Tributes have been paid to former Aberdeen striker Frank McDougall following his death at the age of 65.
The former Don, who scored 44 goals in 69 appearances for the Dons between 1984 and 1987, passed away on Sunday in hospital following heart complications.
The striker, who won all three domestic trophies during his brief time at Pittodrie, was recognised for his contribution to the club by being inducted into the Hall of Fame last year.
McDougall scored 24 goals in 30 appearances in his first season for Aberdeen, helping the Dons win the league championship in 1985 as well as ending the campaign as the top scorer in the Premier Division.
The striker scored all three goals in a 3-0 win over Hearts as the Dons clinched the league championship at Tynecastle, establishing himself as a hero among the Aberdeen fans.
He maintained his outstanding goalscoring prowess the following season, scoring 20 goals in 38 appearances, including a famous four-goal haul in a 4-1 win against Celtic at Pittodrie.
He ended the 1985-86 season with League Cup and Scottish Cup winners’ medals, ensuring he clinched all three domestic trophies in 24 months.
He also netted a hat-trick against Rangers with the forward’s brief but memorable Dons career averaging a trophy every 23 appearances.
McDougall’s time with the Dons and his career was cut short due to a persistent back injury which forced him to retire at the age of 29 during the 1986-87 season.
McDougall was inducted into Aberdeen FC’s Hall of Fame in 2022 but missed the November dinner after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
However, he was well enough to visit Pittodrie in February of this year and was guest of honour at the Dons’ home match against Livingston, making an appearance to collect his award on the pitch.
Aberdeen chairman recalls the lethal marksman
Dons chairman Dave Cormack led the tributes on social media.
Cormack posted: “RIP Frank… a prolific goalscorer.
“I’ll never forget the four goals he scored in the 4-1 win over Celtic at Pittodrie in November 1985.
“Unfortunately, a back injury forced him to retire aged 29.
“Frank was so pleased to enter the Hall of Fame last year.
“Sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest easy, Frank.”
RIP Frank… a prolific goalscorer. I’ll never forget the four goals he scored in the 4-1 win over Celtic at Pittodrie in November 1985. Unfortunately, a back injury forced him to retire aged 29. Frank was so pleased to enter the Hall of Fame last year. Sincere condolences to his… https://t.co/O65r6l6JwQ
— Dave Cormack (@CormackDavie) October 1, 2023
Aberdeen chief executive Alan Burrows added his own tribute: “Desperately sorry to read about Frank’s passing.
“I was never lucky enough to meet him, or watch him play (just before my time), but I know he is held in such high regards by everyone associated with AFC, who remember a talented, lethal striker.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Frank’s family and close friends at this very sad time. RIP.”
Desperately sorry to read about Frank’s passing. I was never lucky enough to meet him, or watch him play (just before my time), but I know he is held in such high regards by everyone associated with AFC, who remember a talented, lethal striker. My thoughts and condolences are… https://t.co/TVLaesPsIL
— Alan Burrows (@Alan_Burrows) October 1, 2023
Former Scottish football commentators Derek Rae and David Begg also paid tribute.
Rae wrote: “Sad to hear. What a natural goalscorer Frank McDougall was. Thoughts with his loved ones.”
Begg added: “One of the best strikers of his era. Remember one game where he came on as a half time sub, and scored with his first touch, before I had even realised he was on the pitch (days before number boards)! RIP Frank.”
Sad to hear. What a natural goalscorer Frank McDougall was. Thoughts with his loved ones. https://t.co/JE6WQr7dCE
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) October 1, 2023
One of the best strikers of his era. Remember one game where he came on as a half time sub, and scored with his first touch, before I had even realised he was on the pitch (days before number boards)! RIP Frank
— David Begg (@dadbegg) October 1, 2023
Fans will never forget four-goal haul against Celtic
It is clear McDougall’s remarkable four-goal salvo against Celtic in a 4-1 at Pittodrie in November 1985 left a lasting impression on the Red Army with many recalling his prowess.
Jim Boyle wrote on Facebook: “Such sad news. RIP Frank. An incredible player for St Mirren and Aberdeen.
“A joy to watch and must have one of the best goals-per-game ratios in our history including that legendary four-goal display against Celtic.
“Had the pleasure to have a couple of chats with him in the Criterion bar too.
“He grew up round the corner from my grandparents and shared many happy reminiscences.”
Scott Wilkinson wrote: “RIP Frank. A true Dons legend. The man was lethal in front of goal. Arguably the greatest Dons striker I’ve seen.
“Condolences to all of his family, friends and loved ones. Legends never die.”
David Sinclair added: “Probably the most gifted striker I’ve ever seen play for the Dons. RIP Frankie, taken far too young.”
David Telfer wrote: “Thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. I am so glad that I had the privilege of seeing him play for The Dons. RIP Frank.”
The tributes continued on social media. Martin Wilson posted: “For all the joy of yesterday this is such sad news.
“One of the heroes of my youth who, but for injury, would have brought even more success to the club.
“Possibly the most natural finisher I have watched in red.
“Rest in peace Frank – my thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Heavenly Dancer added: “After the massive highs of yesterday I am absolutely gutted to read this.
“One of my favourite players in the 80s.
“I will never forget the day he scored four against Celtic in the 4-1 game. I went to school in Glasgow the next morning with a smile on my face! RIP Frankie.”
Sad news that one of Aberdeen’s greatest ever strikers Frank McDougall has passed away. This goal he scored against Hearts in ‘85 is so underrated, lethal in his day. RIP Frank #StandFree https://t.co/bY7lMIUYjd pic.twitter.com/vI4TCklZZ3
— John Bleasdale 💙 (@jbleasdale81) October 1, 2023
For all the joy of yesterday this is such sad news. One of the heroes of my youth who, but for injury, would have brought even more success to the club. Possibly the most natural finisher I have watched in red. Rest in peace Frank – my thoughts are with your family and friends 🇵🇪
— Martin (@MWilson1903) October 1, 2023
After the massive highs of yesterday I am absolutely gutted to read this. One of my favourite players in the 80's. I will never forget the day he scored 4 against Celtic in the 4-1 game. I went to school in Glasgow the next morning with a smile on my face! RIP Frankie #StandFree
— Heavenly Dancers 🏴 (@HeavenlyDancer2) October 1, 2023
Conversation