Tributes paid as former Aberdeen and St Mirren player Frank McDougall dies aged 65

Tributes have been paid to Frank McDougall after the former St Mirren and Aberdeen star’s death at the age of 65.

The forward started his professional career at Clydebank in the Scottish First Division before moving to the Saints for a then record fee as a 21-year-old in 1979.

He spent five years at the Paisley club where he scored 43 top flight goals before moving north to Aberdeen for £100,000 in 1984.

In his first season at the Dons he finished top-scorer in the country with 24 in 30 games as they won the Premier Division title under Alex Ferguson.

That league victory remains the last time a team from outside the big Glasgow two won the top-flight title.

In his second season at Pittodrie he scored another 20 goals, including four in one game against eventual league winners Celtic in November 1985 when they beat the Hoops 4-1.

However he was forced to retire the following season at the age of 29 on medical advice over a persistent back injury.

During his two year spell with Aberdeen he won all three domestic trophies and scored a total of 44 goals in 69 games.

He was inducted into the club’s hall of fame last year.

Posting on social media on Sunday, Aberdeen paid tribute to McDougall who died in hospital.

A statement said: “Aberdeen Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Frank McDougall this morning.

“Frank was an AFC legend, as during his two seasons for the Dons, between 1984 and 1986, he scored an incredible 44 goals and won all three domestic medals.”

St Mirren said: “St Mirren Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our former player Frank McDougall.

“The thoughts of everyone at St Mirren are with Frank’s loved ones at this sad time.”