The Hampden Collection Announces First Inductee into its new “Hampden Legends” initiative:
Aberdeen legend, John McMaster
The Hampden Collection is proud to announce the launch of its new Hampden Legends honour, created to celebrate the extraordinary individuals—players, pioneers, and unsung heroes from on and off the pitch —whose stories are woven into the rich fabric of Scotland’s national game. This new initiative recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to football, ensuring their impact is honoured, preserved, and shared for future generations.
The first figure to receive this distinction is John McMaster, an iconic member of the hugely successful Aberdeen FC side of the late 1970s and 1980s. Known for his skill, determination, and versatility, John played a pivotal role in the most decorated era of Aberdeen’s history under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Over the course of his career at Pittodrie, John amassed more than 300 appearances and won …check this incredible list of trophies… two Scottish league titles, three Scottish Cups, and the club’s most celebrated triumphs: the European Cup Winners’ Cup and European Super Cup. His courage and resilience—on and off the pitch—became defining characteristics, and his reputation as a gentleman of the game remains strong among supporters.
“John McMaster embodies everything this new honour stands for—talent, integrity, and an exceptional contribution to Scottish football history,” said David Coutts of The Hampden Collection. “His story deserves to be celebrated at the national level. John went from Greenock to the Granite City to become a Gothenburg Great. His story is an inspiration, and we are honoured to make him the very first of our Hampden Legends.”
John says “It’s a tremendous honour to be recognised by the Hampden Collection. Hampden is a special place in my football history, where I have fantastic memories of terraces filled with Dandy Dons and me lifting the Scottish Cup on 3 occasions for them. For me to be named as a ‘Hampden Legend’ is a great honour. Football has given me so much, and I’m grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my career.”
As part of our ‘Poetry on the Pitch’ initiative with Craig Molloy Coaching (www.craigmolloycoachingcic.co.uk) in Inverclyde primary schools, one of the primary 5 students wrote a poem about John and read it to John! This budding poet is far better than we are at summing up John’s career, talent and character…
The Hampden Legends initiative will continue to reveal new names from across Scottish football—players, volunteers, innovators and trailblazers—who have shaped the game at every level. Through this project, The Hampden Collection aims to ensure these football legends’ stories are protected, preserved and promoted for future generations to enjoy.
Check out these links below to find out more about our first Hampden Collection Legend –
- John tells his story and provides his thoughts on leadership in his book ‘McMaster and Commander’ Here’s the link – About Us – MCMASTER AND COMMANDER https://share.google/4VBKHxAhLhYybjgH4
- John’s in the Aberdeen Hall of Fame https://www.afcheritage.org/history/hall-of-fame/john-mcmaster?id=453&type=player
- More stats on John’s career can be found at the excellent Aberdeen FC Heritage Website – AFC Heritage Trust – John Mcmaster – https://share.google/d39gr1PYvmBkDbOBw
- ‘Poetry on the Pitch’ link to Greenock Telegraph article Poetry on the Pitch: Craig Molloy and John McMaster team up | Greenock Telegraph https://share.google/T9SuC9NyR47OICJpB
- John is also Ambassador at https://portglasgowjuniorsfc.com/
The Hampden Collection 