As part of the Gothenburg 40^th Anniversary celebrations planned for May, Aberdeen FC and AFC Heritage Trust can reveal that thanks to some tireless work behind the scenes, UEFA have kindly supplied additional European Cup Winners’ Cup medals for those who did not receive one at the Final.

On that historic evening back on 11 May 1983 only the starting 11 players and five substitutes received winners’ medals.

However, following a committed effort by Chris Gavin on behalf of the AFC Heritage Trust, along with UEFA delegate and former Dons chief executive, Duncan Fraser, UEFA have agreed to provide six additional medals for manager Sir Alex Ferguson, assistant manager Archie Knox and midfielder Dougie Bell who missed out on a place in the squad due to injury.

In addition, a medal will be presented to the Donald Family in recognition of then director, Ian Donald, and his father and late chairman, Dick Donald. The same accolade will also be granted posthumously to former vice-chairman, Chris Anderson.

And a medal will also be presented to the family of Teddy Scott. The legendary figure, who was an Aberdeen player, trainer, coach and eventually kit manager retired in August 2003 after serving the club for almost 50 years. Teddy played a huge part behind the scenes during the Dons success in the 1980s.

Given the significance all these individuals played to the Dons success that night, these medals will now ensure they are all suitably recognised for the contribution they played and will further underline their place in the club’s history.

With the request to manufacture additional medals received positively by UEFA, Neil Simpson’s medal from 1983 was sent to an official UEFA supplier so the six medals could be cast exactly as those received by the team in 1983.

The medals will be presented as part of proceedings at the special event planned for Pittodrie on Friday, 12 May, at which Aberdeen Football Club and the Gothenburg Greats will receive the Freedom of the City by Aberdeen City Council.

This ticketed event, which will start at 12 noon in the Richard Donald Stand, will feature player interviews and historic footage from the triumph in Gothenburg before the players and club receive the top civic honour from the Lord Provost of Aberdeen.

All profits from this special event will be donated to the Gothenburg Greats Legacy Fund. Spaces can be booked online now.

Dons chairman, Dave Cormack said: “We are extremely grateful to Chris Gavin of the AFC Heritage Trust and Duncan Fraser for their tireless work on this special project which will now ensure Sir Alex, Archie, Dougie, and the Donald, Anderson and Scott families are rightly recognised for the important part they played in the club’s success in 1983.

“The presentation of these medals during the Freedom of the City celebrations will give our supporters a further opportunity to play their part in recognising the inspirational achievements of these players and staff.”

Sir Alex Ferguson added: “It’s a great honour to be receiving this medal and I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen. Their efforts, along with the co-operation of UEFA is much appreciated. It’s also fantastic to see some of the wonderful people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during this hugely successful period for the club now being honoured.”