Season 1979-1980 was Alex Ferguson's second in charge at Pittodrie and the changes that he had been making to the team, particularly the instillation of a winning mentality were coming to fruition. The Dons' colours were quickly nailed to the mast in the League and despite losing their opening match, winning ways were established over the early months, but it was in March that the true form began to tell. Gradually they closed up on leaders Celtis, and in April they gained to crucial wins in Glasgow against their rivals so that on the 3rd of May a superb 5-0 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road whilst Celtic could only draw against St Mirren, Aberdeen became Champions for the second time in their history thanks to a superior goal difference. A few days later a draw against Partick Thistle meant that the League had been won on points as well.
All of the players involved in securing the title for the Dons were awarded League Winners' Medals like the one shown here. This particular medal was awarded to Derek Hamilton who had played in 19 of the 36 matches, scoring three goals.