Jasmin chats with former Scotland International and Premier League Goalkeeper – Bryan Gunn

Very few people in football have experienced the game quite like Bryan Gunn. From his early days learning under Sir Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen to a long career between the sticks and beyond, Gunn has seen it all. Jasmin sat down with the former goalkeeper to talk about defining moments, dressing room stories, and what it really takes to make it in the game.  

Jasmin: You began your professional career at Aberdeen under Sir Alex Ferguson. What was it like learning your trade under such an iconic manager?

Bryan: I first met Alex Ferguson (as he was then) in 1978 when I went on my first trial at Aberdeen. His scouts recommended that he sign me straight away, which he did. From there, I was lucky to be involved in the most successful Aberdeen team in history. We won many honours, including the Scottish Cup, League Cups and the amazing win against Real Madrid in the 1983 European Cup Winners Cup final. He was certainly a hard task master but one who also rewarded success. He always looked after me, eventually helping with my move to Norwich City in 1986.

Jasmin: If you could relive one moment from your career exactly as it happened, which would it be?

Bryan: It would have to be my save in the Olympic Stadium in Munich on Tuesday 19th October 1993, at approximately 9.30pm from Aldofo Valencia (I saved it with my goolies) to keep our lead intact.

Jasmin: When you think back to your playing days, which striker gave you the most headaches?

Bryan: I’d have to say Gary Lineker. He always scored against us, even in John O’Neil’s testimonial match.

Jasmin: You had to wait patiently for your chance at Aberdeen before eventually moving to Norwich City in 1986 to replace Chris Woods. What was that move like, and how did you find life in East Anglia when you first arrived?

Bryan: The move came at the right time for me and my career – I needed to play more regular football instead of a few games a season. The move didn’t come without setbacks as Jim Leighton got injured in the 1st game of the season, meaning I had to stay at Pittodrie until October. When I finally arrived in Norwich, the club had started the season well, sitting at the top of the league, so I had to be patient once again until my chance finally came in November after Graham Benstead got injured at Anfield. I made my league debut against Spurs at home on November 8th in a 2-1 victory. Moving to Norwich was a big thing for me at the time, but the team helped me settle in quickly especially my eventual best man, David Hodgson. Life in Norwich started well as we finished the season in 5th position in the then Division 1 – Norwich City’s highest ever league finish at the time.

Jasmin: One of the most famous moments in Norwich City’s history was that incredible European run culminating in the victory over Bayern Munich in Germany. What was that night like from inside the dressing room?

Bryan: I can say the night in the dressing was really special – right from the start when Chris Sutton and our kit-man Jock Robertson had a falling out. Jock loved the kit; he treated it like he’d gone out and bought it himself, and for the Bayern game, he’d laid it out beautifully. Everything was perfect – it was his biggest ever game as well! Then “Sutty” comes in, and it all goes off. Chris said he wouldn’t have gone to this much trouble for a match against The Dog and Duck (for your local Sunday football team) and began tossing kit onto the floor. The pair then started wrestling, and I think Jock even threw a few punches before they were prised apart. It was unbelievable, but in a daft way it relaxed us before the biggest game of all our careers.

Jasmin: And finally….be honest, which team did you love beating the most?

Bryan: I loved beating Manchester United (and saving penalties against them) in the early years until they finally started beating us in 1992/93 to win the first ever Premiership season.

Jasmin: Thank you so much Bryan. I’ve really enjoyed talking to you about your career and hearing about your football journey.

Jasmin’s interview with Bryan Gunn first appeared in OTE Norwich.