Dons supporters starved of cup glory for almost 20 years lined the streets of Aberdeen yesterday to usher in what they hope will be a new era of success.
More than 50,000 euphoric fans took part in a parade celebrating Aberdeen Football Club’s League Cup victory.
A sea of red and white stretched from Albyn Place to the Castlegate as fans gathered to watch the club bring home its first cup since 1995.
The sun shone as the team boarded an open-top double-decker bus in Albyn Place shortly before 1pm.
Hundreds of fans captured the moment on mobile phones and cameras as captain Russell Anderson held the coveted trophy aloft.
The parade, led by Buchan Pipe Band, then set off towards Union Street, where the pavements and road were packed with well-wishers.
Revellers spilled out of pubs, while young fans crowded on to walls and steps for a brief glimpse of their sporting heroes.
As the bus reached Union Street, a deafening roar of air horns, drums and chants erupted – some from workers and residents who leaned out of windows high above the city’s main thoroughfare to enjoy the spectacle.
Even a squally shower of sleet and snow did nothing to dampen the fans’ spirits.
At Union Terrace, the 1980s Human League hit Don’t You Want Me blared from The Monkey House pub – a song adopted by supporters and which yesterday returned to the top of the Scottish charts and to number 19 in the UK charts.
As the DJ turned the chorus down, thousands of voices chanted “Peter Pawlett, Baby” to honour the fans’ favourite, who was unable to play in last week’s match in Glasgow due to an injury.
The players emerged from the bus at the Town House and made their way inside, where, in keeping with tradition, they emerged on to the balcony to give the Red Army a last view of the cup.
They then enjoyed a civic reception hosted by Lord Provost George Adam.
About 40,000 supporters travelled to Celtic Park to watch their team clinch the Scottish League Cup in a penalty shoot-out, and even more turned out for yesterday’s celebration.
The parade was made possible when councillors agreed to fund it with £25,000 from the city’s Common Good Fund.
Police hailed the day a success and Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was delighted with the turnout.
He said: “Although this is only one trophy, because it has been such a long time coming you can see how much it means to people.
“There is a lot of pride in the team, and a lot of energy in the city, and days like today can only help us build on the win.”
Comment, Page 30
Stars’ parade, Pages 56-57