SAF to receive medal after 40 years

Sir Alex Ferguson is already known as one of the greatest managers in football history but the Scot will have to make room in his trophy cabinet for one more medal that is set to be awarded 40 years after he guided Aberdeen to European glory.

Before Ferguson became a serial winner with English side Manchester United, where he won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies among other honours, he managed Aberdeen from 1978 to 1986.

His greatest success at the Scottish club came when they beat Real Madrid in extra time in the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup in May 1983.

However, only the starting 11 and five substitutes received winners' medals on the night in Gothenburg.

UEFA have now agreed to provide six additional medals, with Ferguson the first name on the list.

"It's a great honour to be receiving this medal and I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to make this happen," Ferguson, 81, said in a statement.

"Their efforts, along with the co-operation of UEFA is much appreciated. It's also fantastic to see some of the wonderful people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes during this hugely successful period for the club now being honoured."