Bryan Gunn On Aberdeen Under Sir Alex Ferguson, Norwich And Supporting His Son Angus | OneFootball

You were born in the north of Scotland and started your senior career at Aberdeen – were you always a goalkeeper growing up?

“I grew up on a farmyard outside Thurso.

“My first memories of football were playing with the farmhands during their tea breaks and lunch breaks.

“But to be honest, there wasn’t much structured football – more like kicking turnips around! I always say that helped me develop the reflexes I’d need for the players I’d face later in my career.”

You signed for Aberdeen as a youth and progressed into the first team. What did it feel like being spotted by such a significant club at the time?

“We moved from Thurso when I was four, and I grew up in Invergordon, about 20 miles north of Inverness. Ross County was the nearest club, but they were in the Highland League back then. I went through the school system, playing for the North of Scotland schools and eventually the Scottish schoolboys under-15s.

“One game that stands out was when we played Aberdeen schools in Inverness and lost 10-0 – but I must have done something right, because someone tapped me on the shoulder after the match and invited me for a trial at Aberdeen. I went down with Eric Black and we both signed schoolboy forms after that.”

Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager at Aberdeen at the time. What was it like working under him during such a pivotal era for the club?

“At that time, he was just Alex rather than Sir Alex (laughs), but even then, he was ahead of his time. He was an incredible manager and coach — miles ahead of many others in the UK.

“I also learned so much, not just from him but also from Archie Knox and playing alongside the likes of Jim Leighton, Alex McLeish, and Willie Miller.

“Even though I only made 25 first-team appearances, I gained great experience in cup competitions and in Europe. It was a fantastic apprenticeship, and I left Aberdeen ready to be a first-choice keeper.”

You were part of the squad during Aberdeen’s historic European Cup Winners’ Cup run. What are your memories of that journey and the final in Gothenburg when the Dons defeated the might of Real Madrid?

“It was amazing. Beating Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal was the turning point – suddenly, we believed we could go all the way. The final in Gothenburg was surreal.

“We arrived a few days early to a village outside the city, and then the heavens opened – everything was flooded, including the red ash track around the pitch.

“Despite the conditions, we adapted better than Real Madrid and came out deserved winners. I still remember the final whistle, and even tripping up Alex Ferguson as we both rushed onto the pitch to celebrate!

“I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that team. It is an achievement that I do not think will ever be repeated again.”

“Absolutely. Sir Alex had promised to help me find a club if I stayed another season. There was a brief chance I might go to Rangers under Walter Smith, but once Graeme Souness came in, he brought in established internationals like Chris Woods.

“That move opened the door to Norwich. Ken Brown and Ferguson had a good relationship, and Norwich had just been promoted.

“I was impressed with their setup and wanted to make my own name. In the end, it was a great decision – I spent over a decade there.”

“It was a fantastic season. We had a great run and at one point were nine points clear in December.

“But we had a poor Christmas and New Year spell, and Manchester United caught up. They beat us 3-1 at Carrow Road, which turned the tide.

“We ended up finishing third behind United and Aston Villa, but for a club like Norwich, it was a huge achievement.”

One of the most iconic moments in Norwich’s history is the UEFA Cup win over Bayern Munich. What do you remember from that?

“I’d already faced Bayern with Aberdeen, so I knew what to expect. We started that European campaign against Vitesse Arnhem and improved with every game. In Munich, we went 2-0 up early, and although they pulled one back, we held firm.

“Late in the game, I made what I still consider my best-ever save from Adolfo Valencia—he connected with a cross from Jorginho, and somehow I kept it out. We drew the second leg and advanced.

“To this day, we remain the only British team to win at the Olympic Stadium in Munich.”

Unfortunately, your time at Norwich ended on a low note with relegation. How difficult was that period?

“Very difficult. I broke my leg in December when we were seventh in the league. The squad wasn’t strengthened, and the results slipped away.

“I managed to come off my crutches for the final game, but walking around the pitch after relegation was confirmed was heartbreaking – for us and the fans.”

Despite that, you’re still regarded as a Norwich legend, having played nearly 500 games for the club. What does the club mean to you?

“Norwich means everything. I played 477 games for them, won Player of the Year twice, and worked in various off-field roles after retiring.

“I still go back and do hospitality work, and with my son Angus now playing there, I’ve got double the reason to be at Carrow Road. The fans are fantastic, and it’s a special place.”

You ended your playing career at Hibernian. Although brief, were there highlights in that spell?

“Yes, despite only playing 12 games. We were in a tough position at the bottom of the league, but we rallied.

“I remember beating Hearts in the Edinburgh Derby and keeping a clean sheet at Celtic Park when they could have won the league. Those were proud moments to finish on.”

You also had an international career, including winning the UEFA U18 Championship with Scotland. How proud are you of your time representing your country?

“Very proud. I didn’t play as many senior games as I’d like – six caps in total – but I represented Scotland at various youth levels.

“Winning the U18 European Championship was a huge achievement, and qualifying for the Youth World Cup in Mexico the following year was special too.”

You later managed Norwich during a tough period. Do you think it was the right job at the wrong time?

“That’s a fair assessment. The club was financially struggling, and we were close to staying up – just one more win would have done it.

“We had a decent run, but a few tight calls didn’t go our way, and we ended up relegated. It was a tough end to a challenging season.”

Lastly, your son, Angus is currently playing at a high level now for Norwich and the Scotland National Team. As a fellow goalkeeper, how do you feel watching him now?

“I’m incredibly proud. He’s had a different path from me – starting at Norwich, moving to Man City, then back to Norwich. He’s been coached by top people like Pep Guardiola, Patrick Vieira, Dean Smith and Steve Clarke.

“Even now, like all top players, he is still learning, still developing, and I couldn’t be happier for him. I’ll always be his biggest supporter.”