Celtic icon Bertie Auld remembered by Glasgow's Lord Provost; gives touching speech

By Euan Davidson

December 9, 2021

Councillors for Glasgow fell silent today to remember the great Celtic icon Bertie Auld.

Bertie, or ‘Ten Thirty’ as he was known, was of course part of the legendary Lisbon Lions. But if it were possible, he represented far more than that. As a massive Celtic supporter, he remained the beating heart that connected the 1967 team of working class heroes to generations of fans.

Auld, who also managed Hibernian and Partick Thistle, wasn’t just a Celtic favourite. Fans across Scotland and further afield could appreciate his humour, his gallus and his outstanding footballing ability.

Lord Provost Philip Braat led a minute’s silence for Auld, who passed away last month aged 83. Following that, he gave a touching speech on the Hoops legend.

Lord Provost Braat said [Herald]:

“In a career that garnered no fewer than 18 trophies, he would win five Scottish league titles for Celtic. He played in three European finals, including two European Cup Finals, winning in 1967 as one of the legendary Lisbon Lions.

“A skillful player who also provided much of the grit and steel in an all conquering Celtic side. He was arguably equally well-known to fans and friends alike for his exuberant personality and his warmth and wit.

“Even into his 80s, Bertie embodied the spirit of that ’67 team remaining a firm favourite among fans even though many were too young to have had the privilege of watching him on the park.

“A member of the Scottish Football Hall of Fame, Berties’s managerial career also included his spell with Partick Thistle during which they won the old Scottish first division. In 2014, my predecessor Lord Provost Sadie Docherty houred Bertie and his teammates on the 50th anniversary of their European Cup win presenting them with the Loving Cup.”

A Celtic icon, a Glasgow icon and a football icon: Bertie Auld remembered in his home city

How appropriate that Bertie Auld would be remembered in the corridors of power at a city he embodied. Auld, in many ways, was Glasgow in the same manner as someone like Billy Connolly. His stories, his songs, his charm and rising from humble beginnings were things people could easily relate to.

Auld, like the rest of the Lisbon Lions, represented the Scottish working class dream. Working hard, making the best of opportunities, excelling, but then remembering exactly where you came from and how you got to where you are.

He was a man entirely without pretence, or airs.

It’s no wonder that everyone who met him has a Bertie Auld story or two.

It still stings to miss him. As Lord Provost Braat said, even in his 80s he was travelling worldwide to meet supporters. To tell the stories, to sing the songs.

Will Glasgow ever see the likes of the Lisbon Lions ever again? Who knows, but nothing has come close thus far.

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