Dick Donald
Encyclopedia
Richard MacNaughton 'Dick' Donald (20 February 1911 - 30 December 1993) was a Scottish footballer, businessman and football administrator. He is best known for his time as Chairman of Aberdeen Football Club
during the club's most successful period in the 1980s, but he was also an important figure in the family firm, which operated cinemas, theatres and dancehalls in Aberdeen. He was inducted into the Aberdeen FC "Hall of Fame" as one of the founding members in 2003.
and an ice rink in the city. Each of the brothers played a part in the family business, with Peter going on to become chairman of the Howard and Wyndham theatre group, which ran 18 theatres across the UK. During Dick Donald's playing career (see below), he was also manager of the Cinema House cinema, and was popular among his playing colleagues for the number of tickets he could provide.
in 1933-34
. Donald was a versatile player, who is reported to have played in every outfield position for Aberdeen. He ended his playing career at the outbreak of World War II
, but continued to be a successful businessman, and rejoined Aberdeen as a board member in 1949.
recounts several tales of his chairman's parsimony in his autobiography, but also notes that Another of Donald's managers, Ian Porterfield, observed:
For the majority of the most successful years at Aberdeen, the board of directors consisted of Donald, his vice-chairman Chris Anderson and Donald's son Ian
. Ferguson felt that the arrangement, with Anderson and Donald complementing each other's strengths, was the best he had worked for.
Donald died, following a stroke and a battle with Alzheimer's disease
in 1993, shortly after the dedication of the Richard Donald Stand at Pittodrie Stadium
, Aberdeen's home ground.
Aberdeen F.C.
Aberdeen Football Club are a Scottish professional football club based in Aberdeen...
during the club's most successful period in the 1980s, but he was also an important figure in the family firm, which operated cinemas, theatres and dancehalls in Aberdeen. He was inducted into the Aberdeen FC "Hall of Fame" as one of the founding members in 2003.
Early life
Donald was born in Aberdeen, the youngest of four brothers. Their father, James F Donald, ran a popular dancing academy in the city, and each of the boys was taught to dance, and to teach dancing. Donald senior expanded the family business by opening a chain of cinemas, and also owned His Majesty's TheatreHis Majesty's Theatre
His Majesty's Theatre in Aberdeen is the largest theatre in north-east Scotland, seating more than 1400. The theatre is sited on Rosemount Viaduct, opposite the city's Union Terrace Gardens. It was designed by Frank Matcham and opened in 1906...
and an ice rink in the city. Each of the brothers played a part in the family business, with Peter going on to become chairman of the Howard and Wyndham theatre group, which ran 18 theatres across the UK. During Dick Donald's playing career (see below), he was also manager of the Cinema House cinema, and was popular among his playing colleagues for the number of tickets he could provide.
Playing career
Donald signed for Aberdeen as a professional in 1928, and had a playing career which consisted of two five-year spells at his hometown club, interrupted by one season at Dunfermline AthleticDunfermline Athletic F.C.
Dunfermline Athletic Football Club are a Scottish football team based in Dunfermline, Fife, commonly known as just Dunfermline. They currently compete in the Scottish Premier League....
in 1933-34
1933-34 in Scottish football
The 1933–34 season was the 44th season of competitive football in Scotland.-Scottish League Division One:Champions: RangersRelegated: Third Lanark, Cowdenbeath-Scottish League Division Two:...
. Donald was a versatile player, who is reported to have played in every outfield position for Aberdeen. He ended his playing career at the outbreak of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, but continued to be a successful businessman, and rejoined Aberdeen as a board member in 1949.
Football Administrator
Donald served on the board of directors of Aberdeen F.C. from 1949 until his death in 1993, becoming Vice-Chairman in 1960, and Chairman ten years later. The club enjoyed unprecedented success during his chairmanship, winning each of the Scottish domestic trophies more than once, and becoming the only Scottish team to win two European trophies in 1983. Donald had a reputation for running the club frugally - his most famous manager, Sir Alex FergusonAlex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
recounts several tales of his chairman's parsimony in his autobiography, but also notes that Another of Donald's managers, Ian Porterfield, observed:
For the majority of the most successful years at Aberdeen, the board of directors consisted of Donald, his vice-chairman Chris Anderson and Donald's son Ian
Ian Donald (footballer)
Ian Richard Donald is a Scottish former footballer who played as a full back for Manchester United, Partick Thistle and Arbroath in the 1970s...
. Ferguson felt that the arrangement, with Anderson and Donald complementing each other's strengths, was the best he had worked for.
Donald died, following a stroke and a battle with Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
in 1993, shortly after the dedication of the Richard Donald Stand at Pittodrie Stadium
Pittodrie Stadium
Pittodrie Stadium is an all-seated football stadium situated in the Scottish city of Aberdeen. It was first used in 1899 and from 1903 has been the home of Aberdeen Football Club...
, Aberdeen's home ground.