Former Aberdeen and Dunfermline Athletic manager Jimmy Calderwood has passed away at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements in both Scottish and Dutch football.
Calderwood, who was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2017, had an illustrious career that spanned across multiple decades and countries. His journey in football began in 1971 when he secured an apprentice contract with Birmingham City, where he would go on to make over 150 appearances as a midfielder.
His career took a significant turn in 1979 when he joined Sparta Rotterdam, playing alongside future football luminaries including Dick Advocaat, Danny Blind, and Louis van Gaal. The Netherlands would become his second home, as he continued his playing career with Willem II, Roda JC, and Hercales before transitioning into coaching upon his retirement in 1989.
Calderwood's managerial career began in earnest in 1996 at Willem II, where he was promoted from his assistant position. After a brief stint at NEC Nijmegen, he returned to Scotland in 1999 to take charge of Dunfermline Athletic, where he would achieve remarkable success. In his very first season, he led the team to the Scottish second-tier title, and his achievements continued to mount as he guided the club to unprecedented heights, including a record fourth-place finish in the top flight in 2004 and a Scottish Cup final appearance against Celtic.
Perhaps his most memorable period came during his five-year tenure at Aberdeen, where he led the team to their highest league finish in 21 years, securing third place in the 2006-07 season. The following season brought one of the most memorable moments in the club's recent history when his team earned a dramatic 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup, though they would eventually bow out in the return leg.
His later career included successful spells at Kilmarnock, where he helped maintain their top-flight status, and Ross County, where he secured a Scottish Challenge Cup victory. His final managerial position was with Dutch side De Graafschap, bringing his career full circle back to the Netherlands.
In 2017, Calderwood made the brave decision to publicly share his dementia diagnosis, contributing to raising awareness about the condition. His passing marks the end of a career that bridged Scottish and Dutch football, leaving an indelible mark on both nations' sporting landscapes. Dunfermline Athletic has expressed that they are "hugely saddened" by his death, reflecting the deep impact he had on the clubs he served.
