Bertie Auld

Bertie Auld
Name	Bertie Auld
Full name	Albert Auld
Birth date	23 March 1938
Birth place	Glasgow, Scotland
Death date	14 September 2021
Height	1.70 m
Position	Midfielder
Youthclubs	St Mungo's Academy
Years1	1954–1959
Clubs1	Maryhill Harp
Years2	1959–1965
Clubs2	Celtic
Years3	1965–1971
Clubs3	Birmingham City
Years4	1971–1973
Clubs4	Hibernian
Nationalyears1	1966–1967
Nationalteam1	Scotland

Bertie Auld was a Scottish professional footballer and manager noted for his role as an inside forward and creative midfielder, most famously as a member of the Celtic side that won the 1967 European Cup. Auld’s career connected him with prominent figures and institutions across Scottish, English, and European football, and his later work in management linked him to clubs, competitions, and personalities spanning decades. He is remembered for his technical skill, influence on teammates, and enduring association with Celtic, Birmingham City, Hibernian, the Scotland national team, and the broader football community.

Early life and playing career

Born in Glasgow, Auld joined local youth setups associated with St Mungo's Academy, Maryhill Harp, and neighbourhood clubs in the city's north-west. He progressed from junior football into senior ranks, attracting attention from scouts representing clubs such as Celtic F.C., Rangers F.C., Aberdeen F.C., Hearts, and Hibernian F.C.. After signing for Celtic under manager Jimmy McGrory and later working with Jock Stein, Auld established himself alongside teammates including Billy McNeill, Jocky Robertson, Willie Wallace, Jimmy Johnstone, and Tommy Gemmell. His domestic career involved appearances in competitions like the Scottish Division One, the Scottish Cup, the Scottish League Cup, and representative fixtures against clubs such as Rangers, Dundee United, Heart of Midlothian, Kilmarnock F.C., and Motherwell F.C.. Transfers and loan movements connected him with English clubs such as Birmingham City F.C. where he later played in the Football League First Division alongside players like Trevor Francis and managers such as Stan Cullis.

Celtic and the Lisbon Lions

Auld was a member of the Celtic team famously dubbed the Lisbon Lions, a side managed by Jock Stein that defeated Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final in Lisbon. That squad featured contemporaries including Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Murdoch, Billy McNeill, Joe McBride, and Willie Wallace. Celtic’s triumph occurred against the backdrop of European competition featuring opponents such as Real Madrid, AC Milan, Ajax, Benfica, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Celtic F.C.’s run included victories in rounds against clubs like Vojvodina, Dynamo Kiev, Vasas SC, and tactical contests with managers such as Helenio Herrera and players like Sandro Mazzola. The Lisbon Lions era intersected with major events in football history including the evolution of the European Cup into the UEFA Champions League, the rise of continental tactics exemplified by Catenaccio, and the increased internationalization of club squads.

International career

Auld’s international involvement included selection for the Scotland national football team and appearances in fixtures organized by the Scottish Football Association. He competed against national teams from England national football team, Wales national football team, Northern Ireland national football team, Spain national football team, Portugal national football team, and other European sides in friendlies and home international encounters. His national teammates featured players such as Denis Law, Hughie Gallacher, Kenny Dalglish, Jimmy Johnstone, and managers like Tommy Docherty. Auld’s international caps connected him to tournaments and qualifying campaigns overseen by FIFA and UEFA and to matches at venues such as Hampden Park, Wembley Stadium, and other major stadia.

Managerial and coaching career

After retiring as a player, Auld moved into coaching and management, taking roles at clubs including Hibernian F.C. (in coaching capacity), Partick Thistle F.C. (managerial association), Airdrieonians F.C., Hamilton Academical F.C., and returning to Celtic F.C. in coaching and ambassadorial functions. His managerial path placed him in contact with governing bodies like the Scottish Football Association and competitions including the Scottish Premier League and the Football League. He worked alongside coaches and directors such as Billy McNeill, Liam Brady, Martin O'Neill, Gordon Strachan, Neil Lennon, and encountered administrative contexts involving clubs like Rangers F.C., Motherwell F.C., Dundee F.C., St Mirren F.C., Aberdeen F.C., and Kilmarnock F.C..

Style of play and legacy

Auld was noted for a creative, dribbling, and improvisational style typical of inside forwards and attacking midfielders of his era, integrating techniques admired by contemporaries including Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Lennox, Bobby Murdoch, Tommy Gemmell, and Henrik Larsson who later embodied Celtic’s attacking tradition. Observers compared his craft to figures such as Denis Law, Kenny Dalglish, George Best, Giacinto Facchetti, Sandro Mazzola, and Johan Cruyff in terms of influence rather than direct equivalence. His legacy is preserved in club histories maintained by institutions like Celtic F.C. museum, memorabilia collectors, and documentary projects involving broadcasters such as BBC Sport, Channel 4, Sky Sports, and historians associated with publications like The Scotsman, The Herald (Glasgow), The Guardian, and The Times. Auld’s role in the Lisbon Lions era continues to be commemorated at events linked to UEFA, FIFA, and community ceremonies in Glasgow and at stadia such as Celtic Park.

Personal life and later years

Auld’s personal life intersected with family, charity, and media appearances; he participated in reunions with Lisbon Lions teammates including Billy McNeill, Jimmy Johnstone’s memorials, and public events hosted by Celtic F.C. and supporter organizations. Later years saw health challenges and tributes from football communities across Scotland and beyond, with acknowledgements from figures such as Martin O'Neill, Neil Lennon, Gordon Strachan, Sir Alex Ferguson, and club supporters from Birmingham City F.C., Hibernian F.C., and Celtic F.C.. His passing prompted obituaries and remembrances in national and international outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, The Independent, and football historians connected to UEFA and FIFA commemorative initiatives.

Category:Scottish footballers Category:Celtic F.C. players Category:Lisbon Lions