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New Firm (Scotland)
Encyclopedia
The New Firm was the short-lived term used, during the 1980s, to describe the rivalry between Scottish
football clubs Aberdeen
and Dundee United
. Both clubs are located on the east coast of Scotland, in the third and fourth most populous cities respectively.
Although not traditionally a derby
, with 65 miles separating both teams, the fixture was seen as a North-east of Scotland derby between the two most successful teams in Scotland outside of the Old Firm during the 1980s.
for domestic trophies.
The Old Firm have more often than not been the dominant force in Scottish Football, however throughout the 1980s both Aberdeen and Dundee United were more than a match for them, regularly beating them home and away and winning most of the trophies on offer.
Aberdeen were to win the Scottish Premier Division three times, the Scottish Cup
four times, the Scottish League Cup twice and the European Cup Winners Cup and the European Super Cup
, all within the 1980s.
In this same period, Dundee United won the Scottish Premier Division once, and the Scottish League Cup twice, as well as reaching the Scottish Cup final four times, the UEFA Cup
final, and the European Cup semi-final.
Not only were the Old Firm not dominating the title race, for three seasons in a row, 1983 through to 1985, the league title went to either Aberdeen or Dundee United, meaning for the first time two other teams were dominating Scottish Football.
Both sides' success was limited as they entered the 1990s. Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup in 1990, and reaching cup finals in 1992 and 1993 as well as almost winning the league in 1991, while Dundee United were cup finalists in 1991 and Scottish Cup winners in 1994. However in the 1994/95 season both sides fought relegation, and although Aberdeen won the Scottish League Cup in 1995 and Dundee United the Scottish Cup in 2010, neither side has managed to be a consistent force for Rangers and Celtic to reckon with, and Aberdeen's league success in 1984/85 is the last time a team from outside the Old Firm has won the Scottish league title.
matches, although United have won one more League Cup
match between the two.
to Pittodrie
, with five since August 2005.
Scotland Scottish
England English
Finland Finnish
Northern Ireland Northern Irish
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
football clubs Aberdeen
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
and Dundee United
Dundee United F.C.
Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
. Both clubs are located on the east coast of Scotland, in the third and fourth most populous cities respectively.
Although not traditionally a derby
Local derby
In many countries the term local derby, or simply just derby means a sporting fixture between two, generally local, rivals, particularly in association football...
, with 65 miles separating both teams, the fixture was seen as a North-east of Scotland derby between the two most successful teams in Scotland outside of the Old Firm during the 1980s.
History
The term originated in the 1980s, when both clubs challenged the Old FirmOld Firm
The Old Firm is a common collective name for the association football clubs Celtic and Rangers, both based in Glasgow, Scotland.The origin of the term is unclear. One theory has it that the expression derives from Celtic's first game in 1888, which was played against Rangers. However, author,...
for domestic trophies.
The Old Firm have more often than not been the dominant force in Scottish Football, however throughout the 1980s both Aberdeen and Dundee United were more than a match for them, regularly beating them home and away and winning most of the trophies on offer.
Aberdeen were to win the Scottish Premier Division three times, the Scottish Cup
Scottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
four times, the Scottish League Cup twice and the European Cup Winners Cup and the European Super Cup
European Super Cup
The UEFA Super Cup is an annual football game between the reigning champions of the two cup competitions organized by UEFA: the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League...
, all within the 1980s.
In this same period, Dundee United won the Scottish Premier Division once, and the Scottish League Cup twice, as well as reaching the Scottish Cup final four times, the UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
final, and the European Cup semi-final.
Not only were the Old Firm not dominating the title race, for three seasons in a row, 1983 through to 1985, the league title went to either Aberdeen or Dundee United, meaning for the first time two other teams were dominating Scottish Football.
Both sides' success was limited as they entered the 1990s. Aberdeen winning the Scottish Cup in 1990, and reaching cup finals in 1992 and 1993 as well as almost winning the league in 1991, while Dundee United were cup finalists in 1991 and Scottish Cup winners in 1994. However in the 1994/95 season both sides fought relegation, and although Aberdeen won the Scottish League Cup in 1995 and Dundee United the Scottish Cup in 2010, neither side has managed to be a consistent force for Rangers and Celtic to reckon with, and Aberdeen's league success in 1984/85 is the last time a team from outside the Old Firm has won the Scottish league title.
Domestic head-to-head
In domestic head-to-head matches, the teams have played each other 221 times, Aberdeen winning 85 compared to United's 72. Aberdeen have won more league and Scottish CupScottish Cup
The Scottish Football Association Challenge Cup,, commonly known as the Scottish Cup or the William Hill Scottish Cup for sponsorship purposes, is the main national cup competition in Scottish football. It is a knockout cup competition run by and named after the Scottish Football Association.The...
matches, although United have won one more League Cup
Scottish League Cup
The Scottish League Cup is a football competition open to all Scottish Football League and Scottish Premier League clubs. At present it is also known as the Scottish Communities League Cup owing to the sponsorship deal in place with the Scottish Government. In the past it has been sponsored by...
match between the two.
- After 15 October 2011:
Team League Scottish Cup League Cup Total Aberdeen 66 11 9 86 Dundee United 56 6 10 72 Draw 50 9 5 64
League competition
SPL Table (1998/99-present - 13th Season)- As of 15 May 2011:
Club Seasons Played W D L GF GA GD Pts Aberdeen Aberdeen F.C.Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...13 490 168 114 208 574 698 −124 618 Dundee United Dundee United F.C.Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...13 490 146 137 207 560 732 −172 575
European competition
- As of 26 August 2010:
Team T P W D L F A Dundee United Dundee United F.C.Dundee United Football Club is a Scottish professional football club located in the city of Dundee. Formed in 1909, originally as Dundee Hibernian, the club changed to the present name in 1923...
24 106 45 29 32 163 106 Aberdeen Aberdeen F.C.Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
27 109 44 28 37 160 130
Players at both clubs
Nine players have signed for Dundee United directly from Aberdeen, the last being in 2000. Ten have made the opposite journey from TannadiceTannadice Park
Tannadice Park, usually referred to as Tannadice, is a football stadium located on Tannadice Street in the Scottish city of Dundee. The stadium is home of Dundee United F.C. and has a capacity of 14,209.-Early days :...
to Pittodrie
Pittodrie Stadium
Pittodrie Stadium is an all-seated football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. It was first used in 1899 and from 1903 has been the home of Aberdeen Football Club...
, with five since August 2005.
Aberdeen to Dundee United
| Date | Player | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Scotland |
Unknown |
| 1976 | Scotland |
Unknown |
| 01 Jul 1983 | Scotland |
Unknown |
| 05 Nov 1995 | Scotland |
£200,000 |
| 19 Mar 1997 | Scotland |
Free |
| 01 Jul 1998 | Scotland |
Free |
| 23 Sep 1998 | Scotland |
Swap |
| 19 Jan 2000 | Scotland |
£150,000 |
| 08 Jun 2000 | England |
Free |
Dundee United to Aberdeen
| Date | Player | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1966 | Scotland |
£10,000 |
| 09 Jan 1974 | Scotland |
£20,000 |
| 28 Mar 1992 | Finland |
£400,000 |
| 02 Jun 1998 | Scotland |
Free |
| 23 Sep 1998 | Scotland |
£700,000 |
| 31 Aug 2005 | Scotland |
Free |
| 31 Aug 2006 | Scotland |
Free |
| 01 Jun 2007 | Scotland |
Free |
| 18 Jan 2008 | Scotland |
Free |
| 07 Jul 2008 | Scotland |
Free |
Complete list
In addition, other players have played for both clubs without moving directly between them. A list of all players to have played at least one first-team game for both clubs is displayed below. Scotland Scottish
- Jim BettJim BettJames "Jim" Bett is a Scottish former professional footballer, who predominantly played for Aberdeen. He played in central or left midfield....
- Craig BrewsterCraig BrewsterCraig James Brewster is a Scottish football player and coach. He made his name in a long and successful career playing as a striker for numerous clubs in Scotland, particularly Forfar Athletic, Raith Rovers, Dundee United and Dunfermline Athletic...
- Stevie Crawford
- Billy DoddsBilly DoddsWilliam "Billy" Dodds is a Scottish former professional footballer, he was assistant manager at Dundee, but was made redundant when the club went into administration in October 2010, one of his former clubs...
- Davie DoddsDavie DoddsDavid Dodds is a former Scottish football player who played for Dundee United, Aberdeen and Rangers in the 1980s. During his playing career, he scored over 100 League goals, and earned two Scotland caps.- Early life and career :...
- Stuart DuffStuart DuffStuart Duff is a Scottish football player. He is primarily a central midfielder although his versatility has seen him play in most defensive and midfield positions. Duff has played for Dundee United, Aberdeen, Inverness CT and Ayr United during his career...
- John GardinerJohn Gardiner (footballer)John Gardiner is a Scottish former footballer who played most of his career with Motherwell. He currently manages Formartine United. Gardiner's son Ross, like his father, also played for Dundee United.-Honours:...
- Jim Hamilton
- Jim HenryJim Henry (footballer)James "Jim" Henry , is a former Scottish football midfielder.Henry began his career with Montrose. He spent a season and a half at Links Park, before dropping down to the...
- Mark KerrMark Kerr (footballer)Mark Kerr is a Scottish professional football player who currently plays for Greek club Asteras Tripolis.-Falkirk:Kerr began his career with Falkirk, where he played from 1998 until 2003...
- Lee MairLee MairLee Mair is a Scottish footballer who currently plays in central defence for St Mirren.- Career :Mair spent most of his teenage years in the youth programme with Dundee. In order to gain valuable first team experience the player went on loan to East Fife in February 2001 and made his senior debut...
- Stewart McKimmieStewart McKimmieStewart McKimmie is a Scottish former professional footballer, who predominantly played for home town club Aberdeen. He played in defence, primarily as a right-back, and also played for Dundee and Dundee United.-Career:...
- Ray McKinnonRay McKinnon (footballer)Ray McKinnon is a Scottish footballer, who was last player/manager for Lochee United in the Scottish Junior Football East Super League until 2010....
- Jamie McQuilkenJamie McQuilkenJames Charles McQuilken is a Scottish professional footballer who last played for Scottish First Division side Queen of the South.-Career:...
- Joe MillerJoe Miller (footballer)Joseph "Joe" Miller is the current assistant manager at Dundalk FC. He is also a former Scottish footballer and a former manager of Scottish Football League club Clyde.-Playing career:...
- Lee MillerLee Miller (footballer)Lee John Miller is a Scottish footballer who currently plays as a striker for Football League One club Carlisle United.Miller was born in Lanark, Scotland and began his career at before moving to in 2003. After a poor first season at Bristol City, he joined on loan in 2005. That same year, he...
- Charlie Mulgrew
- Frank MunroFrank MunroFrancis Michael "Frank" Munro was a Scottish international footballer who played as a centre back.Munro played for Dundee United and Aberdeen in his native Scotland before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1968...
- Mark PerryMark Perry (Scottish footballer)Mark George Perry is a Scottish footballer who currently plays in defence for Highland League side Keith. He has previously played at all four levels of Scottish senior football.-Career:...
- Derek StillieDerek StillieDerek Stillie is a retired Scottish footballer. He played as a goalkeeper for a number of clubs in Scotland and England before retiring to pursue a career in English law.-Career:...
- Lewis ThomLewis ThomLewis Thom is a Scottish former footballer who played as a left winger.-Career:Thom began his professional career in 1961 with Aberdeen and made thirty-five league appearances for the Dons during his three years at Pittodrie. In 1964, Thom moved to Dundee United but left within a year to join...
- Billy WilliamsonBilly Williamson (footballer)William Davidson 'Billy' Williamson from is a Scottish ex-professional footballer who played for Kirkconnel F.C., Aberdeen F.C., Dundee United and Dundee. Williamson played in two Scottish League Cup Finals winning the trophy once.- Career :...
- Robbie WintersRobbie WintersRobbie Winters is a Scottish footballer who currently plays for Alloa Athletic.-Career:Winters began his career at Dundee United in 1992 and played 99 league games for the Terrors, scoring 19 times. A move to Aberdeen beckoned, which saw Billy Dodds and cash come to Tannadice in exchange for Winters...
- Stephen WrightStephen Wright (Scottish footballer)Stephen Wright is a Scottish former footballer who played as a defender. Wright joined Dunfermline Athletic as first-team coach in January 2008, moving from his youth coaching role at Rangers.-Career:...
England English
- Jamie BuchanJamie BuchanMartin James Buchan is a Scottish footballer who currently plays as a midfielder for Cove Rangers.-Career:...
Finland Finnish
- Mixu PaatelainenMixu PaatelainenMika-Matti Petteri "Mixu" Paatelainen is a former Finnish international football player and the current manager of the Finnish national team, having started the role in April 2011...
Northern Ireland Northern Irish
- Danny GriffinDanny GriffinDaniel Joseph "Danny" Griffin is a Northern Irish footballer who is currently without a club. He is primarily a defender, but he can play in midfield.-Career:...
- Michael O'NeillMichael O'Neill (footballer)Michael Andrew Martin O'Neill is a former Northern Irish international association football player, who is now the manager of Shamrock Rovers.-Playing career:...
Player records
- A list of players to have scored in derby matches between the two from 27 August 1994 up to 07 March 2011 is below:
Aberdeen goalscorers
| Scorer | Goals |
|---|---|
| Scotland |
|
 Norway |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
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| Scotland |
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| England |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
 Morocco |
|
| England |
|
| Morocco |
|
 Republic of Ireland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| England |
|
 Bulgaria |
|
 France |
|
| England |
|
| Northern Ireland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| England |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Norway |
|
| Scotland |
|
 Netherlands |
|
| England |
|
| Own goal Own goal An own net occurs in goal-scoring games when a player scores a goal that is registered against his or her own team. It is usually accidental, and may be a result of an attempt at defensive play that failed or was spoiled by opponents.... s |
|
Dundee United goalscorers
| Scorer | Goals |
|---|---|
 Sweden |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Republic of Ireland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
 Spain |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Spain |
|
| France |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Republic of Ireland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
 Trinidad and Tobago |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
 Argentina |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Northern Ireland |
|
 Portugal |
|
| Northern Ireland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Norway |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Trinidad and Tobago |
|
 Greece |
|
| Scotland |
|
| Scotland Mark Wilson |
|
| Sweden |
|
| Own goal Own goal An own net occurs in goal-scoring games when a player scores a goal that is registered against his or her own team. It is usually accidental, and may be a result of an attempt at defensive play that failed or was spoiled by opponents.... s |
|