Lewis determined to see Dons return to past glories

Joe Lewis wants to be part of the Aberdeen team to finally end the Scottish Cup hoodoo.

Success in Scotland’s major cup competition was a regular occurrence in the 1980s as the famous trophy made its way north to Pittodrie four times.

However, the Dons’ last triumph came in 1990 courtesy of Brian Irvine’s penalty against Celtic, with last year’s defeat by Celtic their third final loss since that day.

They went closest to adding an eighth Scottish Cup to their name in 2017 with only a stoppage-time goal from Tom Rogic denying Aberdeen a further go at the league champions in extra time.

Memories of past glories are all around Lewis at Pittodrie and he is determined to see his picture on the wall at the end of this year’s campaign.

The first task is to beat St Mirren at Pittodrie on Saturday.

“It’s a game we can’t take lightly because they’re in good form. Last year we played Stranraer our first game back and won comfortably, so we’re not expecting the game to be that easy.

“They’re a team playing with confidence and on good form. No matter what league they’re playing in, a team with that sort of momentum needs to be watched carefully.

Lewis said: “You see pictures on the walls here of teams lifting trophies in the past; it’s a club that’s been successful in the past and we want to be the team that brings that back.

“I’ve never really, until I came to Scotland, had great cup success at all.”

The Dons start their quest for silverware against Saints on Saturday in a potential banana-skin tie.

Jack Ross’ players have positioned themselves well for a promotion push from the Championship, which has former Cardiff City and Peterborough stopper Lewis on guard.

He said: “We can’t get caught on our heels. The cup is a great opportunity for silverware.”

Joe Lewis expects a tricky tie against St Mirren.