Aberdeen: Champions of Scotland 1954-55

With the title Aberdeen: Champions of Scotland, many people will think automatically of Alex Ferguson and the great Dons team of the 1980s. But Aberdeen had an earlier championship team, whose story has never before been told. For a club founded in 1903, the Dons had a long wait for glory. They won no prizes until after the Second World War, but then lifted the Scottish Cup in 1947. Long-serving manager Dave Halliday oversaw the break-up of that ageing team, but renewed success was again a long time coming. In 1954-55, what had been a settled mid-table side suddenly clicked. A change of style was partly responsible. Gone were the days of style and panache, to be replaced by grit and determination. What was remarkable is that Aberdeen achieved their first championship the hard way, by leading from the front. The cynics were convinced the Dons would crumble under pressure, but they did not. Nor was their championship a flash in the pan. The following season Aberdeen lifted the League Cup and finished runners-up in the League. Follow the rise of the most unlikely champions, when the Old Firm had no choice but to bow before Aberdeen - Champions of Scotland.