Willie Miller was the captain of the most successful Aberdeen side in history. After joining the Dons as a 16-year-old, he went on to skipper Aberdeen during the period when Alex Ferguson managed the club. In 1983 Aberdeen shocked the footballing world by beating Real Madrid 2-1 to win the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup. If that was the pinnacle of Willie's playing achievements, it was certainly far from his only success. He led the club to three Scottish championships and four Scottish Cups, and he also won the European Super Cup. A majestic centre-back, Willie made his opinions known on the pitch: 'The fourth official before there ever was one. Willie told the refs what to do! He ran games without breaking sweat. His passion for the game and leadership on the park will never be beaten.
His cult hero moment: scoring the goal against Celtic to clinch the championship in 1984. Captain Fantastic!'
Willie also had a wonderful career with the "national side, winning 65 caps for Scotland, as well as being voted into the greatest ever Scotland XI. Willie went on to become the manager of Aberdeen at the age of 36. Although they finished runners-up in the league twice and reached two cup finals, Willie failed to win silverware as boss. By his high standards, the club were deemed to have under-achieved and Willie moved into areas outside of football. Among other things, Willie now owns a Harry Ramsden's fish-and-chip shop franchise. As well as working for the BBC as a pundit, Willie returned to Pittodrie as executive football consultant in 2004. 'I can't think of anyone more deserving of cult hero status. Not only was he an inspiration on the pitch, he was worshipped by thousands off it. Had more than one opportunity to leave the club yet decided to stay. Now he's spearheading the revival of a club so dear to his heart.'
Champions of Europe Aberdeen after that superb win over Real Madrid in 1983 in Cup Winners Cup.
BBC-Football Focus
14th September 2008, 04:35 PM
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