Aberdeen Quiz
Test your Aberdeen knowledge: Pittodrie's first dugout, the Wasps nickname, Alex Ferguson's arrival from St Mirren and the 2025 Scottish Cup win.
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easy
Martin Buchan, Aberdeen's captain in the 1970 Scottish Cup final, left Pittodrie in 1972 for which club?
WhyManchester United signed Buchan in early 1972. He went on to captain them, including in the 1977 FA Cup final win. -
easy
Aberdeen won the 2025 Scottish Cup final on penalties after a 1-1 draw, their first Scottish Cup since 1990. Who did they beat?
WhyJimmy Thelin's Aberdeen beat Celtic in the May 2025 final at Hampden. Their 1990 win had also come against Celtic on penalties. -
medium
Aberdeen reached their first Scottish Cup final in 1937 and lost 2-1 in front of a huge Hampden crowd. Who beat them?
WhyCeltic won the 1937 final 2-1. The crowd of around 147,000 is one of the biggest ever for a club match in Europe. -
medium
Alex Ferguson was appointed Aberdeen manager in 1978. Which club did he come from?
WhyFerguson came from St Mirren, whom he had taken to the First Division title in 1977. He had managed East Stirlingshire before St Mirren. -
hard
Goalkeeper Jim Leighton went off injured in the opening minutes of the 2000 Scottish Cup final, which Aberdeen lost 4-0. Which outfield player took over in goal?
WhyAberdeen had no goalkeeper on the bench, so striker Robbie Winters went in goal. It was Leighton's last game. -
medium
Billy McNeill's only season as Aberdeen manager, 1977-78, ended with a 2-1 Scottish Cup final defeat to which club?
WhyRangers won the 1978 final 2-1 and also pipped Aberdeen to the league that season. McNeill then left to manage Celtic. -
medium
Before Derek McInnes took the Aberdeen job in March 2013, which English club had he most recently managed?
WhyMcInnes managed Bristol City from 2011 until January 2013. Before that he was in charge of St Johnstone. -
hard
Striker Joe Harper left Aberdeen in December 1972 for which English club?
WhyEverton bought Harper in late 1972. He came back to Aberdeen in 1976, and had played for Huddersfield before he first joined Aberdeen. -
medium
In July 2015 Aberdeen won 3-0 away in Europa League qualifying against which Croatian club?
WhyThe 3-0 win in Rijeka is one of the best away results of the McInnes era. Aberdeen went through on aggregate. -
medium
Who came off the bench to score Aberdeen's extra-time winner in the 1983 Cup Winners' Cup final?
WhyHewitt headed in Mark McGhee's cross in extra time. Eric Black had given Aberdeen the lead. -
hard
Aberdeen FC was formed in 1903 by merging the original Aberdeen club with Victoria United and which other local club?
WhyThe 1903 merger brought together Aberdeen, Victoria United and Orion to create the club that plays at Pittodrie today. -
medium
Who managed Aberdeen to their first Scottish league title, in 1954-55?
WhyDave Halliday was in charge from 1937 to 1955, and the 1954-55 championship was the high point of his time there. -
medium
Midfielder Lewis Ferguson left Aberdeen in summer 2022 for which Italian club?
WhyFerguson joined Bologna and went on to captain the club. -
hard
Hungarian playmaker Zoltán Varga left Aberdeen in 1973 for which Dutch club?
WhyVarga had only one season at Pittodrie before Ajax signed him in 1973, the summer Johan Cruyff left for Barcelona. -
medium
North Macedonian striker Bojan Miovski left Aberdeen in summer 2024 for which Spanish club?
WhyMiovski joined Girona, who had just qualified for the Champions League. He had signed for Aberdeen from MTK Budapest in 2022. -
medium
Aberdeen goalkeeper Fred Martin was in goal when Scotland lost 7-0 at the 1954 World Cup. Who were the opponents?
WhyUruguay, the holders, beat Scotland 7-0 in Basel. Scotland had already lost 1-0 to Austria in their first game. -
hard
Stephen Glass was appointed Aberdeen manager in March 2021. Which American side had he been coaching?
WhyGlass was head coach of Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship before replacing Derek McInnes at Pittodrie. -
medium
Centre-back Scott McKenna left Aberdeen in September 2020 to join which English club?
WhyMcKenna moved to Nottingham Forest, then in the Championship, and later played for them in the Premier League. -
medium
Aberdeen beat FC Copenhagen 4-0 at Pittodrie to reach the last 32 of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup. They drew 2-2 at home with which club and then lost 5-1 away?
WhyJimmy Calderwood's side held Bayern Munich 2-2 at Pittodrie in February 2008, then lost 5-1 in Munich. -
hard
Later in 1983, Aberdeen won the European Super Cup by beating which European Cup holders over two legs?
WhyAberdeen drew 0-0 in Hamburg and won 2-0 at Pittodrie in December 1983. -
medium
Aberdeen's early black-and-gold striped kit gave the club which nickname?
WhyThe black and gold stripes earned them the name 'the Wasps'. The club later switched to the red it is known for today. -
medium
Craig Brown became Aberdeen manager in December 2010. Which club did he leave to take the job?
WhyThe former Scotland manager left Motherwell for Aberdeen. Mark McGhee had also come to Aberdeen from Motherwell, in 2009. -
hard
Goalkeeper Bobby Clark signed for Aberdeen in 1965 from which club?
WhyClark came from the amateurs of Queen's Park. Eddie Turnbull, who had coached him there, arrived at Pittodrie the same year. -
medium
Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1947, winning the final 2-1. Who did they beat?
WhyAberdeen came from behind to win 2-1 at Hampden in April 1947 and lift the Scottish Cup for the first time. -
medium
Aberdeen won the Scottish League Cup in March 2014 on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Celtic Park. Who did they beat in that final?
WhyDerek McInnes's side beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 4-2 on penalties. It was Aberdeen's first major trophy since 1995. -
hard
Pittodrie is widely credited with British football's first dugout. Which Aberdeen figure is credited with introducing it?
WhyDonald Colman, a former Aberdeen defender who became the club's trainer, is credited with the idea. He wanted a low vantage point so he could study players' footwork. -
medium
Jimmy Calderwood became Aberdeen manager in 2004. Which club did he leave to take the job?
WhyCalderwood had managed Dunfermline from 1999 to 2004 before moving to Pittodrie. -
medium
Kenny McLean was sold by Aberdeen in January 2018 and then loaned back to them for the rest of that season. Which club bought him?
WhyMcLean joined Norwich City and later played for them in the Premier League. He also became a Scotland regular. -
hard
Shortly after winning the 1954-55 Scottish title, Aberdeen's manager left Pittodrie to take charge of which English club?
WhyAberdeen's title-winning manager moved south within months, taking over at Leicester City in 1955. -
medium
Eddie Turnbull left Aberdeen in 1971 to manage which club?
WhyTurnbull's side there became known as 'Turnbull's Tornadoes'. Jimmy Bonthrone replaced him at Aberdeen. -
medium
Jimmy Thelin became Aberdeen manager in 2024. Which Swedish club did he leave to take the job?
WhyThelin had a long spell in charge of IF Elfsborg before joining Aberdeen in summer 2024. -
medium
Who was Aberdeen's first manager, in charge from the club's formation in 1903 until 1924?
WhyJimmy Philip managed Aberdeen for its first 21 years. Paddy Travers took over in 1924. -
easy
Academy right-back Calvin Ramsay was sold by Aberdeen in summer 2022 to which club?
WhyRamsay joined Liverpool in June 2022 after a breakthrough season at Pittodrie. -
easy
Aberdeen won the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup final in Gothenburg. Which club did they beat?
WhyAberdeen beat Real Madrid 2-1 after extra time at the Ullevi on 11 May 1983, with a late header settling it. -
easy
Aberdeen were knocked out of 2018-19 Europa League qualifying after extra time by which English club?
WhyThe first leg finished 1-1 at Pittodrie. Burnley won 3-1 after extra time at Turf Moor. -
easy
Which manager won the 1976-77 League Cup with Aberdeen and left in 1977 to take the Scotland job?
WhyAlly MacLeod's Aberdeen beat Celtic 2-1 after extra time in the November 1976 final. He became Scotland manager the following year.
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About Aberdeen
Aberdeen FC was formed in 1903 when the original Aberdeen club merged with Victoria United and Orion. Jimmy Philip managed the new club for its first 21 years, until Paddy Travers took over in 1924. The early black-and-gold striped kit earned the side the nickname 'the Wasps', before the club switched to the red it is known for today. Pittodrie is also widely credited with British football's first dugout. The idea is credited to Donald Colman, a former Aberdeen defender turned trainer, who wanted a low vantage point so he could study players' footwork.
The cup story starts with heartbreak. Aberdeen reached their first Scottish Cup final in 1937 and lost 2-1 to Celtic in front of a Hampden crowd of around 147,000. Ten years later they came from behind to beat Hibernian 2-1 and lift the Scottish Cup for the first time. Dave Halliday then led them to their first Scottish league title in 1954-55, and within months he had left for Leicester City. Eddie Turnbull's side beat Celtic 3-1 in the 1970 Scottish Cup final, with two goals from Derek McKay and a Joe Harper penalty. Ally MacLeod's Aberdeen then beat Celtic 2-1 after extra time to win the 1976-77 League Cup, and MacLeod became Scotland manager the following year.
Pittodrie has always been a stepping stone, both for managers and for players. Alex Ferguson arrived from St Mirren in 1978, the year after taking them to the First Division title. Martin Buchan, captain in the 1970 final, left for Manchester United in 1972, and Hungarian playmaker Zoltán Varga joined Ajax in 1973 after a single season. More recent sales include Scott McKenna to Nottingham Forest, Calvin Ramsay to Liverpool, Lewis Ferguson to Bologna and Bojan Miovski to Girona, who had just qualified for the Champions League.
The modern era has its own landmarks. Derek McInnes's side beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle on penalties in the March 2014 League Cup final, Aberdeen's first major trophy since 1995. In Europe they held Bayern Munich 2-2 at Pittodrie in 2008 and won 3-0 away at HNK Rijeka in 2015. There are hard days in here too, like the 9-0 defeat at Celtic Park in 2010 and the 2000 Scottish Cup final, when striker Robbie Winters had to go in goal. Then in May 2025 Jimmy Thelin's team beat Celtic on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the Scottish Cup for the first time since 1990. There are 35 questions, so see how many you get.
Aberdeen quiz answers, explained
Every question from the quiz above. Play it first; each answer stays folded until you open it.
Martin Buchan, Aberdeen's captain in the 1970 Scottish Cup final, left Pittodrie in 1972 for which club?
Show answer
Manchester United. Manchester United signed Buchan in early 1972. He went on to captain them, including in the 1977 FA Cup final win.
Aberdeen won the 2025 Scottish Cup final on penalties after a 1-1 draw, their first Scottish Cup since 1990. Who did they beat?
Show answer
Celtic. Jimmy Thelin's Aberdeen beat Celtic in the May 2025 final at Hampden. Their 1990 win had also come against Celtic on penalties.
Aberdeen reached their first Scottish Cup final in 1937 and lost 2-1 in front of a huge Hampden crowd. Who beat them?
Show answer
Celtic. Celtic won the 1937 final 2-1. The crowd of around 147,000 is one of the biggest ever for a club match in Europe.
Alex Ferguson was appointed Aberdeen manager in 1978. Which club did he come from?
Show answer
St Mirren. Ferguson came from St Mirren, whom he had taken to the First Division title in 1977. He had managed East Stirlingshire before St Mirren.
Goalkeeper Jim Leighton went off injured in the opening minutes of the 2000 Scottish Cup final, which Aberdeen lost 4-0. Which outfield player took over in goal?
Show answer
Robbie Winters. Aberdeen had no goalkeeper on the bench, so striker Robbie Winters went in goal. It was Leighton's last game.
Billy McNeill's only season as Aberdeen manager, 1977-78, ended with a 2-1 Scottish Cup final defeat to which club?
Show answer
Rangers. Rangers won the 1978 final 2-1 and also pipped Aberdeen to the league that season. McNeill then left to manage Celtic.
Before Derek McInnes took the Aberdeen job in March 2013, which English club had he most recently managed?
Show answer
Bristol City. McInnes managed Bristol City from 2011 until January 2013. Before that he was in charge of St Johnstone.
Striker Joe Harper left Aberdeen in December 1972 for which English club?
Show answer
Everton. Everton bought Harper in late 1972. He came back to Aberdeen in 1976, and had played for Huddersfield before he first joined Aberdeen.
In July 2015 Aberdeen won 3-0 away in Europa League qualifying against which Croatian club?
Show answer
HNK Rijeka. The 3-0 win in Rijeka is one of the best away results of the McInnes era. Aberdeen went through on aggregate.
Who came off the bench to score Aberdeen's extra-time winner in the 1983 Cup Winners' Cup final?
Show answer
John Hewitt. Hewitt headed in Mark McGhee's cross in extra time. Eric Black had given Aberdeen the lead.
Aberdeen FC was formed in 1903 by merging the original Aberdeen club with Victoria United and which other local club?
Show answer
Orion. The 1903 merger brought together Aberdeen, Victoria United and Orion to create the club that plays at Pittodrie today.
Who managed Aberdeen to their first Scottish league title, in 1954-55?
Show answer
Dave Halliday. Dave Halliday was in charge from 1937 to 1955, and the 1954-55 championship was the high point of his time there.
Midfielder Lewis Ferguson left Aberdeen in summer 2022 for which Italian club?
Show answer
Bologna. Ferguson joined Bologna and went on to captain the club.
Hungarian playmaker Zoltán Varga left Aberdeen in 1973 for which Dutch club?
Show answer
Ajax. Varga had only one season at Pittodrie before Ajax signed him in 1973, the summer Johan Cruyff left for Barcelona.
North Macedonian striker Bojan Miovski left Aberdeen in summer 2024 for which Spanish club?
Show answer
Girona. Miovski joined Girona, who had just qualified for the Champions League. He had signed for Aberdeen from MTK Budapest in 2022.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Fred Martin was in goal when Scotland lost 7-0 at the 1954 World Cup. Who were the opponents?
Show answer
Uruguay. Uruguay, the holders, beat Scotland 7-0 in Basel. Scotland had already lost 1-0 to Austria in their first game.
Stephen Glass was appointed Aberdeen manager in March 2021. Which American side had he been coaching?
Show answer
Atlanta United 2. Glass was head coach of Atlanta United 2 in the USL Championship before replacing Derek McInnes at Pittodrie.
Centre-back Scott McKenna left Aberdeen in September 2020 to join which English club?
Show answer
Nottingham Forest. McKenna moved to Nottingham Forest, then in the Championship, and later played for them in the Premier League.
Aberdeen beat FC Copenhagen 4-0 at Pittodrie to reach the last 32 of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup. They drew 2-2 at home with which club and then lost 5-1 away?
Show answer
Bayern Munich. Jimmy Calderwood's side held Bayern Munich 2-2 at Pittodrie in February 2008, then lost 5-1 in Munich.
Later in 1983, Aberdeen won the European Super Cup by beating which European Cup holders over two legs?
Show answer
Hamburger SV. Aberdeen drew 0-0 in Hamburg and won 2-0 at Pittodrie in December 1983.
Aberdeen's early black-and-gold striped kit gave the club which nickname?
Show answer
The Wasps. The black and gold stripes earned them the name 'the Wasps'. The club later switched to the red it is known for today.
Craig Brown became Aberdeen manager in December 2010. Which club did he leave to take the job?
Show answer
Motherwell. The former Scotland manager left Motherwell for Aberdeen. Mark McGhee had also come to Aberdeen from Motherwell, in 2009.
Goalkeeper Bobby Clark signed for Aberdeen in 1965 from which club?
Show answer
Queen's Park. Clark came from the amateurs of Queen's Park. Eddie Turnbull, who had coached him there, arrived at Pittodrie the same year.
Aberdeen won the Scottish Cup for the first time in 1947, winning the final 2-1. Who did they beat?
Show answer
Hibernian. Aberdeen came from behind to win 2-1 at Hampden in April 1947 and lift the Scottish Cup for the first time.
Aberdeen won the Scottish League Cup in March 2014 on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Celtic Park. Who did they beat in that final?
Show answer
Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Derek McInnes's side beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 4-2 on penalties. It was Aberdeen's first major trophy since 1995.
Pittodrie is widely credited with British football's first dugout. Which Aberdeen figure is credited with introducing it?
Show answer
Donald Colman. Donald Colman, a former Aberdeen defender who became the club's trainer, is credited with the idea. He wanted a low vantage point so he could study players' footwork.
Jimmy Calderwood became Aberdeen manager in 2004. Which club did he leave to take the job?
Show answer
Dunfermline. Calderwood had managed Dunfermline from 1999 to 2004 before moving to Pittodrie.
Kenny McLean was sold by Aberdeen in January 2018 and then loaned back to them for the rest of that season. Which club bought him?
Show answer
Norwich City. McLean joined Norwich City and later played for them in the Premier League. He also became a Scotland regular.
Shortly after winning the 1954-55 Scottish title, Aberdeen's manager left Pittodrie to take charge of which English club?
Show answer
Leicester City. Aberdeen's title-winning manager moved south within months, taking over at Leicester City in 1955.
Eddie Turnbull left Aberdeen in 1971 to manage which club?
Show answer
Hibernian. Turnbull's side there became known as 'Turnbull's Tornadoes'. Jimmy Bonthrone replaced him at Aberdeen.
Jimmy Thelin became Aberdeen manager in 2024. Which Swedish club did he leave to take the job?
Show answer
IF Elfsborg. Thelin had a long spell in charge of IF Elfsborg before joining Aberdeen in summer 2024.
Who was Aberdeen's first manager, in charge from the club's formation in 1903 until 1924?
Show answer
Jimmy Philip. Jimmy Philip managed Aberdeen for its first 21 years. Paddy Travers took over in 1924.
Academy right-back Calvin Ramsay was sold by Aberdeen in summer 2022 to which club?
Show answer
Liverpool. Ramsay joined Liverpool in June 2022 after a breakthrough season at Pittodrie.
Aberdeen won the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup final in Gothenburg. Which club did they beat?
Show answer
Real Madrid. Aberdeen beat Real Madrid 2-1 after extra time at the Ullevi on 11 May 1983, with a late header settling it.
Aberdeen were knocked out of 2018-19 Europa League qualifying after extra time by which English club?
Show answer
Burnley. The first leg finished 1-1 at Pittodrie. Burnley won 3-1 after extra time at Turf Moor.
Which manager won the 1976-77 League Cup with Aberdeen and left in 1977 to take the Scotland job?
Show answer
Ally MacLeod. Ally MacLeod's Aberdeen beat Celtic 2-1 after extra time in the November 1976 final. He became Scotland manager the following year.
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