In the bumper 84 page Red Matchday quarter final special produced for Sunday, we have a lot of Scottish Cup stuff!

This includes a feature with Connor McLennan –

Cup football is a very special beast, different from its league counterpart in every sense. The one off nature of the games adds a particular edge to things, giving every pass, tackle, shot added weight simply because in the cup, there are no second chances. Once you’re out, you’re out.

That pressure can consume some players but for others, it can be the occasion that they rise to, it can provide the opportunity for them to make an enduring name for themselves, not just at their own club, but on the national stage.

The Dons have had their share of players who have done just that, including the young Arthur Graham who emerged from out of nowhere to take a decisive place on the wing for the Dons as they roared to the Scottish Cup win of 1970 when he was barely old enough to shave. Now, as we enter the latter stages of this season’s competition, could history be about to repeat itself, the Dons being inspired to success by another lively young attacker who has only really emerged on the first team stage this term?

Unlike Graham at that stage, Connor McLennan has, of course, already played in a cup final for the Dons, coming on as a substitute in the League Cup final earlier this season. That itself followed on from last term’s Youth Cup final in which he scored a superb individual goal, early evidence that he thrives on the big occasion.

“As soon as Gaz went down, I got told to warm up, but straight away, you could tell it wasn’t a good situation and we’d have to make the change. The manager called me over and told me I was going on and gave me the instructions for the game. He was really encouraging, he told me that I was more than ready for the chance and to go and grab it.

“I’m lucky, I don’t really suffer with nerves, I just wanted to get out there and get on with it, playing football is what I do, so why be nervous about it? I do enjoy the big stage. I am quite laid back and in my mind I just take very game as it comes. Even if there is a bit of a crowd, it does give me an extra boost so hopefully I can be involved today.

“Playing in a cup final is a dream, especially for the club I’ve supported all my life, and although the result was very disappointing, it was a great occasion for me personally. It was my dad’s birthday, he was at the game, so it was a nice present for him! It’s just a shame we couldn’t get him the win, but having had a taste of it, it just makes me more determined to get back to Hampden again and be on a winning team.

“I know helping the side get a result this afternoon would be an important step for me at this stage of my career. There is no point in denying how big a game it is. It is massive. To be a top player you need to be able to put in big performances on the big occasions.

“I have a very good relationship with the manager. Obviously with my injuries and being out for a long time, it was frustrating not just for me but also for the coaches. There is no getting away from that. They stuck by me though and showed faith in me, which I greatly appreciate. I am sure they were as happy as anyone to see me getting a run of games.

“Now I feel like I am ready to take the next step. I am ready to become a first team regular and ready to score more goals and get more assists. Yes, I have scored a few goals, missed a few as well! That is a part of my game that I really want to improve on, but I know I can do it. The more I play with the boys, the more I can anticipate where the ball is going to go and know where they are going to be at and where they want me to be.”

This week’s ten questions is with Sam Cosgrove:

Favourite other sport and sportsperson?

“To play, it would be table tennis. I enjoy a bit of ping pong. To watch on TV would be cricket, I enjoy watching any Twenty20 stuff whether it be internationals or the Big Bash in Australia. I spoke last season in a programme interview about how I played a lot of cricket when I was younger and had a decision to make about which sport I took up seriously, so I do still enjoy watching the odd game.

“In terms of sporting achievement, my favourite sportsman would have to be Cristiano Ronaldo. As talented as he is, he has worked so hard to get to the level he is at now. He came from a humble background and has gone on to be one of the best ever players through sheer hard work. I know there is much debate about who is the best, Messi or Ronaldo, which will go on long after both have hung up their boots. Messi probably has the more natural talent but the stories you hear about Ronaldo and his work rate is unbelievable.”

Sunday retro cover, brilliantly designed by Dolly Digital, is inspired by the 1970 Scottish Cup semi-final programme.

Under Eddie Turnbull Aberdeen were cup specialists; the 1970 semi-final meeting with Kilmarnock was the fourth appearance in the last four in five seasons. As in 1969, European campaigners Kilmarnock stood in the way in the Scottish Cup and once again, Aberdeen prevailed. For once a true neutral venue was found at Muirton Park in Perth, the original St Johnstone ground. With Celtic facing Dundee in the other semi at Hampden, Aberdeen were delighted at Perth being chosen for their tie. It guaranteed a huge Aberdeen support for the game. Derek McKay had done enough to retain his place in the side and the Dons forward lined up with Joe Harper and Jim Forrest in the Aberdeen attack. Kilmarnock had been one of the best provincial sides in the 1960s and were clinging on to former glories by the end of the decade. Aberdeen were an evolving side under Turnbull and a match for any side on their day. More than 17,000 Aberdeen supporters made it down to Perth for the tie as a crowd in excess of 28,000 filled the old ground at Muirton. There was trouble on the terraces before and during the game as fans were struggling to gain admission. Once again it was Derek McKay who did the damage for the Dons; his goal in 21 minutes giving Aberdeen a crucial lead that were to hold on to and reach the cup final. Despite an aerial assault by Kilmarnock in the second half, the Dons defence stood firm to repel the Ayrshire side.

Red Matchday Issue 21 |

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