The AFC Family has recently lost two stars from the 1950s and 60s. The AFC Former Players Association learned of the passing of Tommy Morrison and Ken Brownlee earlier this week. There will be a full tribute to both players in the next edition of Red Matchday magazine.

Tommy Morrison

Tommy Morrison made 21 appearances for the Dons between 1963 and 1965, and the inside right netted seven goals during his two seasons at Pittodrie.

Jim Whyte and Tommy Morrison were spotted by Aberdeen FC scout Bobby Calder when they played for Kilsyth Rangers. Legendary scout Calder travelled to see them by bus and Jim and Tommy both signed provisional forms for Aberdeen FC on the same day in 1962.

After signing provisional forms, Jim and Tommy, who originated from North-Lanarkshire, were allowed to play three games for Aberdeen as trialists and then continued to play for Kilsyth Rangers.
When both players moved up to Aberdeen in 1963, they shared digs at 422 King Street, not far from Pittodrie Stadium.

As Tommy was still completing his Electrician apprenticeship during his first season the manager at the time, Tommy Pearson, arranged for Tommy to play part time to allow him to complete his apprenticeship. Tommy did well for the reserves, scoring lots of goals, and the manager quite quickly promoted him to a first team player.

1963

Unfortunately for Tommy his time at Pittodrie coincided with one of the more challenging periods in our history.

The 1963-64 and 1964-65 seasons were a real struggle for a Dons side who did not enjoy the sixties. The team finished ninth and then twelfth in the First Division, and they also suffered two shock cup exits in successive seasons. When Ayr United beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup in February 1964, Tommy Pearson was always on borrowed time and when East Fife knocked the reds out of the same competition a year later, the manager was dismissed.

Eddie Turnbull then became manager of Aberdeen FC, and Tommy was one of many unfortunate players who were part of the massive clear-out under the new regime.

Tommy moved to England to join Port Vale in July 1965, who were then managed by fellow Scot Jackie Mudie, before also playing for Sligo Rovers in Ireland.

Tommy was a member of the Former Players Association and kept a keen interest in Aberdeen’s results down the years.

The AFC Former Players Association were represented at the funeral last week by Tommy’s long time friend Jim Whyte and AFC Former Player John Cummings also paid his respects to Tommy by attending his funeral which took place on Thursday 8th September 2022. Tommy was 79.

Ken Brownlee

Ken Brownlee made 166 appearances for Aberdeen over eight seasons and scored 39 goals. The main photo in the story is Ken scoring against Ayr United in 1960.

Originally from the Edinburgh area, He joined the club in 1955, just after they had won the League Championship for the very first time. He was slotted in at left wing-half but as his career progressed at Pittodrie during the late 50s, it became apparent that Brownlee could score goals. The player’s attacking prowess resulted in him being shifted to inside forward. Brownlee topped the goal scoring charts during the 1960/61 season with 23. A very impressive effort for a utility player.

Brownlee also featured in one of the most disappointing days during that period – the 1959 Scottish Cup final against St Mirren. In front of over 100,000 supporters, the Dons lost 3-1, and the Saints gained revenge for their 1955 League Cup final defeat to Aberdeen.

1960

His ability to outmuscle most players and show an equal measure of flair meant that he was fans favourite in the late 50s and early 60s during a transitional period at the club. Brownlee was also recognised at international level. He received an under-23 Scotland cap and was twice included in the full senior national squad.

After spells at St Johnstone and Third Lanark, Ken spent the rest of his life in South Africa where he played and managed Boksburg leading them to promotion into the top-flight.

The 87-year-old passed away due to heart failure following a long battle with cancer this week.

Everyone at AFC passes on our condolences to the families of both players who are in our thoughts this week.

Ken and Tommy, Rest in Peace.