I was meant to be on a stag do in Portugal cheering on my ex-team Aberdeen vs Celtic but I wasn't allowed to board plane

CAMMY SMITH loved watching Aberdeen stamp their passport to Europe on the weekend.
He just wishes he'd been able to use his to watch it in Portugal on the stag do he'd organised.
Advertisement
2
Aberdeen were crowned Scottish Cup champions at Hampden
Credit: PA
2
But Cammy Smith wasn't there to witness it in person - or from abroad
Credit: Kenneth Ramsay (Photography) Limited, Trochrague, 78 Newark Street, Greenock PA16 7TF
Peterhead attacker Smith came through the ranks at Pittodrie and won the League Cup in 2014.
He was supposed to be in Albufeira decked out in a Dons retro top from the days when the club last lifted the trophy in his role as best man to ex-teammate Mikey Rose ahead of his wedding next weekend.
But a RyanAir jobsworth barred him from travelling because the start date on his documents was over ten years ago, despite the expiry date still being valid.
Advertisement
Smith felt so deflated he then rejected the chance of a ticket for Hampden on the morning of the game - so was left to look on from his sitting room as Jimmy Thelin's men made history.
While he was gutted to miss out on both parties, he couldn't stop smiling as he watched one-time Dons pal Graeme Shinnie lift the silverware at full-time.
Smith, 29, said: 'I got offered a free ticket on the morning of the game from one of my mates and I said No because of the way the weekend had turned out. I wish I'd gone now.
'My brother was there and said it was one of the best days he'd experienced. All my mates were out there in Portugal and had a bar booked to watch it in. I'd organised it all.
'The majority of them are Aberdeen fans and they all had Aberdeen tops on. We'd organised a retro Aberdeen top day with the 90s tops and stuff like that.
Advertisement
'I saw the videos and you can see how much it meant to a lot of them. A lot of them are older than me and they'd been following Aberdeen for years.
'They were quite emotional seeing their team win the cup. But despite not being there or at Hampden it still felt amazing to me and I got goosebumps watching it and the fan celebrations.'
Aberdeen fans react to historic Scottish Cup win
Smith turns 30 later this year so wasn't even born when the Dons last lifted the trophy in 1990.
He said: 'It turns what would have probably been an average season for Aberdeen into a really good one.
'You saw the support they had at the game and the parade on Sunday. Hopefully it gives the team more confidence to do it more regularly.
Advertisement
'Coming from Aberdeen and playing for Aberdeen ten years ago after coming through the youth system meant you'd always heard about how successful they were back in the good days.
'They used to regularly come down to Hampden and win the cup and league. Rightly or wrongly, that's the expectation at Aberdeen. The fans expect you to win a trophy every year.
'They expect you to be challenging Celtic and Rangers. Times have changed and that's not as easy with budgets nowadays.
'But the weekend showed how big the club actually is. The League Cup we won was amazing and everyone still remembers that team and the manager and the key players. I was fortunate to be a good squad player.
How they rated
Dimitar Mitov - Saves from Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston in the shootout plus denying Daizen Maeda late in regular time wrote him a place in Aberdeen's history books. Is now a legend. 10
Alfie Dorrington - Didn't know anything about it as Arne Engels' corner kick cracked off his shoulder before sneaking in. Luckless stuff for the defender, who'd started well and had Adam Idah's card marked. 7
Jack Milne - Shock inclusion as Jimmy Thelin moved to three at the back in a bid to outfox Rodgers. Was superb as part of their back three and showed he's got a big future. 8
Mats Knoester - The most experienced of Aberdeen's back three by far so was tasked with talking them through the afternoon and keeping them organised. Led by example throughout as the Dons dug in. 9
Alexander Jensen - Up against Maeda and kept the Japanese striker as quiet as anyone has throughout the first half here. Did deliver some good balls when he got high enough up. 9
Ante Palaversa - Asked to use his physical presence and cover the ground to block off Celtic's midfield from bombing forward - which he did. Slammed a superb spot kick high into the net. 8
Graeme Shinnie - Slotted back into the middle of the park as part of Thelin's tactical tinkering and brought the grit they needed in there. Great penalty in the shootout to win the cup. 9
Nicky Devlin - Brought back into the side as left wing-back in the Dons' new formation and did his job stopping Nicolas Kuhn cutting inside. Did well until running out of gas late on. 7
Leighton Clarkson - Normally Aberdeen's' creative spark but saw far too little of the ball to make an impact with waves of attack coming the other way. Second half free kick easily saved. 6
Topi Keskinen - Tasked with injecting pace into Aberdeen's rare attacks when they sprung forward but was unable to bring enough quality to the table to hurt the Hoops. Hooked for Pape Gueye. 5
Kevin Nisbet - Defended from the front as the Dons sat in for the first part of this game. Had a good chance from Leighton Clarkson's free kick but headed over. Fed on scraps. 6
Subs:
Pape Gueye (Keskinen 56) - Sparked the Dons into life with his pace and energy, turned the game. 7
Dante Polvara (Dorrington 79) - Replaced crocked Dorrington at the back. 7
Shayden Morris (Clarkson 79) - Caused Kasper Schmeichel's late OG leveller within seconds of coming on. 7
Oday Dabbagh (Nisbet 79) - Slammed his penalty in the top corner. 7
Jack MacKenzie (Devlin 89) - Will bow out a cup winner. 6
Kristers Tobers (Milne 93) - Replaced Milne in extra-time. 6
'But everyone always wanted the Scottish Cup. It had been so long so to get it against Celtic, who are probably the best team in the country now, probably makes it all the more special.'
Advertisement
Dons skipper Shinnie turned up for the parade on Sunday still wearing his kit from the previous day.
Smith grinned: 'I saw the photos of him! He's not actually a big drinker so he probably had a few beers and that hit him for six!
'He's a family guy, isn't ever out too much and keeps himself to himself. He actually lived in the village of Balmedie, which is where I grew up. He was a five or ten minute walk from my parents' house.
'He's from Aberdeen and he's an outstanding guy and such a humble person. I think Derek McInnes signed him as a left-back when he signed the first time and he gave him the No3 shirt.
'We went over to Croatia and he played in the middle of the park against Rijeka. He was unreal that night and played with so much energy and he ended up playing centre mid a lot that season.
Advertisement
'He's so down to earth and one of the boys. He's been such a good servant to the club and regardless of whether people know Shinnie personally or not, I think everybody just wants him to do well and they're happy for him. He really deserves it.'
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Herald Scotland

5 hours ago

• The Herald Scotland

Lee Miller on Lennon's transfer ambitions and future

The former Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts striker knew from an early stage that young Lennon had bags of ability. To reinforce that, he was continually told he had something "special" under his own roof. After two seasons as a leading star in the Motherwell team despite his tender years, which has included captaining them at Hampden, Miller Jr is also now a full Scotland international. He has been continually linked with a move away over the past year or so and his dad thinks the time for that to become a reality is upon us. 'I think so, yeah," he admitted. "There's a lot of interest in Lennon. I go on Twitter and it's a new club every day. Read more: 'In terms of bids going in for him, there's nothing went in this summer. 'There were a few bids in January and the valuation of Lennon wasn't met, so it's one of those ones we'll just wait. 'Lennon's on holiday now, he's chilling out, just relaxing, ready for the season coming ahead but who knows where that'll be. No idea.' He would like to see the precocious teen go somewhere where he will continue to play games. But both seem to prefer the idea of that being abroad, despite interest from England and Scotland. 'Yeah. His preferable choice would be abroad," Lee said. 'He's not just going to go to a club for the sake of it. It needs to have the right environment, it needs to have the right manager, the right club. 'Lennon's not bothered with the money side of things, that'll come. Obviously it's a short career and you need to earn money. 'But he wants to go and progress his career and then kick on again. So we'll see. I don't know what that'll be. But it needs to be a place where he can then grow again.' Miller took plenty from his Scotland experience (Image: Craig Williamson - SNS Group) One player Miller can take inspiration from is fellow Scotland star Scott McTominay, now a Serie A champion with Napoli and the league's MVP a year after moving out to Italy from Manchester United. The pair bonded on international duty and Miller Sr likes the idea of his son picking things up from players of that ilk. He really liked his time away and I think Scott McTominay took a shine to him and he kind of rubbed shoulders with him bounced ideas off of him and played alongside him," explained the former Falkirk boss. 'Billy (Gilmour) was great for him as well and I think the both of them Billy and Lennon complemented each other in the game although everybody will say it's Liechtenstein. 'It wouldn't have mattered who Lennon played against in that game, he plays the same way. 'And that's a credit to him because a lot of young players go in and they shy away from it or they try something different away from their game. 'It was mad because he looked so creative. That's just the way he plays, watching him from very, very young and he just plays as if he was playing in the playground. He's very coachable and has an understanding of the game and what needs done. Teaming up with McTominay and Gilmour in Naples though? Dad isn't so sure. That's because he wants to see Lennon make the move somewhere he will continue to play lots of games and keep his development going in an upward trajectory. 'But that's the thing, would he play there?," he asked. "I don't know if he would. 'That's alright saying 'Napoli's an incredible club, they've got amazing players.' But that's when you need to look at where do you fit in to that, there needs to be a space that he fits in and is able to flourish and able to progress. 'That all comes down to pathways. Lewis Ferguson could have gone somewhere else and not been a starter and yes you can you can graft away and become that. But there needs to be an actual visual pathway for a player to do that." Asked if he has been surprised by his son's rapid development, Miller Sr added: 'Yes and no. I was told from a very early age he's special. I get goosebumps talking about it. 'Lennon's had a lot went on in his life. He's had a lot to deal with. But he's always had football as a release from everything. 'So I'm surprised how quickly it happened. But I always kind of knew his qualities. He's destined for the top, in my opinion.

Daily Record

7 hours ago

• Daily Record

Lennon Miller transfer truth outs as Celtic and dizzying list of signing suitors hear it straight

Interest in the Fir Park star is growing at home and abroad with a big money exit expected this summer. Lennon Miller has his heart set on moving abroad and joining the increasing band of Scots tearing up the continent. Celtic and Rangers remain linked with the Motherwell star who is expected to make a big money move from Fir Park this summer. ‌ But the 18-year-old - who made his Scotland debut this month - wants to learn a new footballing style and culture. ‌ As well as the Old Firm, Miller has interest from England, Italy, Germany, Belgium and France. There's been no official offers tabled for the playmaker yet this summer. But new Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou admitted on Thursday he was planning for life without his star man. And Miller's dad Lee, the former Scotland striker, says he also expects the Well wonderkid to leave Fir Park in the next two months. Italians Udinese had two offers knocked back in January and could return to the table while Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio, Strasbourg, Union Saint Gilloise and a host of English clubs have been linked. Motherwell will demand a club record fee of over £5m for their prize asset. ‌ And asked if this was the time for the teenager, who is in the last year of his Well contract, to move on, Miller senior said: 'I think so, yeah. 'There's a lot of interest in Lennon. 'In terms of bids going in for him, there's nothing went in this summer. ‌ 'There were a few bids in January and the valuation of Lennon wasn't met, so it's one of those ones we'll just wait. 'Lennon's on holiday now, he's chilling out, just relaxing. He's ready for the season coming ahead but who knows where that'll be. 'His preferable choice would be abroad. ‌ 'He's not just going to go to a club for the sake of it. It needs to have the right environment, it needs to have the right manager, the right club. 'Lennon's not bothered with the money side of things, that'll come. Obviously it's a short career and you need to earn money. 'But he wants to go and progress his career and then kick on again. ‌ 'So we'll see. I don't know what that'll be. But it needs to be a place where he can then grow again.' Miller came through the Well academy from the age of eight and made his debut six days after his 16th birthday in August 2022. The midfielder has gone on to make 76 top tam appearances, captaining the side in last year's League Cup semi final against Rangers, and winning his first Scotland caps against Greece and Liechtenstein earlier this month. ‌ Rubbing shoulders with Serie A Scots Scott McTominay, Billy Gilmour, Lewis Ferguson, Che Adams and Josh Doig whetted his appetite for a move abroad. Now his dad hopes his future can be sorted soon. ‌ He said: 'Yeah. A bit of uncertainty isn't great. Although, he just gets on with it, he just plays football, that's what he's there to do. . 'But the next move for Lennon is so important in terms of his development. 'His development is key in this. ‌ 'It needs to be the right move whether it's abroad, whether it's here. 'He needs to play football, he needs to develop because everything so far has went to plan. 'He's played a number of first team games, he's a recognised first team player now although he's only 18. ‌ 'The next step has to be playing games again in a different environment, in a different culture. 'Learning a different way of playing, a different style of playing and learning different processes within the game because Lennon over the years having followed me, has studied the game. 'He studied the game really, really intensely so that's why he is ahead of the game because he's been to games with me and he wasn't a kid that just had his iPad out with his phone. 'He watched every bit of every game. That's why he looks so mature and he is so mature for his age. 'He plays the game like a 35-year-old who's played 500 games first team so that's a credit to him.'

Scottish Sun

11 hours ago

• Scottish Sun

Hibs bank £1MILLION on flop striker who scored just five league goals in Scotland over two year period

He started last season brightly before being sent on loan IN THE MONEY Hibs bank £1MILLION on flop striker who scored just five league goals in Scotland over two year period Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HIBS have banked £1 million by offloading flop striker Dylan Vente to SC Heerenveen. The Easter Road club have made a healthy profit on the 26-year-old, bought from Roda JC for £600,000 in 2023. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Hibernian have sold Dylan Vente to Dutch side Heerenveen Credit: Willie Vass 2 They're in profit after he impressed on loan at PEC Zwolle Credit: Getty Vente failed to spark in Scottish football, scoring eleven times but not succeeding to make any continuous impact. But he hit form last season during a loan in the Eredivisie, bagging 17 goals in 37 games for PEC Zwolle so has now won a permanent move back to Holland. Boss David Gray said: 'I'd like to start by wishing Dylan all the best for the future. 'He was a player that I enjoyed working with on the training pitch and someone that had a real desire to do well. 'He performed well in the Eredivisie with PEC Zwolle last season and felt more comfortable back in his homeland, playing football with a smile on his face. 'His time at Hibs didn't quite work out the way we'd all planned, but I'd like to thank him for all his hard work and hope he goes on to achieve his ambitions and full potential.' Hibs held out for a tidy sum for Vente, with several clubs interested in securing him after his form back home. Director of Football Malky Mackay said: 'There was a lot of interest in Dylan this summer after his performances last season, and he had a clear desire to continue playing and enjoying his football in the Eredivisie. 'We had to make sure that we got the right deal for Hibernian FC, and after a number of conversations, we're happy with the deal we've got for him. 'We wish him nothing but the best going forward.' Hibs chief Malky Mackay on his Celtic team-mate who could've been as good as Henrik Larsson Vente featured regularly during his first year at Easter Road but rarely played a full 90. He scored against Luzern in European competition and netted a further seven in all competitions in 2023-24. He flew out the gates last season with a hattrick in the first League Cup Group Stage match against Elgin City, but those were the last goals he would score for Hibernian. For the commencement of the league he was handed his homeland loan move, where he shone and ultimately laid the foundations for his permanent move away. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page