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.
Aberdeen and Chelsea were the winners of their respective Championships in season 1954-1955, each of them having achieved the honour for the first time. It was then decided that they would meet in a challenge match at the start of the following season in what the press chose to dub the championship of Britain. On the 26th September 1955 the two clubs lined up strong teams at Pittodrie in front of 20,000 spectators to battle it out for the satisfaction of becoming the best in Britain.
In a bright and speedy match, both sides attacked briskly but Aberdeen had the edge and won by 4-3 with Paddy Buckley scoring a fine hat-trick which drew praise from Chelsea manager Ted Drake. Chelsea had scored first, but Bob Wishart quickly levelled and Buckley had two of his goals before Jim Clunie gifted the visitors an own goal, Buckley completed his hat-trick well before Chelsea scored a consolation late in the match.
After the game, the Aberdeen Club entertained Chelsea's directors and both teams at a dinner, during which the Chelsea Plate, made by the Brenda Cole Pottery and decorated with the Chelsea badge, was presented to the "Champions of Britain." In return, the visitors were presented with tartan rugs.
Making the most of their sojourn in the north east, Chelsea had taken up residence at the Marine Hotel in Muchalls, where they enjoyed a golf match with some of the Dons' players. The outcome of that match is not known.
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