Recently Ian spoke with Sean Graham from the Aberdeen Former Players Association.

 

Ian Angus was part of the 1980s Aberdeen squad which created some of the greatest moments in this club’s history, a valued member of Alex Ferguson’s set up as they ruled Europe and won many domestic honours, including two successive league titles, where Ian more than played a part.

In the 1984/85 success which we are looking back at today, the central midfielder featuring in 26 games and scoring on four occasions. Between 1979 and 1987, Ian it total made 120 first team appearances, scoring 12 goals.

He also picking up a Scottish Cup winners medal with Motherwell and scoring in arguably the greatest ever Scottish Cup final. The midfielder tells me about his time at the Dons and his career in football.

Ian, you played for Eastercraigs BC. Can you explain a bit about them?

Eastercraigs were a very well known boys’ club in the West of Scotland founded by Ian Stevenson around 1960. They produced many top players over the years including Tommy Burns, Gary McAllister as well as Aberdeen legends Willie Miller and Jim Leighton.

How did your move to Pittodrie come about?

During my time at Eastercraigs, I was invited up to Pittodrie for trials by the legendary Dons scout Bobby Calder. This happened twice and on my second visit, I was asked to sign an S form by Billy McNeill who was the manager at the time.

What were your first impressions of the club?

Very welcoming and homely as everyone, from the Chairman, Mr Donald, down through the football management team to Belle who made our lunches after training, made it easy to settle in. As I was away from home, everyone made an effort with me to make the move as easy as possible. At that time there were a number of other boys from Glasgow in the same situation.

Early impressions of Alex Ferguson, Archie Knox and the late, great, Teddy Scott?

Alex arrived at the club after I had signed and for the first year, I was playing part-time and going to college. At the end of the first season, he took me into his office and ‘requested’ that I become full-time from July 1980 and give up college, so I did. He wasn’t really a man you could refuse!!

Archie appeared around the same time. He was also a man not to be crossed but both he and Alex brought a great deal of experience with them and fantastic coaching ability which was reflected on the park.

Teddy Scott was the quiet one but just as influential and important. He was very approachable and encouraged me to believe in my own abilities.

Fergie always stressed the importance of having a strong squad to challenge in Europe and on the domestic front. Did you feel privileged to be part of that?

Absolutely. Just being part of a club that went on to dominate the domestic game for the whole time I was at Pittodrie was fantastic, never mind winning European trophies. No one outwith the club could have believed it possible.

For me personally the only disappointment were the injuries. They were very frustrating. I had a couple of longer-term injuries which kept me out for several months at a time.

Players go through their careers not experiencing the kind of things you achieved as part of that Aberdeen squad in 1983, so what was it like being around the team during the Cup Winners’ Cup run?

The cup run was a fantastic experience, taking it to another level from what had been previously achieved and it was wonderful to be part of it. They were experiences that will stay with you forever.

I will never forget the atmosphere at the Bayern Munich game which was incredible.

When we went down 2-1, the superb support from the fans helped lift the team to eventual victory. It was a very anxious time having to come from behind twice before eventually winning but the crowd really helped us that night.

I played in the semi-final second leg against Waterschei. It was rather disappointing losing the game, but having won the first leg 5-1, we were just delighted to be in the final.

The Dons were going to Gothenburg to play the mighty Real Madrid. The build up must have been something special?

It was a very exciting time with the city getting a massive boost. I even remember there was a song! Although I was never sure it was any good!

And what about the game itself? Was it disappointing not to get on?

Yes of course, but it wasn’t to be and just to be part of a night of history being made was magnificent. The overriding emotion that I remember from the game was the relief when the final whistle went. We were ecstatic once the realisation dawned of what we had actually achieved against one of the top sides in the world.

The manager didn’t have the best of times celebrating did he?

No, bit of a mishap when leaving the dugout, colliding with Archie and hitting the turf! We had a wonderful night, a great celebration for an amazing achievement.

You played a vital part in the Dons regaining their league title in 1985, this must have been a fantastic moment for you?

Yes, this was probably my best moment during my days at Pittodrie, having played most of the season and feeling I had contributed to our success.

The Dons could have made history by winning the Scottish Cup four times in a row but they lost out at Tynecastle in a replay. You scored a screamer in a controversial 2-1 defeat where Willie Miller was sent off as Dundee United survived a late penalty shout to go through to face Celtic. What do you remember of that night?

Probably just the disappointment of not getting to another final. Semi-final losses seem to be worse, but thankfully we did not lose too many.

You were part of a squad that had achieved everything in the domestic game and won two European trophies. That must have made you proud?

Definitely. It was a fantastic time and I feel both fortunate and privileged to have been part of a great era in the history of AFC.

So many great players during my time at Pittodrie, it was a privilege to share the same pitch with them.

In the summer of 1986, you moved to Dundee as part of a deal which took Robert Connor to Pittodrie. Were you sad to leave?

I had been with the club eight years up to this point which nowadays is rarely heard of, so obviously it was a bit of a wrench. But I moved on and I enjoyed my time at Dens, especially under Jocky Scott.

Motherwell then came in for you. Was it a move you had hoped for?

Dundee were in the top flight, but I was happy to move to Motherwell as it took me nearer home and all my family.

When at Motherwell, you took part in one of the Scottish Cup final classics in 1991, when you won 4-3. It was an emotional day, first and foremost for the McLean brothers Jim and Tommy. Did this give you extra motivation?

A very emotional day for Jim and Tommy having just lost their father in the lead up to the final. As far as the players were concerned, no motivation should be required to play in a final.

It’s every school boy’s dream to play and score in a cup final. How does it feel?

Absolutely fantastic feeling. When I left Aberdeen having missed several chances to play in a cup final, I never thought I would get the chance again. It therefore ranks very highly as one of the special moments in my football career.

What was the reception like going back to a town like Motherwell with the Scottish Cup?

I actually missed most of it as I was picked to be drug tested after the game and it took me a long time to produce a sample – it’s not easy when you are being watched! The team eventually left without me and I was driven back to Fir Park by Graham Clark of The Sun, via the Victoria Hospital to see Ally Maxwell, who was admitted post-match with a chest injury. The next day however was fabulous, touring the town in an open top bus with what seemed like the whole of Motherwell out to cheer us on, similar to what I had experienced several times with Aberdeen.

When I left Aberdeen, I will be honest and say I had thought I had missed my chance to win a cup medal. However when I joined Motherwell, I joined a team who had several experienced players who had been over the course before and some very promising youngsters coming through. We gelled well and gained more belief with every round we won. When we got to the final, we were confident that we could win after beating Celtic and Aberdeen in previous rounds.

Did you enjoy the time at Motherwell before moving on?

I really enjoyed my time at Motherwell, they were a great bunch of players, some of whom I still keep in touch with. From Motherwell I moved to Clyde and played there for two years and had a very enjoyable time under ex-Dons manager Alex Smith before moving to Albion Rovers for a short period. I hadn’t played for nearly a year when ex-Motherwell team mate John Philliben, manager of Stirling Albion at the time, asked me to put the boots back on, but it was short lived as I only managed one game before having to give up with an Achilles problem.

What are you up to these days?

Enjoying retirement, walking the dog and enjoying taking several holidays a year.

Peter Weir was telling me that you went for a walk before Neil Cooper’s funeral. Can you believe that he has gone so young?

That Tattie has gone is unbelievable. What a great guy and also one of the youngest of our squad of that time, so it was so unexpected.

The Motherwell squad of my time have lost four in Davie Cooper, Phil O’Donnell, Jamie Dolan and Paul McGrillen, all so very young.

Do you have any regrets from your time in football?

I would have liked to played longer but due to injury had to give up at 34.

From your experiences, do you think there is enough done at grassroots level in Scotland?

I think things are improving with the development of the new football academies, as those with abilities will get a more structured approach to allow them to develop their skills with a view to progressing to a professional level.

Finally, what are your happiest memories from your career?

Winning the league with Aberdeen in 1985, being part of the Cup Winners’ cup squad, as well as winning the Scottish Cup with Motherwell and scoring in the final to help them do that.