Gothenburg Greats to be awarded Freedom of Aberdeen
It's part of the celebrations on the 40th anniversary of the Club winning the European Cup Winners’ Cup
Aberdeen FC and the Gothenburg Greats are set to be awarded the Freedom of Aberdeen, 40 years after winning the European Cup Winners' Cup.
On Wednesday 11th May, 1983, substitute John Hewitt threw himself at a Mark McGhee cross, nodding home from yards out as the Dons made history.
A gala dinner will be held on Thursday 11th May, 2023 to kick-off the celebrations.
The club and Gothenburg Greats will then be awarded the Freedom of Aberdeen on Friday 12th May at a special event at Pittodrie, an award that was bestowed upon Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999.
Player interviews, historic footage and untold stories from the triumph in Gothenburg will be shown on a large TV screen on the pitch with fans able to view proceedings from the Richard Donald Stand.
A 'befitting' award
Dave Cormack, Aberdeen FC chairman, said: "Being awarded the Freedom of the City is a tremendous honour for the club and befitting of our greatest-ever team.
"The Gothenburg Greats have long been assured of their position as legends at the Club and in the city but this special tribute further underlines their place in our history.
"To beat Real Madrid in a European final is an achievement that has only become increasingly impressive over the course of time.
"Winning the Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup in 1983 was inspirational for the club and city; something that we should remember and cherish.
"This weekend of celebrations will allow our supporters to share in recognising these players and in celebrating with them."
Skipper expects an 'emotional weekend'
The SPFL have confirmed that Aberdeen's post-split Premiership fixture on Saturday 13th May or Sunday 14th May will be at home, with the Gothenburg Greats set to be welcomed back to Pittodrie as guests of honour.
Willie Miller, who captained the team at the Ullevi Stadium, said: "It is difficult to believe that four decades have passed since that night in Gothenburg.
"We were all incredibly fortunate to be part of such great team and are honoured and humbled, in equal measure, by the celebratory events to commemorate our success being laid on by both the Club and the City.
"It will be an emotional weekend where we can reflect on what we achieved and mark what is still one of the best nights of our lives.”"
Aberdeen Lord Provost Dr David Cameron added: "I very much look forward to presenting the Club and the Gothenburg Greats with the Freedom on the City.
"The Club, with its rich history, and the European Cup Winners’ Cup team, with their giant-beating performances, have long been an inspiration for the whole city.
"The Dons’ work within our local communities has also helped bring people together. The event in May promises to have all the excitement and sense of team spirit of the best football matches."