Dons legend Doug Bell today lifted the lid on the secret drama behind the club’s last title triumph.

Midfielder Doug played a key part in helping Aberdeen secure their fourth championship in season 1984-85.

But only after coming close to death, having broken some ribs in a collision with Hearts keeper Henry Smith during a 4-0 win over the Jambos at Pittodrie early in the campaign.

Doug has never spoken about how serious the injury was … until now.

He said: “The doctors told me I could have died. It was obviously a very worrying time for me.”

Doug was planning to play through the pain barrier in the European Cup clash with Dynamo Berlin the following midweek. But he was forced to pull out when his condition deteriorated.

Doug said: “I was taken to hospital and the doctors discovered one of the ribs I had broken had punctured a major blood vessel.

“My lungs collapsed as well and they had to do an emergency operation to save my life.

“It left me with a huge scar down my side, but it could have been a lot worse.

“I’m grateful they were able to sort things out before it became even more serious.”

Amazingly, no one outside Pittodrie was made aware of just how unwell Doug was because manager Alex Ferguson kept it secret.

Doug said: “I appreciated that because it meant I was able to work away quietly until I was fit again.”

It’s a testament to Doug’s determination that he was back doing his bit to help Aberdeen’s title push before the turn of the year.

He made his comeback in a 2-2 draw with St Mirren at Love Street at the end of December.