jim kirkland

Full name: James William Kirkland.

Jim played his first senior Dons' match in Iceland when he was named in the starting eleven for the second leg match against KR Reykjavik in the European Cup Winners' Cup. After that he had to wait 21 months before manager Eddie Turnbull chose to play him again, this time in a home match against Celtic. The winter of 1969-1970 saw Jim's total first team appearances increase to 16 but then he was again dropped and left the club in 1970, joining Grimsby Town.

Perhaps Jim's biggest claim to Aberdeen fame came when, during the close-season of 65-66 he discovered a nigh-time fire at Pittodrie that had started in the Boardroom. His prompt action in calling the Fire Brigade ensured that not too much damage was done, although some records and team photographs were lost. Jim's reward for saving the stadium? He was told off by a director for being out late at night.