When Scotland squads were announced in the ‘70s, any Aberdeen hopefuls would be faced with the long-felt belief that anything parcelled up in a red shirt would have to give that bit extra to gain international recognition. Giving ‘extra’ epitomised Davie ‘The Brush’ Robb; the only Dundonian to attain cult status with the Aberdeen support. Robb’s international career was a relatively short one; five caps in 1971 was his lot, he never appeared at Hampden but could add Wembley, Lisbon, Cardiff, Copenhagen and Moscow to his list of destinations.

Robb’s erratic, flowing locks saw him christened ‘Basil Brush’ after the infuriating puppet show of the time. Robb was one of a host of Eddie Turnbull signings in the aftermath of the mass Pittodrie exodus of 1965 but his arrival as a young hopeful went almost unnoticed as the silky skills of Jimmy Smith drew more attention. While those attributes would never be Robb’s strength, it soon became clear that Aberdeen had a player of unquestionable talent.

The problem facing Turnbull was where to play him; in his first ever senior game he ripped his hometown club Dundee to shreds playing on the right wing in a sensational 5-0 win at Dens Park in a Scottish Cup tie. Latterly he was played as a striker but unfortunately for big Davie he did not have the keen eye and guile of the likes of Joe Harper in front of goal. Davie was often a frustrating player to watch; open goals were missed, while Robb was just as likely to fire in a screamer from 20 yards into the top corner.

Even so, he went on to become an invaluable part of the great Aberdeen side that won the Scottish Cup in 1970 and went so agonisingly close to taking the title a year later. Arguably the greatest ever Aberdeen since outside the ’83 squad.

Robb’s knack of ‘taking the weight off’ other Aberdeen strikers made him a perfect foil for the likes of Smith, Harper and Jarvie. While his contribution as a team player was often underestimated, Robb was also well-known by officials throughout his career. His no-nonsense approach to the game often saw him incurring the wrath of referee’s. Robb had no time for niceties on the pitch; if an opponent was in his way then he would be removed; a simple and effective approach that was all part of his game. In the current game, Big Davie would probably not last five minutes, but back in the 70s it was a different, very different. If Robb hit you then you would know it; but there would be no need to roll about the ground in apparent agony.

In 1976 big Davie came off the bench in the League Cup final to score the winner against Celtic to add another winner’s medal to his collection.

A year later his parting shot for the Red Army was a sensational goal against Rangers on Christmas Eve as Aberdeen humbled the Ibrox side in a 4-0 hammering at Pittodrie. Robb turned away after firing a fierce shot past Stewart Kennedy as he milked the applause from the crowd from the Main Stand.

It was the end of an era at Pittodrie as Davie was soon off on his travels, with the USA his destination. America was never quite ready for Robb although he was immediately christened ‘Big Red’ by soccer enthusiasts in Tampa.

Not many Aberdeen players have had their own songs exclusive to themselves but big Davie’s 1970’s rendition declaring that we didn’t need Eusebio summed up the big man in the ultimate one-liner.

Maverick

The 1970s produced a special type of player – the maverick. They were players who the fans would pay to come and see, and might then go drinking with them after the game.

On the pitch, strutting about with their long hair, they had outstanding natural ability but were equally frustrating to their managers. They were individuals, not team players, and so most did not get the international recognition their talents merited. Off the pitch, they often lived wild lifestyles, rarely knowing when to stop. It’s as well social media was not around in those days.

George Best was the prime example but there were others – Frank Worthington, Peter Osgood, Alan Hudson, Tony Currie, Charlie George, Stan Bowles, Rodney Marsh. Ours was Davie Robb.

Maybe not in the true sense as Davie was certainly a team player. Like the others, his career probably did not reach the levels it maybe could have, although that was probably more down to the injuries he suffered. There were similarities with anyone who knows some of his off the field stories. A real charcter.

He will always be loved by Aberdeen fans from that era. Rest in Peace Davie.