Aberdeen Football Club is calling on the Red Army to help create a special moment at Pittodrie as we honour one of the club’s greatest ever players, ‘The King of the Beach End’ Joe Harper, at our inaugural Legends Day fixture.

Few players in the history of Aberdeen Football Club have commanded the affection of supporters in quite the same way as Joe Harper. For those who stood on the terraces of the famous Beach End, now the Richard Donald Stand, his goals and the memories made from them still resonate to this day.

In future seasons, the home match closest to the club’s founding date of 14^th April will be designated as Legends Day, when an icon of AFC history will be recognised and celebrated by supporters.

At our upcoming home match against Hibernian on Saturday 11^th April, fans are encouraged to pack the Richard Donald Stand to celebrate our record goalscorer.

Signed from Greenock Morton in October 1969 for £40,000, Harper quickly became one of the most feared strikers in Scottish football. Nicknamed ‘Goal-a-Game Harper’, his ruthless finishing and instinctive movement in the penalty area made him a favourite of the Pittodrie faithful and earned him legendary status in the famous Beach End.

Across two spells with the club, Harper made 300 appearances for Aberdeen and scored a record 205 goals, a tally that still stands today. During that time, he helped the Dons to Scottish Cup success in 1970 and 1976, while also playing his part in the squad that went on to win the Premier Division title in 1980.

Despite his remarkable scoring record, Harper was capped just four times for Scotland, a figure many believe did not fully reflect his ability. In Aberdeen, however, his legacy is undisputed, and generations of supporters still regard him as one of the greatest players ever to wear the red shirt.

With Harper also having represented Hibernian during his career, the fixture provides a fitting occasion to celebrate his contribution in front of the Red Army.

“I am very proud to receive this accolade from the Dons”, said Joe.

“The support I have had from the fans over the years, especially the fantastic Beach end boys, has been amazing. They spurred me on to some fantastic achievements.

“I would like to thank everyone associated at the club for making an old man very happy.”

As part of the occasion, the AFC Fans Project are planning a visual tribute to Joe, including a special banner display in the Richard Donald Stand, recognising his incredible contribution to Aberdeen Football Club. Supporters who wish to contribute can make a donation to the tribute here.

Through the new Every Don initiative, recently launched in partnership with Aberdeen FC Community Trust, 205 tickets will also be distributed to local community groups, schools and charitable organisations, symbolising the number of goals scored by Joe for the Dons.

On the day, Joe Harper and his family will be hosted as guests of the club, with ‘King Joey’ making a special appearance on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early and help create a special atmosphere as we honour Pittodrie’s greatest goalscorer.

Further details on the tribute will be shared ahead of matchday. Tickets for the match are on sale now, and Under-12s can attend FREE through our AberDNA Junior membership.