Aberdeen supporters have endured 27 years of disappointment since their last success in the Scottish Cup, but former Don Billy Stark reckons it could have been even longer if he had not missed a golden chance in the memorable 1990 victory against Celtic.
Stark had won the cup with the Dons in 1984 and was a scorer in the 3-0 victory against Hearts in 1986.
But having won the trophy in 1988 and 1989 with Celtic he reckons he should have given the Hoops a hat-trick of successes for the first time in their history.
Aberdeen prevailed in the first final to be decided by a penalty shootout with Brian Irvine proving to be the hero.
Stark, perhaps doing himself a disservice, remains regretful that he was culpable.
He said: “I had missed almost all of the 1989/90 season and I only came back for the last two league matches.
“So I was delighted Billy McNeill picked me for the final because it showed he had faith in me.
“I played right wing back that day as Billy went for three at the back with Anton Rogan on the other side.
“I had a chance in the first half when Anton crossed from the left and I dived to meet it, but my header went wide.
“Then I had an even better chance in the second half and looking back I really should have scored.
“Davie Robertson had been marking me when I got forward and he was a tough opponent because he was strong and good in the air. Bobby Connor played in front of him.
“Dariusz Dziekanowski got the ball on the left side of the box but then cut inside and hit a good ball to the back post.
“I thought Robertson was marking me so I thought I would have to jump early – but it was actually Connor – and I headed the ball wide.
“I should have scored. You never know if that would have been enough because Aberdeen could have come back.
“However, that moment is definitely one I regret.
“Celtic were on the brink of history that day because they had never won the cup three seasons in a row.
“There were other chances in the game so it wasn’t all down to that moment, but it’s certainly a chance I should have taken. That was the only cup final that I lost. I played in two with the Dons – 1984 and 1986 – and won both of them.
“Then I won in 1988 and 1989 with Celtic so I guess I can be content with my record in Scottish Cup finals.”
An engrossing final could not be determined in 120 minutes so penalties were needed but Stark was off the field and helpless as the Dons won 9-8.
He said: “I was substituted after the 90 minutes, perhaps understandably, and that meant I had no involvement in the penalty shootout.
“Had I stayed on the park for extra time I would have been one of the penalty-takers because I had taken them throughout my career.”
Stark won’t bet on Aberdeen winning next Saturday, but he knows that if anyone can halt the Celtic juggernaut, it is the men from Pittodrie.
He said: “The interesting thing for me is how Derek McInnes approaches it. He had a game plan for the League Cup final but it went out the window when they lost a goal inside the first 15 minutes.
“They seemed content to let Celtic have the ball in that game and then try to defend against them.
“Will they try to press Celtic higher up the pitch? It will be intriguing to see what the plan is.
“Everything points to a Celtic win – and a treble – because they have had an outstanding season and have goal threats throughout their team.
“However, the thought they are going to win could work in Aberdeen’s favour.
“How many times has it happened that the big favourites think they have already got the cup won when the other team upsets them?
“It’s been 27 years since Aberdeen last won the Cup and no one could have predicted that.
“They have seen so many other clubs outside of the Old Firm lift the trophy that it is undoubtedly a source of frustration. So this is their chance to change that, it will be very hard but if any team can beat Celtic it’s Aberdeen.”