During the 100-year history of Aberdeen Football Club there have been many trophies, mementos and unique items of memorabilia inherited along the way. Unfortunately, the club don't have enough space to display this fascinating collection at the moment and so many fans are unaware of their existence. Each of the items has a story to tell and some are well known while others are a bit more obscure. All, of course, contribute to the rich history of Aberdeen Football Club.
Over time we hope to populate 'The Aberdeen Collection' section with a large selection of items. We have showcased a number of exhibits her to give you an idea of the treasure trove lurking in Pittodrie. We hope readers will find this fascinating and possibly get a further insight into the history of the club. In fact, one of the items on show here - the Changi Internment Camp Trophy - is a bit of a mystery to everyone at the club and if anyone can shed some light into its background we want to hear from you.
This is quite a unique memento as the tournament sponsors Tennents awarded it when Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup in 1990. This was the first season that Tennents had sponsored the trophy and in recognition of this they commissioned this unusual trophy to be presented to the winners. Unlike the Cup itself, which the winners are only allowed to retain until just prior to the next Final, the Tennents trophy was a permanent memento of success.
Of course, this was an historic final as it turned out to be the first time that the national trophy was decided on a penalty shootout. After playing for 120 gruelling minutes Aberdeen and Celtic had still not managed to find the net. There followed an epic series of kicks from the penalty mark, with most efforts being scored by the players of either side. Every outfield player was involved, including youngster Graham Watson who had played very little first team football. The Celtic players tried to put extra pressure on Watson by encouraging their supporters to generate a huge noise, but Graham coolly slotted the ball home, leaving Anton Rogan and Brian Irvine, with the tally standing at 8 each, to take the 10th round of kicks. Theo Snelders made a magnificent save from Anton Rogan who had struck the ball at ground level just inside the left-hand upright. Finally, Brian Irvine stepped forward, knowing that he could win the Cup for the Dons, and the Dons? fans went wild as he scored past Bonner to make history and secure the trophy for Aberdeen.
Tennents presented similar trophies to Motherwell in 1991 and Rangers in 1992 and 1993. When Dundee United lifted the Scottish Cup in 1994 a different trophy was awarded, and the trend was continued thereafter. However, this trophy at Pittodrie was the first of the line and hopefully in the near future another can be added.
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