On this day, 9th April 1955, Aberdeen became Scottish League Champions for the first time in their history.

Five days after being knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the semi-final stage at the hands of Clyde, the two teams meet again at Shawfield. Aberdeen need a win to clinch the title for the first time, but they suffer an early set-back when Billy Smith, Jackie Allister and Paddy Buckley all miss the match through injury. The game lacked rhythm and play was scrappy. Aberdeen won a penalty in the 13th minute when Murphy handled Wishart’s shot. Archie Glen had missed penalties earlier in the season, but he showed composure as he stepped up and fired the ball high into the net. There was little goalmouth action after this and Aberdeen comfortably avenged their cup defeat and more importantly clinched their first league title. With the introduction of European football next season the champions of Scotland will be surely setting themselves new targets. Manager Dave Halliday has now secured his, and the club’s, second major honour.

Much to the dismay of the doubters in the west, Aberdeen showed a resolve and consistency that made them worthy champions. Halliday had assembled a side as tough as the Aberdeen granite and a team that never knew when they were beaten. Key to that success was their home form as they went 12 games in succession winning each one at Fortress Pittodrie.

READ | For a full review of the season please click here

APRIL 1955

April was always going to be a decisive month for Aberdeen. Here is how events unfoldered as Aberdeen moved in on the title ….

RANGERS ROUTED

All roads were now heading to Pittodrie for the visit of Rangers in what was the Dons most vital afternoon of the season. Rangers were out of the title race but they were traditional fighters and would be in no mood to give anything away to Aberdeen, even if it meant helping their bitter rivals Celtic.

With the Clyde Scottish Cup replay on the following Monday evening, there was no time to dwell on past results. Dons boss Dave Halliday was successful in having the scheduled game against Raith, due at Pittodrie on 6th April postponed until the 23rd of that month. It was the strength in depth that Aberdeen boss Halliday had been preaching about all season that would help the side during this hectic schedule. On the rare occasion that any of the reserve players stepped in to the breach they had not disrupted the rhythm of the team. Halliday said before the Rangers game—“We expect that it will be a hard game against Rangers, they always are. But we go in to this game on the top of our form.

We will have the backing of a huge support and it our intention to let Rangers worry about us, not the other way around. We can see the end of what has been a long season just around the corner. It is important that we keep our heads and continue the good work. There is nothing we can do about having to play so many vital games in such a short space of time. We will have the players prepared in the best way we know how.” Rangers were certainly not the force they once were. Evidence of this came when no Rangers players were selected for the international side.

It seems inconceivable that an England v Scotland international could be played on the same day as such a vital league game but that all came about through the all-powerful SFA. It was soon to change but Aberdeen were missing keeper Fred Martin but otherwise Halliday had the luxury of fielding virtually his strongest starting eleven. Celtic were at home to Hibernian and for once they pinned their hopes on Rangers taking something from the Dons.

The Dons success in the league matches that season had been down to a positive start—they went for the opposition in the early stages and subsequently imposed themselves on the game. With a huge crowd behind them the Rangers game was no different. The players knew exactly what was at stake; a win over their great Glasgow rivals would pile on the pressure towards Celtic, who to their credit had hung on gamely to Aberdeen in recent weeks.

Paddy Buckley had been inspirational for the Dons and the diminutive Paddy perhaps enjoyed his finest hour in a red shirt as he ripped through a sluggish Rangers defence with consummate ease. His first goal in 20 minutes epitomised Buckley as he darted past a challenge to score. If there was a fault in the Buckley make up it was that he missed as many chances as he scored, but on this kind of form there was no better centre in the country. Buckley helped himself to a hat trick and young Graham Leggat rounded off a glory day for the Dons with a late goal to compound Rangers misery and an emphatic 4-0 win for the Dons earned the players a standing ovation from the stands.

This was Aberdeen at their best, playing with panache to add to their methodical approach that frustrated some of the best sides in the country. The fans demanded success with style—they were maybe asking for too much on occasion, but against Rangers the Dons clicked and played with an authority only reserved for champions. As the crowd began to make their way out of the ground and through the narrow streets that surround Pittodrie, news came through that Celtic had lost at home to Hibernian.

This was viewed as one almighty shock as Celtic had not lost at home in the league for almost two seasons—the Dons 3-1 win there in 1953 was the last time Celtic had tasted defeat on home soil. It was not such a happy day for keeper Fred Martin who was in the Scotland side that were hammered 7-2 by England at Wembley. There had been a long break since the last international against Hungary and the Scots were truly humbled against the English. Not surprisingly the press was full of the international debacle and somewhat overshadowed the Dons win over Rangers.

SEMI FINAL HEARTACHE

Aberdeen were held by Clyde in their first Scottish Cup semi-final at Ester Road. The normal routine of having Sunday off was set aside as masseur Barney Alexander put in some extra shifts to prepare the players for the cup replay on the Monday night. Opponents Clyde had their sights firmly fixed on the cup—their side that lost 3-0 at Hearts was a weakened one. The Clyde replay was the Dons seventh game in 23 days and it showed. Aberdeen never got to grips with the game after falling behind to an Archie Robertson penalty.

Alec Young handled in the box as he was lying on the ground and despite throwing caution in the latter stages—the only real chance was a Paddy Buckley shot that came back off the post. It was a disappointing end to a fine cup run that had promised so much. While the Dons looked irresistible against Rangers, two days later they looked a tired and weary lot. This was one game too many in a schedule that had obviously taken a heavy toll.

There was some speculation after the game that manager Halliday should have freshened up the side during that gruelling spell of games—but the Dons boss was adamant that he would put out his strongest side whenever possible. There was no easy solution, had Halliday changed the team and the Dons lost then he was wide open for criticism. From the elation following the Rangers win; the Dons suddenly had hit a low. This was no time to feel sorry for themselves as the league title was now within their grasp. Graham Leggat recalled the cup defeat as the biggest disappointment of the season—“We were all hugely disappointed at losing to Clyde although we had an early chance to make up for that defeat the following Saturday. The Scottish Cup was the most glamorous trophy to win but the title was the most prestigious.”

CHAMPIONS!

If anything positive was to come from defeat in the cup, then they had the ideal opportunity to make amends with a visit to Clyde the following Saturday on April 9th 1955. It was decision day, as an Aberdeen victory over the Shawfield side would finally end Celtic’s challenge. Hearts would also have to win at Ibrox to keep their faint hopes alive. The Pittodrie treatment room was a busy place as several players were now nursing various injuries. The team did not make any special preparations before the game, travelling down on the Friday and the usual overnight stay in Glasgow. The Dons would also be lacking in support as only a few hundred made it to Shawfield.

It was a brave Archie Glen penalty that proved to be the only goal of a game that can only be described as full of tension.

Manager Halliday was forced to make changes with George Hamilton making his final appearance in the red of Aberdeen.

It was a fitting climax to a great career. Any thoughts that Clyde would ‘go easy’ on the game were soon dispelled as they fought back and threatened on several occasions. Certainly the Shawfield side would have had one eye on the cup final, but they were committed to making Aberdeen earn any victory the hard way. Eventually it was the Dons who scrapped and battled their way through the 90 minutes to gain a win that was fully deserved. The importance was not lost on the players who knew exactly what was at stake. Graham Leggat recalled the relief in the dressing room after the game:

“There was plenty of tension prior to, and for most of the game. The dressing room was full of excitement afterwards. We celebrated with some style. We knew by winning that we could not be caught and I suppose there was huge collective sigh of relief as well. We knew that we could finally relax against Celtic the following week. It had been billed as a ‘decider’ for weeks, but it now meant nothing.”

Aberdeen Team: F. Martin, J. Mitchell, C. Calder, J. O’Neil, A. Young, A. Glen, G. Leggat, H. Yorston, G. Hamilton, B. Wishart, J. Hather.

Goal Scorer: A. Glen (1)

Referee: Bisset, J.A.S.

The players returned immediately after the game, catching their connection at Glasgow’s Buchanan Street station and made their way north back to Aberdeen. The reception the team received was a subdued one—around 30 supporters waited patiently at the station for their heroes.

While the first team was making history against Clyde the reserve side was quietly going about their business with a league game against Hibernian at Pittodrie. They were also creating their own bit of history as they to were on the verge of the reserve championship and were due to meet the Edinburgh side in the final of the 2nd XI Cup.

In the aftermath of the league success, the Dons season was effectively over in any competitive sense. They still had to go to Parkhead and also welcome Raith Rovers in the last game of the season. It was a time to accept all the plaudits that came pouring in from all around the country. At a time when good sportsmanship was still ethical the Aberdeen players were amazed at the reception afforded to them when they emerged from the Parkhead dressing room a week later. Bob Wishart remembered –

“We were really taken aback by the welcome we received from the Celtic support. As we took the field the noise was quite deafening and the fans were so sporting towards us. It really was something special and a moment never to be forgotten. I suppose something must have been said over the public address. It was a proud moment for Aberdeen Football Club.”

Celtic then went on to defeat the Dons 2-1 and become the only side to win both league matches against Aberdeen that season. It was all a rather tame affair with both sides not fully committed. The Dons could look upon the game as an opportunity to show just how good champions they were but Celtic had the cup final ahead of them and the game never reached any great heights.

12 IN A ROW FOR DONS

The season closed with a re-arranged home game against troubled Raith Rovers still fighting for their very survival in the league. What was quite astonishing was the fact that only 10,000 turned up. There was no party—it was just another game, a meaningless one in the eyes of the support.

The Aberdeen players lined up before the kick off to be greeted officially by Lord Provost Graham and the Lady Provost. Accompanied by Aberdeen director William Mitchell, the Provost shook hands with the players and then called on the spectators to give three cheers for the league champions.

Aberdeen seemed to be coasting to victory as Paddy Buckley had scored twice in the first half but a hand injury to keeper Fred Martin forced the big keeper to play outfield with Archie Glen taking over in goal. The Dons eventually summoned up enough guile and energy to win 3-2 and keep Raith waiting to see if they were safe. This was the Dons 12th win at home in a row.

STRENGTH IN RESERVE

The success of the first team rubbed off on the reserve side as a unique achievement was made by them on Monday 25th April 1955. With so many fixtures to catch up on the Dons fielded two sides playing reserve games on the same evening. At Links Park in Montrose Aberdeen clinched their league championship with an emphatic 6-0 win. Down at Easter Road another Aberdeen reserve side defeated Hibernian in sensational style to lift the 2nd XI Cup. Trailing 1-2 from the first leg at Pittodrie, the young Dons found themselves 1-4 down on aggregate by half time in the return. An incredible comeback resulted in a 4-2 win for the Dons after extra time. Most of the first team made it down to watch the reserves win the cup and that show of unity perhaps summed up the incredible spirit that was at the club—a spirit that had taken Aberdeen from also-rans to Scottish League Champions for the first time in their history.

QUIET RECEPTION FOR RETURNING HEROES

When Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup in 1947 thousands welcomed them home at the joint station, but the winning of the league flag has not generated such a reaction. Only a handful of enthusiastic supporters were there to greet the team after their victory over Clyde.

One fan took a ball along to be kicked for the first time by a champion.

Alec Young obliged.

RECORDS STILL UP FOR GRABS

The first title in their fifty-two-year history may be secured, but with two matches remaining the Dons still have some targets to aim for. Victory in those matches against Celtic and Raith Rovers would give the Dons 51 points – a record in a sixteen-team league. If they don’t concede more than three goals in these matches then this would result in a post-war defensive record. Also, Glen and Hather will want to play in these matches to maintain their 100% record this season.

IN THE NEWS

MODEL ARRESTED AFTER MAN SHOT AT PUB

A 28-year-old model has been arrested after a man was found shot outside a London pub at the weekend. Ruth Ellis has been charged with the murder of 25-year-old David Blakely and was remanded in custody until April 20th. Blakely, a motor engineer, was found outside the Magdala public house in Hampstead. Ellis was arrested at the scene by an off duty policeman and appeared to be in a confused state.

ILL HEALTH FORCES CHURCHILL TO RESIGN

Failing health has forced the Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill to resign this weekend. Buckingham Palace released a statement saying, “The Right Honorable Sir Winston Churchill had an audience with the Queen this evening and tendered his resignation as Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury, which Her Majesty was graciously pleased to accept.” On the previous evening a dinner party was held at 10 Downing Street attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh and a number of the prime minister’s past and present government colleagues. The 80-yearold premier was replaced by Sir Anthony Eden as tributes poured in from around the world.

HOLIDAY WEEKEND BY RAILWAY

Aberdeen enjoyed beautiful weather this weekend as people looked forward to the upcoming Spring Holiday next weekend. British Rail are offering special Third Class return fares from 5/6. 24/- will get to you Edinburgh and back or for 12/6 you could travel to Dundee. If you are looking for a shorter journey then Aboyne is 6/- and Huntly 7/3. If you want to follow the Dons then the football special to the Celtic match in Glasgow on Saturday will cost you 21/6.

RITA HAYWORTH SUES COLUMBIA

US film actress Rita Hayworth has filed a suit in a Hollywood court to terminate her employment with Columbia Studios. Hayworth, who returned to Hollywood two months ago following a two and a half year absence, claims that filming was delayed meaning she would not be finished by June when she hoped to travel with her daughter.

THE PROGRAMME

Aberdeen issued their standard eight page all red ink programme for the 1954.55 season. The club also issued similar programmes for their reserve matches, highlighting the importance of reserve football back in an era when the ‘A’ team was deemed as almost as important as the first team. Included in the Dons issue was the mandatory club notes which were brief but typical of the time. Players were featured in a series of superb caricature drawings; some of this contemporary work was outstanding. The standard middle pages of the team line ups surrounded by pocket sized adverts was classic post war programme style.

THE STRIP

Aberdeen retained their red and white strip ever since they changed in 1939. In an era when the first team kits rarely changed, free of modern commercial pressures, the Aberdeen strip was a plain red shirt with the classic heavy white collars. With the red socks and white tops that Dons ‘Champions’ kit remains one of the most simple but iconic kits. The club did have a logo back then; the laurel surround with ‘AFC’ lettering in the middle. That was never used on their strip and it was not until 1965 that the club did use a shirt logo for the first time.

THE TEAM

Manager Dave Halliday made no new signings in the summer of 1954 as he was clearly content with his squad that had showed enough promise the previous season to suggest that he was close to find a winning blend. With only 19 players used in the entire season the Dons had a consistent look and with eleven of those players making more than 20 appearances, it was clear that the Dons had a consistent team selection with a tried and trusted format. Jackie Hather and Archie Glen were ever presents as Paddy Buckley top scored with 28 goals from his 40 appearances.

The consistency of selection saw the Dons famed half back line of Allister, Young and Glen come to the fore as they racked up the appearances and enhanced their growing reputation. Halliday liked to use two wide players in his set up and young Graham Leggat came into the side and played 37 times that season after his elevation to the first team. It was also a swansong for the great George Hamilton as he played his final matches for the club after giving sterling service for the Dons. Hamilton was a bit part player that season in the twilight of a great career. With so much strength in depth with the all-conquering Aberdeen reserve team, the Dons squad had a complete look about it.

Fred Martin

Scotland and Aberdeen keeper who was a vital part of the strong Aberdeen defence. Martin was signed originally signed as a promising inside forward from Carnoustie Panmure in October 1946. It was during a stint with the National service that Fred was tried as a keeper. After returning to Pittodrie he continued in that role and he eventually made his debut against East Fife in April 1950. By the following season martin had made the keepers position his own and he went on to become another goalkeeping great in the long line of Pittodrie keepers. In 1952 he was capped by the Scottish league and he went on to become the first Scotland keeper to play in a World Cup in Switzerland in 1954. Martin retired from playing in 1960 after winning the championship and League Cup with Aberdeen.

Jimmy Mitchell

Captain of the side that won the championship in 1955, Mitchell was a club record signing in 1952 when Halliday paid Morton £10,000 for his services. Jimmy started out as an amateur with Queens Park before moving to Cappielow where he was honoured by the Scottish league. A full cap never materialised although he became an inspirational leader of the Aberdeen team. After leading the Dons to a League Cup success in 1955, a rare television interview with Mitchell revealed that he hoped that Aberdeen fans would join him in a real party when the players get home to Aberdeen. More than 15,000 took him up on his offer as the triumphant side rolled into Aberdeen station near midnight after defeating St Mirren earlier that day in the final.

Billy Smith

One of the unsung heroes of the 1950’s. Described by the legendary Hibernian forward Gordon Smith as his toughest opponent, Smith was never the most cultured of defenders but his commitment to the cause was crucial. Joined Aberdeen in 1951 and he made his debut against East Fife in January 1952 when he replaced the great Don Emery. Had the misfortune of breaking his leg in the Scottish Cup semi final replay against Clyde in 1955 and after leaving Aberdeen he played for Deveronvale.

Jackie Allister

Was brought to Pittodrie by Dave Halliday in 1952 after Allister had become unsettled at Chelsea. Aberdeen paid £7,500 for his services and Jackie was part of the successful and noted half back line of Allister, Young and Glen which formed the hub of that great side that took the championship. Allister was a no-nonsense half back who started out with Tranent Juniors before moving to Stamford Bridge in 1949. Originally an inside forward it was in his deeper role with the Dons that he found his best position. His tough approach complimented the talents of Young and Glen in the Aberdeen defence. Moved to Chesterfield in June 1958.

Alec Young

Was taken from the Glasgow shipyards and Blantyre Vics to start a senior career with Aberdeen in the summer of 1950. Seen by many as too small in stature to be a top class centre half, it was Halliday that liked what he saw before taking him to Pittodrie. Young was a huge success in the Junior ranks and many thought that he was too late developer. He was immediately thrust into the Aberdeen first team and on his debut he kept the legendary rangers forward line at bay in a League Cup tie at Ibrox as the Dons won 2-1. Young was famed for his searing sliding tackles which he developed into almost art form. Young became the ‘father figure’ of the side that won the title in 1955 and after several spells out with injury he left the club in 1958.

Archie Glen

Was taken to Pittodrie after a chance meeting with George Hamilton who spotted young Archie glen playing for Annbank in Ayrshire. Hamilton was on a visit back to his native Ayrshire when he saw Archie as a young 18-year –old and he immediately made Halliday aware of his talents. Signed by the Dons in July 1947 but his early career at Pittodrie was held up due to his spell in the National Service. He eventually made the left half berth his own in 1953 and he went on to become a true Aberdeen legend. Capped by Scotland in 1955, he took over from Jimmy Mitchell as captain and he served the Dons well until his retirement in 1960. He also played six times for the Scottish league and was also captain of the Scots league side. Played 269 games for the Dons in his 12 years with the club.

Graham Leggat

The jewel in the Aberdeen crown that won the title in 1955. Signed from local side Banks O’Dee in 1953, young Leggat was called up to the first team at a young age. A right winger with all the attributes, Leggat was to play in all five forward positions in his career. After making the right wing position his own, it was Leggat’s sensational goal in the 1955 league Cup final that took the trophy to Pittodrie. Soon international honours followed as first an U-23 cap was followed by a full international appearance. Leggat was the star in the Aberdeen side back then and he eventually moved to Fulham for a paltry £16,000 in 1958 where he teamed up with Johnny Haynes in the English League. Then moved to Canada to work in TV.

Harry Yorston

The ‘Golden Boy’ of the side as he became known. Yorston was another local player who made it with the Dons after joining Aberdeen from St Clements in 1946. Brought up in Park Road, a stone’s throw from Pittodrie, Yorston made his debut in January 1947 during a spell at home on leave from national service. Established himself a s a tireless inside forward with a keen eye for goal, Yorston was another who went on to play for Scotland at full international level. Despite several attempts by clubs in England to take him south, Yorston stunned the club in 1957 when he announced his retirement to work as a fish market porter.

Paddy Buckley

One of the quickest players of his generation, Buckley was far removed from the typical burly centre forwards of the time. Born in Leith in January 1925, Buckley started with Boness before moving to St Johnstone in 1948. Aberdeen stepped in with a £7,500 transfer to take him to Pittodrie in April 1952. Again like Alec Young, while many senior clubs dithered over taking a chance, Dave Halliday knew that Buckley had the potential to score goals for his side. Top score in the championship season, Buckley was the spearhead of the lightning quick Aberdeen front line that terrorised Scottish defences back then. Finished his playing career in 1957 after a serious knee injury.

Bob Wishart

Joined Aberdeen from Merchiston Thistle in 1952. During his national service he guested for Portadown in Ireland as a centre forward but on his return to Aberdeen he was used as an inside left. He was in direct competition for that role with big Joe O’Neil and Wishart was a regular in the side that took the title in 1955. A creative player he complimented the speed of Jackie Hather on the left wing and he went on to be capped at U-23 and league level for Scotland. By the end of 1960 he fell out of favour at Pittodrie and he joined Dundee where he went on to win a league winners medal in 1962.

Jackie Hather

Known as the ‘hare’ due to his lightning pace, Hather was a remarkable player in that he played his entire career with only one lung. The only Englishman in the 1955 side, Hather joined Aberdeen from Annfield Plain in 1948. It was the persuasive powers of Halliday that tempted Hather north from the coal mines of Durham, after several English clubs attempted to sign him. Hather went on to become a permanent feature on the wing for the Dons in an 8-year spell that brought league and cup success to Pittodrie. He was eventually given a free in 1960 when he joined Horden Colliery. His son John also went on to play for Aberdeen in 1970.

Best in Britain?

It is well enough documented that Aberdeen did take their bow in European football in 1967 against Icelandic side KR Reykjavik. That 10-0 win was a memorable beginning on what has become an incredible European adventure for the club over 40 years. It could have been very different had that great side from 1955 been allowed to enter the first ever European Cup competition. Of course the European Cup was very much in its’ infancy and the new concept was not met with widespread appeal and was effectively open to manipulate as there was no set criteria set down for the first year of competition.

It was not until 1956 that the respective league champions of all European countries were invited to compete in the following season’s competition.

As it was the initial cup competition in 1955.56 was open to a selection process by any country to put a team forward. Despite Aberdeen being league champions in 1955, the SFA under the guidance of President Harry Swan put Hibernian forward to represent Scotland. Swan was also chairman of Hibernian and the decision reflected badly on the authorities as Aberdeen were treated badly in the whole affair.

Hibernian were eventually outclassed by Stade Rheims in the semi final who in turn came up against that wonderful Real Madrid side who made the formative years of the European Champions Cup very much their own. It can only be imagined how well Aberdeen would have fared in that first competition had they been allowed to represent their country as champions.

Back then Hibernian were a side that had no little flair and they were keen exponents of a passing game that would have perhaps been suited for European football. However the Aberdeen side back then was as tough as the city’s granite and the methodical and tactical approach by manager Dave Halliday and trainer Dave Shaw made them one of the most complete teams in British football.

Pittodrie was a virtual fortress and away from home goals were hard to come by playing against Aberdeen. As a marker, Aberdeen made it quite clear who should be flying the flag for Scotland in Europe in 1955 when Hibernian came north in the opening game of the league season. On 10th September the Dons hammered Hibernian 6-2.

Earlier in the League Cup sections the Dons won 1-0 at Easter Road and 2-1 at Pittodrie to complete an early double over their rivals. Even in the return league game the Dons defeated Hibernian 3-1 in Edinburgh in January 1956 to hammer home their superiority. It can only be imagined what that Aberdeen side could have achieved in the European Cup had they been given the opportunity.

While Aberdeen were celebrating their first championship it was also the first time that Chelsea won the English title. At that time the Stamford Bridge club were by no means one of the top clubs down south but they took the English championship in style back in 1955. Led by captain and top scorer Roy Bentley, the big forward was Chelsea’s answer to Aberdeen legend George Hamilton.

Bentley was a prolific scorer and a majestic header of the ball in his day. Not unlike Aberdeen, the Chelsea side of 1955 was a relatively ageing one, built on a shoestring by Ted Drake. The similarity to what Aberdeen faced was mirrored by Chelsea’s plight with the FA. It was the English authorities that steadfastly refused Chelsea to enter the first ever European Cup competition, a decision which by today’s standards seems absurd, but back then the new competition was met with scepticism by many.

As it turned out that great Chelsea side began to break up and they were never allowed the opportunity to grace the European stage. Both Aberdeen and Chelsea had to content themselves with a ‘Championship of Britain’ clash at Pittodrie in September 1955.

It was on the traditional Aberdeen holiday and the game attracted a lot of interest as the best sides on both sides of the border locked horns. It was Aberdeen that emerged victorious in a fantastic 4-3 win as the Dons own Paddy Buckley outshone the talented Bentley with a hat trick. On reflection it was small comfort to both sides who really should have been battling it out on foreign fields for the first time in serious competition.

The irony of both league wins was repeated some years later. In 1967 both Aberdeen and Chelsea were runners up in the respective FA Cup finals, the Dons losing to Celtic while Chelsea went down to Tottenham. Three years later both Aberdeen and Chelsea won the Scottish and FA Cups. The Dons defeated Celtic 3-1 while Chelsea saw off Leeds after a replay at Old Trafford. Even away back in 1905 it was Chelsea that were admitted into the English league for the first time as Aberdeen were admitted to the First division in Scotland at the same time. The irony is complete as neither Aberdeen nor Chelsea managed to win a major honour before the Second World War.

FACT FILE

Manager; Dave Halliday
Captain; Jimmy Mitchell
League Position; Champions
Honours; Scottish League Division ‘A’ Winners
Top Scorer; Paddy Buckley (28)
Most appearances; Jackie hater, Archie Glen (42)
Highest Score; 6-0 v Stirling Albion Scottish Cup 1st round at Annfield 5th February 1955
Highest Attendance; 50,000 v Rangers at Ibrox 11th December 1954