice, well-run club,’ but Ferguson changed that. Under him, the team became a tough, relentless force that commanded respect from every opponent.
“He famously said that he could take that side anywhere in the world, against any team in any country—and fancy it.”
Finally, Kevin, what does Aberdeen football club mean to you and how much did you enjoy taking this project on given your extensive work on the club to date?
“Aberdeen has been my club ever since my father took me to Pittodrie for the first time in 1966. We always stood at the back of the Main Stand. Nearly 60 years on, I’m still going there. I’ve sat in other areas of Pittodrie over the years, but I always find myself drawn back to the same spot where my dad first took me. My son, Kevin, comes with me now, and we sit together in Section F, just as always. My father’s spirit is still there with us.
“I’ve followed Aberdeen to 12 different countries and travelled all over the UK with the Dons.
“My latest book was a real labour of love, as I had the privilege of reliving the experience of being at nearly every game, home and away, during the Ferguson era. While much of it came from memory, reconnecting with players and fans from that time made it an incredibly rewarding project. There have been other books on Ferguson and that golden era, but I wanted to create a full, comprehensive account of the period—one that, I believe, truly captures and closes off the greatest chapter in Aberdeen FC’s history.
“The club means everything to me.”
Aberdeen’s Golden Era by Kevin Stirling is available to buy from Pitch Publishing and at all good book stores.
Featured image courtesy of Pitch Publishing
Callum McFadden 