In December 1984 three Celtic fans caught an early train from Aberdeen to get to Celtic Park so they could queue for tickets for the forthcoming game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. Whilst in the queue the three fans, Paul Main, Gary Law and Elaine Marioni began discussing the possibility of forming a supporters' club to make access to Celtic matches more convenient.
On the return journey they decided to have a letter printed in the Celtic View (pictured here) inviting Celtic supporters in the Aberdeen area, who were interested in forming a supporters club, to contact either Paul or Gary. This letter was printed in the Celtic View dated 23rd January 1985 and by the end of the month the inaugural meeting of the Grampian Emerald C.S.C. was held in the lounge of the Frigate Bar and the first committee was formed .by the following members:
President |
Gary law |
Secretary |
Elaine Marioni |
Treasurer |
Frank Stewart |
Bus Convenor |
Paul Main |
The first match the club travelled to was against Dundee at Dens Park on 9th February 1985, unfortunately it was not a successful start to the club as Dundee won 2-0.
The first Player of the Year Dance the club held was on 12th April 1986 at the Dee Motel, Bridge of Dee, after Celtic had beaten Aberdeen 1-0 at Pittodrie that afternoon. The dance was a successful event with Peter Grant, the club's first "Player of the Year" attending along with Paul McGugan. The first club function to be held at Celtic Park was on 7th April 2001 with Lubo Moravcik as our guest player, this was a memorable occasion as Celtic had won the league that day when they defeated St. Mirren. (The second part of the treble).
In February 1994, during the "Sack the Board" period the club was in a crisis as the number of members travelling to matches on the bus was falling, which lead to buses being run at a loss, and as a result the club's financial situation became critical, but after a EGM was held the members present provided the club with loans for an indefinite period to allow the club to continue. These loans were finally repaid during the following season.
The club is now financially secure and has a current membership of 104 (Nov. 2001) with approximately 45 to 50 travelling to every home game.
PAST PRESIDENTS OF THE CLUB
1985 - 1987 |
Gary law |
1987 - 1989 |
Tom McGunnigle |
1989 - 1998 |
Lenny Heslop |
1998 - 2005 |
David Cassidy |
2005 - Present |
Dave Paterson |
