BigAl

Not to mention the quarterly bonus he had included in his contract. Pity it was short lived as reckon over the course of a season or so Hignett would have been a revelation for us

It was always going to be this way wasn't it. Still brings a tear to my eyes. Those of us old enough to have been there will take the memory of that night to the grave 1 Bayern Munich 1983 No surprises for the No1 position. “Pittodrie’s Greatest Night” has been revered in memory and club video. The night when Aberdeen defied the odds and claimed the scalp of one of the top clubs in world football. Aberdeen were dining at the top table in the European arena and Alex Ferguson’s side were revelling jousting with Europe’s elite. Certainly, in those days the ECWC was full of some of the best sides around. There was no easy passage into the European Cup; that was still the privilege of the respective league champions of each country. That meant the likes of the ECWC was littered with top sides every season. It is hardly surprising that Ferguson was cautious in his assessment of Aberdeen chances in Europe that season. In the ECWC that season were the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Tottenham. The Dons had only managed to reach the third round of any European competition for the first time the previous season. There was little to suggest the likes of Aberdeen could compete against some of the biggest clubs in world football. Aberdeen as one of the unseeded sides also had to face a Preliminary tie; against Swiss side Sion. The Dons negotiated their way through to the quarter finals with relative ease, almost unnoticed; certainly, by the bigger clubs who were expecting to battle it out in the latter stages. When the Dons came out in the draw for the quarter finals against Bayern Munich, they were instantly written off. The Germans were dismissive of the Scots chances. Franz Beckenbauer the German international legend who was in the Hamburg side that played Aberdeen the year before declared that Bayern would be too strong; “Aberdeen gave us a hard time in Scotland, but like most British teams they don’t travel well in Europe. I expect Bayern to be far too good for Aberdeen. The Scots will provide a test but technically Munich are better.” The German media were also of the same opinion as Aberdeen were not that well known across Europe. Bild newspaper declared that “Aberdeen will not present Bayern with any difficulty. It is a good draw for Munich who could have been paired with far more difficult opponents.” Uli Hoeness, the Bayern coach took a more cautious view after watching Aberdeen dismantle Celtic at Parkhead; “We will need to be at our best to get through this tie. Aberdeen are well organised; technically superior to any British side I have seen in recent years. They present a real test for us And it is important for us to take a lead to Scotland.” That never materialised of course as Aberdeen went to the Olympic Stadium in Munich and looked a real class act as they held Bayern to a 0-0 draw that was without doubt one of the finest displays from a Scottish side on foreign soil. It was manger Ferguson’s turn to be cautious; “The job is only half done. Bayern will present us with the toughest of tests as we still must win the tie. An away goal would give us a real problem; hopefully it will be one of those famous European nights at Pittodrie.” After Aberdeen defeated the Germans 3-2 in what was the greatest night ever seen at the old stadium, the belief that was in the Aberdeen squad was now apparent in the Scottish media as expectations grew on the back of the Dons stirring performances in Europe. That additional pressure was well managed by Ferguson. He knew his side were well equipped to meet such high demands and he was keen to temper the growing expectancy; “We have won nothing yet. The team have done well to get us into a position where we could make history. We have to keep our focus on the next challenge.”

2 SV Hamburg 1983 The only European Final to be played at Pittodrie and watched worldwide as Aberdeen defeated the European Cup holders in style. Never had the club profile been so high with the game being beamed live to more than 80 countries. Two years after SV Hamburg had defeated the Dons in the UEFA Cup it was the more glamorous and prestigious European Super Cup that both sides would meet again. It seemed that Aberdeen had learned a lot from their previous experience, as it was the Scots who were to emerge victorious on this occasion. In the first leg in Hamburg on 22nd November 1983 it was the tactical nous of boss Alex Ferguson that once again proved decisive. A poor crowd of only 15,000 turned up to see an efficient Aberdeen go about their business in impressive fashion. The Dons once again surprised their opponents by adopting a positive attitude and that meant for an open game. It was in defence that the Dons had to rely on to keep the tie at 0-0 with all to play for in the Pittodrie return. The Dons could even have come back with a lead had it not been for a poor Mark McGhee finish in the second half after he had beaten two Hamburg defenders only to shoot tamely at Stein. The return at Pittodrie was a more pulsating affair and typical of the legendary European nights that Pittodrie has been famed for in the past. A full house and worldwide television audience it was a stirring second half display from Aberdeen that won the European Super Cup, the only Scottish club ever to do so. Hero of the hour was Neil Simpson whose goal two minutes in to the second half opened the game up and subsequent Dons success. Mark McGhee added a second in 64 minutes in a second period that was dominated by the Dons and their joyous fans. It really did not get any better than that. Aberdeen were quite superb in their approach and to the delight of manager Ferguson they took a deserved lap of honour after being presented with the Super Cup plaque. The fact that Hamburg’s ‘invincibility’ had been crushed only added to the occasion. The Germans were European Cup holders and the mantle of Europe’s best team was up for grabs. The subsequent ‘Adidas European Team of the Year’ award came to Pittodrie on the back of their Super Cup success to end the year 1983 as the one year that Aberdeen were indeed the best in the continent. Aberdeen also had to put up with all sorts of statements attributed to some of their more illustrious names as they scoffed on the Aberdeen sides ability to compete with the best. The Aberdeen players responded in the best possible fashion by eventually outclassing their more ‘illustrious’ opponents. Stewart McKimmie was signed from Dundee in a £90,000 deal only days before the Hamburg game and the young 21-year-old played in the Dons side that won the Super Cup; his first European appearance for Aberdeen.

And another one I attended, without a doubt the best start I've ever witnessed in a game made all the more remarkable given it was a European semi-final. 3 Waterschei 1983 The tie against Waterschei is high on our list due to the significance and result. It is easy to forget just how good a performance this was. The Belgium’s on route had comfortably beaten FA Red Boys Differdange from Luxembourg and Danish outfit Boldklubben af 1893 but they had overcome Paris Saint-Germain at the Quarter Final stages. An even more impressive result when you consider they were 2-0 from the first leg. They won the return game 3-2 after extra time. For Aberdeen, after their incredible comeback against Bayern Munich, to then win their first European semi-final in such an emphatic way typified what the Dons were all about back then. The fevered atmosphere at Pittodrie helped Aberdeen to attack from the kick-off. The Belgians, despite their impressive win over PSG in the quarter finals, along with Aberdeen were rank outsiders from the outset. While they may have done the business so far in the competition, a packed Pittodrie was something completely different. Within four minutes Aberdeen were two goals up in a whirlwind opening. The Dons blitz began in the second minute when Doug Bell’s mazy run ended with Eric Black scoring from close range. Then Neil Simpson slalomed his way through the Belgian defence as his shot wen in off Waterschei keeper Pudelko. One of the great Pittodrie European goals. After the break the outstanding Bell was again in the thick of it as he set up McGhee to make it 3-0. In 69 minutes Peter Weir scored with a header before Gudmundsson the Icelandic international pulled one back for the visitors.

Yep another one I was at. If Ujpest Dosza was McGhee's finest match, then this was surely Peter Weir's finest match in an Aberdeen shirt. 4 Ipswich Town 1981 After the first game at Portman Road, Ipswich manager Bobby Robson famously declared that Aberdeen could not play as well again following a 1-1 draw. Well he was wrong. A sensational night in the return saw Aberdeen defeat the holders 3-1 with two second half goals from Peter Weir. Aberdeen displayed all the passion and craft that was too much for an Ipswich side, highly rated as the most ‘complete’ side in British football at that time. They will never play as good as that again” was the after-match comment by the legendary Bobby Robson, the then manager of his impressive Ipswich town side in 1981. As holders of the UEFA Cup and early leaders in the top division in England, Ipswich were one of the best sides around at that time. Many believe Robson’s squad were the best ever team in England not to win the English top League. Not surprisingly the English media were dismissive of Aberdeen as they were paired with the holders in the opening round of the 1981.82 UEFA Cup competition. Robson was also confident his side would prevail, even after the Dons went to Portman Road and came back with a 1-1 draw, a result which was well merited. Bobby Robson was happy enough with his team and he was unconcerned that the ‘Battle of Britain’ tag would work against his side. What the Ipswich manager did not count on was a passionate full house at Pittodrie for the return and a team so pumped up by their manager that they set about Ipswich like a pack of dervishes from the kick off. In what was a classic European night at Pittodrie, the Dons showed a class and guile that was too much for Ipswich who were eventually out thought, out played and out classed by a slick Aberdeen side. Peter Weir was the Aberdeen hero with two goals in the second half as the Aberdeen support in the Beach End behind the goal almost took the roof off the old place. Weir was in direct opposition to England captain and full back Mick Mills, who was tormented by the Aberdeen winger for long spells. Aberdeen could even afford a missed Gordon Strachan penalty late in the game as the 3-1 second leg win was one of the finest results that Aberdeen ever achieved in the European arena.

Frank Ross off to Ayr Utd on six month loan

Can't disagree Rocket with the four you mention and reckon they will be the top four. Bayern' bound to be the top one but the others could literally be in any order

Another one that I attended Mark McGhee's finest match in an Aberdeen shirt 5 Ujpest Dosza 1984 An abject display (we are being kind..) in the first leg in Hungary as the Dons went down 2-0 suggested that their hold on the European Cup Winners Cup in 1984 was gone. Aberdeen had never pulled back a two?goal deficit in Europe and no team had ever retained the ECWC. The away leg was a game that defied belief. Even now when you watch it back, it still defines belief. Aberdeen dominated the game but were guilty of some comical defending which gifted the home side two goals and at the other end two inexplicable misses from Strachan and McGhee from all of two yards – as bad as you will ever see – let’s just say incurred the wrath of manager Alex Ferguson. In the end though Mark McGhee was the sinner turned hero after his two goals forced the game into extra time. It needed a more typical display from the Dons in a frantic Pittodrie return. Full of passion and grit Aberdeen overcame all the histrionics from the visitors. This was a night of real drama as the Hungarians were holding on and up to all sorts of time wasting tricks. It took the Dons 37 minutes to finally break down the defensive wall and the chance was carved out when McLeish refused to give up the cause and kept in play a ball that looked destined to head for a goal kick. The ball then fell to Miller and he found Strachan on the edge of the box. His cross went deep to the back post where McGhee stretched his neck muscles to head past Szendrei. Pittodrie erupted into a cauldron of noise and the final eight minutes of the half were played out in an electric atmosphere that clearly unnerved the visitors. Ujpest were desperate throughout the second half as Aberdeen laid siege on their goal. The persistent fouling was allowed by the Belgian referee much to the frustration of the Aberdeen support. Their antics appeared to have worked but two minutes from time Mark McGhee at last broke free to head the Dons second which levelled the tie and took the game to extra time. A throw in on the left was fed to Neil Simpson and his cross found McGhee in the middle and he prodded the ball past Szendrei from six yards. People still talk about the atmosphere of Bayern Munich quarter final twelve months earlier, but the noise when the equaliser hit the net must be up there with anything the old stadium has heard. The Hungarians were shattered by the late leveller and the Dons continued to pile on the pressure. McGhee scored three minutes into extra time to put Aberdeen ahead in the tie for the first time and the Dons through to the semi-finals of the ECWC for the second time in their history. Hungarian keeper Szendrei then head-butted Alex McLeish before being sent off.

Another one to tick off that I attended 6 Austria Memphis 1980 History was made when Austrian champions Austria Vienna came to Pittodrie in 1980. It was the Dons first ever European Champions Cup tie. Aberdeen continued building their growing reputation in European football with a vital 1-0 win. A first half goal from Mark McGhee in 31 minutes was enough to separate the sides as the Dons went to Vienna and closed out the tie with an impressive defensive performance. In the first clash, the Dons were perhaps fortunate to keep the lively Austrians out as their quick incisive attacks caused problems. Main culprit was Austrian international Walter Schachner who missed two great chances. McGhee took advantage of a loose ball in the box to steer the ball past Koncilia to give Aberdeen the lead. The Dons pressed in the second half and were unlucky not to add to their lead. An Alex McLeish header came back off the bar as the Austrians were pushed back for long spells. Manager Alex Ferguson was happy enough at full time; “I was looking to take any lead to Vienna for the return. The fact we didn’t concede was vital; they will need to come at us more over there so that will suit us.”. Austria Vienna were known back in 1980 as Austria Memphis. The Dons would go through 1-0 on aggregate to book a meeting with Liverpool. It is a victory that should not be over looked, not just because it the was Dons first ever victory in the Champions Cup, but also due to the pedigree of the opposition at that time. Austria Wien as they are also known, reached the 1978 European Cup Winners’ Cup final, which they lost 4–0 to Belgian club Anderlecht. The following season, the club reached the semi-finals of the European Cup, losing 1–0 on aggregate to Swedish team Malmö FF, who in turn would lose to Nottingham Forrest in the final. In 1982–83, Austria Vienna reached the semi-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup after knocking out Spanish giants Barcelona, but lost 5–3 on aggregate to fellow Spanish side Real Madrid, who in turn would lose the final in Gothenburg to a certain outfit from the North-east of Scotland …..

The two Dundee teams as well.

Another one for SeeBass ================= 7 Copenhagen 2007 The Dons incredible Euro run in 2007.08 peaked with a marvellous 4-0 win over Copenhagen in a night that brought back memories of the Dons golden era. Aberdeen swept into the last 32 of the UEFA Cup after two goals from Jamie Smith against an arrogant Copenhagen side helped secure third spot in qualifying Group B. Copenhagen, who arrived needing just a draw to go through at Aberdeen’s expense, were on top before the break, but Smith’s superb volley from 25 yards put the Dons in front after 47 minutes. Smith shot home from the edge of the box, Mikael Antonsson turned the ball into his own net following a Lee Miller cross and Ricky Foster fired a fourth. In the end, it was a thoroughly deserved first victory in Europe that season for the Dons, who had qualified on the away goals rule and then only drawn one of their other three group games. Copenhagen were peppering the Dons goal with long-range efforts and Atiba Hutchinson was closest with a drive that flew just over from 20 yards. Former Chelsea winger Jesper Gronkjaer, who had been missing for a month with a hamstring injury, returned for Copenhagen and fired straight at goalkeeper Jamie Langfield from a difficult angle after a quick and incisive break. A last-ditch challenge from the outstanding Richie Byrne was required to thwart Libor Sionko as the former Rangers winger escaped the Dons’ offside trap and Gronkjaer fired another chance into the side-netting. However, that was remedied three minutes after the break, with the Dons seemingly under instruction to loft high balls towards the centre of a fragile Danish defence. Copenhagen were slow to react to a Langfield punt, it sat up nicely for Smith and he lofted his volley over the stranded Christiansen from 25 yards. Miller delivered the high ball eight minutes later and Smith took his time before drilling it low across the face of Christiansen and into the far corner of the net from 18 yards. Smith missed an easier chance to complete his hat-trick but found the side-netting after being put clear following Michael Hart’s superb run and through ball. Aberdeen’s third eventually came after 71 minutes, when Miller did superbly to beat his marker and turn the ball across goal, where Antonsson deflected it into his own net. Ailton Almeida fired against a Dons post, but any hopes of a late comeback were dashed after 82 minutes. Richard Foster fired home from close range following a low cross from fellow substitute Chris Maguire to complete a night of celebration at Pittodrie. Remember those hooters?!

8 HNK Rijeka 2015 Honestly thought we were going to through away our 3-0 lead from the away leg. things got a little bit nervy for a while in the second half. Also worth mentioning that Goodwillie had a great game leading the line. ====================================================================== Manager Derek McInnes made it clear Aberdeen would need to do a professional job to see out the tie despite the magnificent and astonishing 3-0 first-leg win in Croatia – up there with the Dons greatest away performances in Europe. Kenny McLean was preferred to Peter Pawlett in the starting line-up with David Goodwillie once again the lone striker with everyone in a red jersey apart from him quick to get back into a good defensive shape whenever Rijeka were in possession. After a first half where the Dons had managed the game brilliantly, suddenly after an hour it was game on. Two quick goals for the visitors, who showed just how much quality they had in their side, and Pittodrie became very nervous. After a sterile first half Rijeka threatened a miracle recovery from their 3-0 aggregate deficit when Marin Tomasov scored with a sublime strike. Substitute Zoran Krvzic then netted with the aid of wicked deflection which took the ball flying over a helpless Danny Ward. However, that Aberdeen side was made of stern stuff. As well as having real quality they had the mental strength to cope with those situations and minutes after the second goal from Rijeka Niall McGinn popped up to score with a great strike. It was a goal of real quality. Pittodrie erupted. The tie was safe, however the Dons made sure of their passage into the next round when the outstanding David Goodwillie set up Jonny Hayes, who had missed a great chance 1-0. The 2-2 draw in the end saw the Dons progress into the next round. HNK Rijeka were a class act on and off the pitch, showed great humility after the game, and were respectful of Aberdeen who clearly rattled the Croatians in the first leg and had the guile to come through strongly at Pittodrie. As a footnote, Filip Bradari? played against the Dons in both legs. On 26 June 2018, he came on as a substitute for Luka Modri? in the 65th minute of the World Cup match against Iceland, becoming the third player in Rijeka’s history to feature in the tournament.

Midfielder, McGeough ahead of Friday ? Few players out on loan before end of August Maybe a couple of loans in and we're good to go. Only problem with timing of Wilson he is already a couple of weeks behind in terms of pre season.

Dom Ball signs for QPR. Decent move for him

Agreed Rico. Was in the south stand almost in line with us. Couldn't believe it when it was given. Still genuinely believe we were robbed that night. Remember the Luca Toni chant

And SeeBass get his wish with the game against Bayern on 14th February 2008 coming in at number nine on the list of top ten: In 2008 some 25 years after the Dons win over Bayern, it was almost poignant the Dons would face their German foes again. In a game which had a tea-time kick off the suit German TV, England Under-19 team-mates Josh Walker and Sone Aluko both gave Aberdeen the lead in the first half with Miroslav Klose replying during sustained pressure in between. But Hamit Altintop levelled after Spanish referee Eduardo Iturralde Gonzalez had penalised Alan Maybury for handball despite previously ignoring two similar Aberdeen appeals. The decision deprived Aberdeen of the chance to hold on for another famous win over Bayern. No-one had expected the Dons to pull off a repeat, especially with five men injured, but they came so close thanks to a positive first-half show in the first leg. With Jackie McNamara and Derek Young among the absentees, Jimmy Calderwood brought in Andrew Considine, Lee Mair and Aluko. Their first penalty claim came within 30 seconds when Andreas Ottl handled as he tried to head clear Aluko’s cross. Zander Diamond cleared Altintop’s weak effort off the line, but the Dons continued positively, with Bayern troubled by direct runs from Aluko and Darren Mackie, who partnered Lee Miller up front. Aberdeen’s promising start was rewarded when they stunned the Bundesliga leaders with a 24th-minute opener crafted by the two on-loan teenagers. Aluko held up a high ball before laying it off to Walker, and the 18-year-old Middlesbrough reserve curled a superb shot into the corner from more than 20 yards. Josh Walker (centre) rifles Aberdeen into a shock first half lead with his first goal for the club Klose scored a simple equaliser in the 29th minute as he found the top corner following Luca Toni’s head-on. Just as Bayern appeared to have taken a grip of proceedings, the Dons regained the lead in the 41st minute. Miller’s deft flick released Aluko and he drilled the ball underneath Michael Rensing, who had stepped in after an ill Oliver Kahn had flown home without leaving the plane. Aluko ran beyond Bayern’s defence again but he curled a 25-yard shot wide. His Birmingham boss Alex McLeish was among the 1983 heroes paraded at half-time, but the current generation’s hopes of creating their own piece of history were soon dashed. Ze Roberto’s cross struck the hand of Maybury a few yards away, and Gonzalez’s consistency came into question when he pointed to the spot. Langfield saved Altintop’s penalty but the Turkey midfielder was first to the rebound to net a 55th-minute leveller. The 20,047 crowd hailed Aberdeen at the end of another memorable European night in the Granite City. Aberdeen boss Jimmy Calderwood bemoaned the double standards which denied them a famous win: ‘We should have got a hand ball decision in the first half and didn’t. “Jamie was very unlucky, if it had come out at an angle it would have been fine. We were hoping to get a bit of history but we still got a wee bit. I thought at times in the first half we played very well. “Good teams allow you to play, you have got to have the confidence to do so. The boys got a lot of confidence from that. We know we have got to score there so there will be no point sitting back.” The Dons boss hailed loan pair Walker, of Middlesbrough, and Birmingham winger Aluko, who are England Under-19 team-mates. He said: “Fabulous – they have got a big career ahead of them. I think you can see why Walker has been the captain of the England Under-16s, 18s and now 19s. They were two wonderful goals – the execution was great. For the second it was a wonderful touch from Lee Miller and wee man has flicked it up and finished it.” Bayern boss Ottmar Hitzfeld thought his team deserved the penalty – but agreed the draw was a fair result. “It was a wonderful UEFA Cup match,” the German said.

Its a no from me on both Gauld and Mulumbu

Yes he was and looked pretty handy according to a couple of tweets i read earlier

F/T 0-0

Aye just seen that. 60 minutes gone

No idea of team or score but allegedly Wright off injured after 25 minutes

Interesting to see how many of these we've all been to. The first one in the list of ten to be issued over the next couple of weeks on the official site just so happens to have been my first ever European experience at Pittodrie. Remember the match, but certainly didn't remember all the carry on and ill feeling leading up to it. https://www.afc.co.uk/2019/06/26/top-10-pittodrie-european-nights-no-10/ Reckon Rocket & MBT might have been there as well as both of similar vintage to myself

Was thinking exactly the same as your last sentence whilst watching it as well. ITV morning news programme (cannae mind fit its called) was bad enough on Friday morning, but God help us if The Female Guffies get through to the final

Fair does Jute

And even less surprisingly in come Jim Goodwin I have a sneaky suspicion that he might step up to the mark and take St Mirren to the lofty height of mid table mediocrity