Sport: Soccer Category: Scores & Results

Mark McGhee recalls Ferguson's ambitious vision for Aberdeen

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 11:00 AM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Mark McGhee recalls Ferguson's ambitious vision for Aberdeen

Summary

Mark McGhee shared his experience of joining Aberdeen under Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership during the late 1970s. McGhee was convinced to leave Newcastle after Ferguson detailed his ambitious plan to win a European trophy within five years, despite Aberdeen's long trophy drought. McGhee highlighted that Ferguson's insight into his career and play helped solidify his decision. Now 69, McGhee discussed the influential conversation on the BBC's Sacked in the Morning podcast.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Mark McGhee joined Aberdeen from Newcastle in 1979.
•Ferguson aimed to win a European trophy within five years.
•Aberdeen hadn't won the league in 25 years at that time.
•McGhee described Ferguson's ambitions as 'bonkers' yet convincing.
•Discussion took place on the BBC's Sacked in the Morning podcast.

Latest Updates

11:00 AMYahoo Sports — How Ferguson's 'bonkers' Dons vision convinced McGhee to join

What they're saying

"
Mark McGhee has revealed he was so blown away by Sir Alex Ferguson's "bonkers" ambitions for Aberdeen he had no hesitation in joining the Dons. Former striker McGhee switched from Newcastle in 1979 and had a memorable five-year spell at Pittodrie, winning the European Cup Winners' Cup and Uefa Super Cup as well as two league titles and three Scottish Cups. The 69-year-old told the BBC's Sacked in the Morning podcast about the conversation he had with boss Ferguson that convinced him to make the move to the north east.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer