After years of campaigning and putting pressure on the club, Aberdeen fans will finally be given the chance to say ‘thanks’ to Neil Simpson in tonight’s benefit game in his honour. And quite right, too. Manchester United have been roped in as opponents and it seems like a fair crowd is expected, so what’s not to like?
Neil Simpson is an Aberdeen legend.
It’s not just the fact that he scored against both Bayern Munich and Waterschei during the transcendental European Cup Winners’ Cup of 1983 (in the quarter final and semi final, respectively), or against Hamburg in the final of the European Super Cup, as well - although these facts alone would see most players obtain legendary status. And it’s not just the fact that he put in an astonishing performance against Real Madrid in the final of the ECWC, running himself into the ground – although the very fact that he was part of this winning team to begin with accords him the status of legend straight off, neverminding the selfless heroism of his exertions throughout the match itself.
He also grew up locally, which helps, and was impeccably loyal - eschewing the chance to move on for more money and “better things” when many others jumped ship and left the club following the traumatic departure of Alex Ferguson - although he did leave eventually (in 1989, I think). He’s back at the club now, though, in a coaching capacity, and may – at a push – be future managerial material. Who knows?
Either way, it makes no odds. As the beating heart of the most successful team in the club’s history, his place as one of the Aberdeen greats is assured - and I hope he makes a killing from tonight’s match.
Edit: the game is sold out, apparently.
Neil Simpson is an Aberdeen legend.
It’s not just the fact that he scored against both Bayern Munich and Waterschei during the transcendental European Cup Winners’ Cup of 1983 (in the quarter final and semi final, respectively), or against Hamburg in the final of the European Super Cup, as well - although these facts alone would see most players obtain legendary status. And it’s not just the fact that he put in an astonishing performance against Real Madrid in the final of the ECWC, running himself into the ground – although the very fact that he was part of this winning team to begin with accords him the status of legend straight off, neverminding the selfless heroism of his exertions throughout the match itself.
He also grew up locally, which helps, and was impeccably loyal - eschewing the chance to move on for more money and “better things” when many others jumped ship and left the club following the traumatic departure of Alex Ferguson - although he did leave eventually (in 1989, I think). He’s back at the club now, though, in a coaching capacity, and may – at a push – be future managerial material. Who knows?
Either way, it makes no odds. As the beating heart of the most successful team in the club’s history, his place as one of the Aberdeen greats is assured - and I hope he makes a killing from tonight’s match.
Edit: the game is sold out, apparently.
