Archie Knox

The AFC Special Recognition award sponsored by TEAM Recruitment this year went to Archie Knox

first became associated with Aberdeen in 1980 when he became assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at Pittodrie and it was this partnership that led the Dons to its greatest ever period. Whilst Sir Alex is understandably given the bulk of the credit for that success story, the role that Archie and Teddy Scott played should never be underestimated. Speak with the players who were at the club during the glory years and you soon realise it was very much a team effort and that Archie was integral to that. All the Gothenburg greats have the utmost respect for him, a view that is echoed throughout the game.

Archie helped Aberdeen to the European Cup Winners’ Cup and subsequent European Super Cup and two Scottish Cups in his three years with the Dons. In 1983, Knox returned to management with Dundee, where he spent two-and-a-half years. There was a brief return to Pittodrie thereafter, before he followed Ferguson to Manchester United in 1986, remaining at Old Trafford until April 1991. Archie then worked both north and south of the border, enjoying his share of success and was also involved in the Scotland International set up before he returned to Pittodrie in 2010 as assistant to Craig Brown.

Whilst his second spell at the club has not brought trophies with it, the legacy he is leaving could be vitally important. Fans only ever judge a football club by what is happening on the park at that moment, understandably so, but success on the pitch can only come when all is well off it. The Dons are a family club, a club that has a special atmosphere and is a fantastic place to work. Before Archie returned, the club had lost its way. Archie has helped recreate the environment that is needed for a club to enjoy success.

Although reported in most quarters that Archie is retiring, he is not. He has still a lot to offer the game. But in the meantime, Archie, thanks for the memories.