Aberdeen great Eric Black becomes patron of club’s Community Trust

Gothenburg hero Eric Black has become a patron of Aberdeen’s Community Trust in its 10th anniversary year.

The 60-year-old was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hugely successful Dons side of the 1980s and scored the opening goal in the 2-1 European Cup Winners’ Cup final win over Real Madrid in Sweden in 1983.

The former Scotland striker made 180 appearances for Aberdeen between 1981 and 1986, scoring 69 goals and as well as winning the Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup, he garnered two League titles, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup .

“I’m honoured to be invited to be patron of AFCCT,” Black told Aberdeen’s official website.

“Aberdeen clearly holds a special place in my heart and having been in the city last year as part of the Gothenburg celebrations it was fantastic to witness first-hand the difference the club and Trust are making in the north east.

“The power of football to break down barriers and bring people together is exemplified through the fantastic work being carried out by everyone at the Trust.

“I look forward to supporting them during their anniversary year as they work towards a collective goal of making a positive change in the local community, helping to build brighter futures and make positive change.”

Black joined staff and participants at a number of programmes during a two-day visit to the north east.

He met pupils of St Joseph’s Primary School who were enjoying a MINDSET Olympics, a play-based programme targeting improved adolescent mental wellbeing, and then joined a football memories session where the group listened to reminiscences about that famous game in Gothenburg.

The following day Black enjoyed a health walk with the active ageing group along the beach front where he shared memories of training there under Ferguson and rounded off his trip with a visit to one of the Trust’s partner schools, Northfield Academy.

AFCCT chief executive Liz Bowie said: “In this special 10th anniversary year, we are delighted that one of Aberdeen’s most famous number 10s is lending his support to the work of the Trust.

“We look forward to working with Eric and to him bringing some of that Gothenburg magic to the Trust.”