Everyone at Aberdeen Football Club was extremely saddened to learn of the death of former goalkeeper Fred Martin

.

A club spokesperson said. “As part of the history making, league winning team of 1955, Fred will always hold a special place in the hearts of all Dons supporters and our thoughts are very much with Fred’s family at this very sad time.”

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Fred Martin had joined the Dons in October 1946 as an inside-forward but during his national service he tried his hand at goalkeeping and found he had a natural talent for the position. On his return to Pittodrie Fred continued in his new found spot as last line of defence and by the start of the 1950-51 season he had become the No.1 choice goalkeeper at the club. As a keeper Fred had a great ability to read a game and he was not afraid to use his big frame to his advantage.In 1952 he was capped by the Scottish League before his promotion to the full international side in May 1954.The big keeper was a popular and familiar figure between the posts at Pittodrie throughout the 1950s and was a key member of the double trophy winning side over the mid fifties period.Fred also played in three losing Dons Scottish Cup final sides in 1853, 1954 and 1959. In his latter career at Pittodrie Fred’s career was badly marred by injury and he announced his retirement in 1960.

Fred a few years ago filled in a Q&A for the RedMatchday programmes FP’s page:

Date of Birth | 13th May 1929

Born | Carnoustie

Honours | World Cup keeper for Scotland in 1954, full Scotland international, represented British army v France and Belgium in 1948. League and League Cup winner with Aberdeen 1955

Career Details | Carnoustie Panmure, Aberdeen

Team Supported as a Boy | Arbroath

Job, trade or profession | Student

Best player/s played with at Pittodrie | Graham Leggat was a real athlete and had all round skills

Most Difficult Opponent | Stan Matthews had a unique talent and would have been a real star in the game today

Best Game played and why | League Cup quarter final away to Hibernian, it took three ties to decide the winner

Biggest Influence on Career | Frank Swift of Manchester City and England

Biggest Disappointment | Appearing in three Scottish Cup Finals for Aberdeen and ending up as runners up on each occasion

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futher tributes to follow

RedImages |