Aberdeen FC could be granted the freedom of the city to mark 40 years since the side’s historic Cup Winners Cup victory in Gothenburg.
The bid to recognise the club’s milestone next year comes in what will also be the 120th anniversary of the Dons.
The honour is most commonly given to individuals, like Gothenburg mastermind Sir Alex Ferguson.
But it can also be bestowed upon organisations.
And it comes after England’s Lionesses were granted the freedom of London following their Euro 2022 triumph.
It would put the Dons in the company of the likes of Leicester City and St Johnstone, who have been granted the same honour in recent times, and the 1973 FA Cup winning Sunderland side.
Aberdeen FC could be given freedom of city to mark milestones
Aberdeen City Council’s Conservative group says the accolade would be a “fitting” way to celebrate how the Dons have become a “pillar” of the community.
Group leader Ryan Houghton is leading the calls.
He said: “With the 40th year anniversary of Gothenburg approaching, along with the clubs 120th anniversary, it seems only fitting that Aberdeen football club is awarded this civic honour.”
Dons history that could be celebrated
The club was formed in 1903, and has had many memorable moments and players to cherish across its dozen decades.
Wembley Wizard Alex Jackson played for the club in 1924 and, as any self-respecting Reds fan knows, the dugout was invented at Pittodrie.
It took 50 years for Aberdeen to win their first league title, in 1955.
And of course their greatest glory came when the Gothenburg Greats lifted the European Cup Winners Cup in 1983.
Mr Houghton also points to the club’s role in developing one of the world’s greatest ever managers in Sir Alex.
Who else has been given freedom of Aberdeen?
Prime Minister William Gladstone was honoured in 1871, with Winston Churchill recognised in 1946.
In another example of an organisation warranting the freedom of Aberdeen, the Gordon Highlanders were celebrated in 1949.
And Nelson Mandela became a recipient in 1984.
Sir Alex Ferguson beamed as he was granted the honour in 1999.
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Aberdeen FC being given freedom of city would be a ‘celebration’
Mr Houghton added: “The club’s fanbase is second to none and any award to the club will reflect the part former players and fans right throughout its history have had on our city.
“The joy of Aberdeen Football Club winning in Gothenburg will live with every Dons fan forever.
“Recognising it with the freedom of the city award is the right thing to do.”
He added: “Moreover, after a difficult few years, it will create a focal point of celebration for the city.
“I’m sure efforts will be made to ensure this celebration includes all communities in Aberdeen.”
What does freedom of Aberdeen mean?
The freedom of Aberdeen dates back to the 12th Century, when it meant certain respected residents were given free entry to the Guild of Burgesses.
It would mean they enjoyed trading rights, like being exempt from tolls, but also came with the expectation that recipients would own arms and be prepared to defend Aberdeen from attack.
Today, it is purely a symbolic show of esteem.
It will be discussed during a meeting of the full council on August 24.
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