Thirty-five years have passed since Aberdeen last lifted the Scotland Cup, and for many, it was the aftermath of their 1983 victory that has long lived lives.
Sir Alex Ferguson, fresh from the European Cup winner’s Cup victory over Real Madrid in Yoterburg, took Don to Hampden Park to face the Rangers.
Striker Eric Black scored only the goal in the extra time to watch Aberdeen hold the trophy, but the manager infamously eliminated his team’s display after the game.
“We were the luckyest team in the world and a dishonorable performance,” Ferguson said after the match. [Willie] Mirror and [Alex] McCleesh won the Cup for Aberdeen. Miller and McLeash played the Rangers themselves.
“The Cup of Winning is not important. Our standard has been set a long time ago and we are not going to accept it from the Aberdeen team.”
McCleash was late to the dressing room after the celebration, and was unaware of the explosion.
“To be honest, I couldn’t believe it when I came in,” McCleash said. Sky Sports News.
“I was milking a bit at the base of the cup, so I went into the disabled section and took some photos.
“I stood up in the dressing room and it was silent and you wondered what happened here? [Strachan] “Gafar just slaughtered us all except you and Willie,” I said, it’s fine!
“The next morning my boss apologised and he gathered us all in a hotel room and said, ‘I heard you’ve experienced a lot, and Europe’s stuff has done a lot from you.”
“When Gaffer gave us something to do, we were always responding because we had a great mentality. That team was really, really, really strong spirit.”
The 66-year-old won the Scottish Cup five times at Aberdeen, captaining in 1990 when he last lifted the trophy and beat Celtic 9-8 in a penalty.
Alex McCleash captained Aberdeen to the glory of the Scottish Cup in 1990.
“It was amazing to actually lift the trophy,” he added. “We lost Willie Miller to an injury in the Scotland match and I became captain.
“It went for a penalty shootout, five people each have been taken, and it is still four.
Aberdeen defeated Celtic in the 1990 Scotland Cup final in a penalty
“I told Jockey Scott I’d take it. ‘But are you going to score?” the reply.
“I did it, and it went to the plan, and the next three or four penalties, both goalkeepers were just falling because they were so tired – it was ridiculous.
“Brian Irvine came up with a winner to go 9-8, so I hope that was a good foreshadowing this weekend.
Will the Dons wait 35 years for the glory of the Scottish Cup?
For more accessible video players, use the Chrome browser
Aberdeen captain Graemesinny aims to close Celtic’s treble bid by clinching the Scotland Cup on Saturday, a decade after lifting the trophy at Inverness.
It was roller coaster season for Aberdeen. After a fierce start and 16 unbeaten runs, they played in 14 league matches without winning, finishing fifth in the Scottish premier.
Celtic is chasing the highs of the country, but McLeash believes Graeme Sinney can become the next captain to lift the trophy on Saturday.
“I don’t think anyone has any desire,” he added. “These players give it all.
Will Jimmy Terrin (R) and Sinney lead Aberdeen to a Scotland Cup victory?
“Aberdeen’s epic start had a change in the wind throughout the season, then lost to Celtic last week at Pitt Dory and disappeared a bit.
“Does it set it for Celtics? I think Jimmy has some kind of strategy for the players.
“That’s what I feel right now. It’s going to be upsetting considering the shape and confidence that Celtic has gained on the closing day of its league and cup campaign.”
Sky Sports will be exhibiting 215 live PL games starting next season
Starting next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 games to at least 215 live games.
And 80% of all TV-broadcast Premier League matches will be on Sky Sports next season.
