Dons first ever European scorer Frank Munro passes away

[mizer]

http://www.afc.co.uk/articles/20110817/the-dons-first-ever-european-scorer-_2212158_2423200

 

The club were saddened to learn of the passing of former Don Frank Munro last night.

 

Frank wrote himself into Pittodrie folklore by becoming the first Aberdeen player to score for the club in Europe against Reykjavik in 1967, Munro went on to notch a hat trick in the 10-0 victory.

 

Only former manager Mark McGhee has accomplished such a feat.

 

Signed from Dundee Utd in 1966, Munro made his Aberdeen debut against Ayr United at Pittodrie on 15th October 1966. Born in Broughty Ferry, Munro also played his part in the Dons run to Hampden in the 1967 Scottish Cup Final as well as being one of the clubs first prominent players in the European arena.

 

After beginning his career with Chelsea in 1961, he moved back to Scotland with Dundee United before his move to Aberdeen. It was during the Dons Presidents Cup campaign in the USA and the epic battles against Wolves that attracted the attention of the Midlands club. After 55 appearances for the Dons Munro joined Wolverhampton in January 1968 for a bargain £55,000.

 

Hugely respected as one of the cornerstones of Wolves' successful team of the early 1970s, he helped the Midlands club win the League Cup in 1974, the Texaco Cup in 1971 and reach the UEFA Cup final in 1972.

 

Captaining the team after Mike Bailey, he led the team to the Second Division title in 1976-77 in a total of 371 games for the club, scoring 19 goals.

 

He stands 20th in the all-time Molineux record appearance-makers list, also appearing in the 1973 semi-finals of the League Cup and FA Cup.

 

After leaving Wolves in December 1977, he had a short spell at Celtic where he helped them to the 1978 Scottish League Cup final before playing and coaching in Melbourne, Australia for several years, before returning to Wolverhampton.

 

Frank also played for Scotland on 9 occasions.

 

Frank, who was 63, had been living in a care home for the last couple of years after spending many years in Compton, leaves long-term partner Naomi and two sons Stuart and Grant by wife Margaret, and two grandchildren. Our thoughts are with them.

 

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[Tyrant]

RIP in peace.

[manc_don]

BigAl, you must have been a young middle aged man at that time, any fond memories?

 

RIP.

[Madbadteacher]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/14559724.stm

 

Former Dons defender from (I think) the Turnbull era. And a distant relative.

 

RIP Frank

[octavion]

"Munro went on to notch a hat trick in the 10-0 victory. "

 

Oh how I long to see the Dons wining again by 10-0 . Hopefully in Europe too

 

[dave_min]

Possible starter on Saturday? Unlikely to score any less than Mackie or Megennis.

 

RIP in peace.

[BigAl]

BigAl, you must have been a young middle aged man at that time, any fond memories?

 

RIP.

 

Missed that game Manc, was on night shift 

Seriously although it was in my lifetime, it was pre school days, pre attending matchs, and don't really remember him when he was with us.

That aside, always sad to hear of the early passing of anyone connected to the club.

 

RIP Frank