Dons’ three Millers couldn’t get past Celts
Aberdeen are aiming to finally beat Celtic today, and show the title is still up for grabs.
Even a goal would give the fans something to cheer – their team hasn’t managed to hit the net once against the Hoops this season.
The Dons were desperate to score against Celtic 45 years ago in one of the most- unusual games played at Pittodrie.
It was noteworthy because three men named Miller lined-up for the home side.
Even more curious was the kickoff time.
Jimmy Miller was one of a trio of players sharing the surname – Willie and Bertie being the others.
He recalled: “The game kickedoff at 1.45 on a Wednesday afternoon because the power strikes meant they couldn’t use the floodlights.
“It was a really odd time for a game back then and amazing that a crowd of 16,000 turned up.
“My dad came to watch me on a Celtic supporters’ bus from Greenock. He didn’t support Celtic, but the guys running the bus didn’t know that.
“It was a League Cup quarterfinal. We’d lost the first leg 3-2 and needed a goal to stay in the competition.”
Jimmy came so close to getting that vital strike.
A shot beat Celtic goalie Ally Hunter, but was cleared off the line by Jim Brogan. His follow- up attempt was headed away by Danny McGrain.
Celtic defended in numbers to get a 0- 0 draw in a match where there were 47 free-kicks awarded.
“It was the kind of game where it was ‘never mind the ball, just kick anything that moves’,” said Jimmy.
“Willie Miller and I started the game in midfield and Bertie Miller came on as a substitute.
“Willie was a striker when I first knew him and then began to move back.
“I think it’s fair to say he was the best Miller in the team, although I wouldn’t have predicted he’d have such a fabulous career back then.
“He really found his position in defence.”
Jimmy, who’s probably best remembered for his spells with Morton, Motherwell and Queen of the South, joined Aberdeen at the second time of asking in 1971.
He said :“I trained with Kilmarnock when I was 15. I wasn’t signed, but they paid me £7 a week.
“Then I was close to joining Aberdeen, but went to Leicester City because of the money.
“I came from a working- class family and being able to send money back from my £15-a-week wages helped my parents.
“I played in Leicester’s reserves, but things changed when Frank O’ Farrell left to become Manchester United manager.
“Jimmy Bloomfield took over and signed Keith Weller, Jon Sammels and Alan Birchenall.
“There wasn’t much chance of breaking through, but Aberdeen scout Bobby Calder remembered me and got in touch.
“I got into the Aberdeen team and felt I was playing quite well. Then I broke my metatarsal and that ended things there.”
Jimmy won promotion to Division One with Queen of the South in 1975 and represented the Scotland Second Division side against Italy in Pescara.
He said: “Willie McLean signed me for Queens then took me to Motherwell. That meant I was back in the Premier Division.”
“I then went to Morton and they came up as Motherwell went down.”
Jimmy, now 65, had three season sat Cap pie low, two campaigns with Clyde plus another spell with Queen of the South.
After football he drove a taxi.