Local bus operator, First Aberdeen, today revealed Aberdeen Midfield legend Neil Simpson as the winner of its ‘Gothenburg Greats’ customer vote. As a result First Aberdeen has named one of its brand new ‘Northern Lights’ buses after Neil, who was part of the famous Aberdeen team that beat Real Madrid in the European Cup Winners Cup Final in 1983.
To coincide with the 30th anniversary of Aberdeen’s famous 2-1 victory, First Aberdeen launched a vote asking customers and members of the public to choose their favourite Don that played in Gothenburg that evening, including the manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. Neil Simpson narrowly defeated Fergie who finished in second place and Willie Miller who finished third.
Neil Simpson, who is today Head of Aberdeen’s FC’s Youth Academy, said: “I’m thrilled to have won the competition. I thought my old gaffer Sir Alex Ferguson or Willie Miller would finish in top spot. It’s a real privilege to see my name on one of First’s brand new buses. I guess there are a few people out there that will relish the opportunity of stepping on Neil Simpson!”
First Aberdeen Director and General Manager, Duncan Cameron, said: “I’m delighted Neil has won this competition. He is an iconic figure within the city, a true gentleman and a genuine legend.”
“Everyone in Aberdeen knows it’s been 30 years since Aberdeen FC beat Real Madrid to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup. It was a really proud moment, not only for the football club, but for the people of the city. Many of our customers would have been present to witness the historic victory, or watched it on television. Given the timing it seemed only fitting that we name one of our new buses after a Gothenburg Great.”
First Aberdeen invested £3.5million in 23 state of the art brand new buses and christened them the Northern Lights. The buses, which are all fitted with leather seats and complementary wi-fi, began operating on Routes 17 and 18 on July 1.