Bertie Auld signed for Celtic for the first time 70 years ago today

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The Celtic Star

·24 March 2025

Bertie Auld signed for Celtic for the first time 70 years ago today

70 years ago – in 1955 – Bertie Auld went to Celtic Park for the first time, and became a Celt. Ten years later, he signed for the club for a second time, and went on to make history…

Bertie Auld Glasgow Celtic Footballer 17 May 1967. Photo Imago, TopFoto (The Celtic Star)

Bertie Auld ticks every box that make a player a club legend

In the story of any football club, there are different reasons a player might be popular. Sometimes it’s a celebration of their ability. Other times because of an event in which they were involved. And it might also be due to their character and personality.

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When it comes to Bertie Auld and Celtic, all three of these things are true. This is his story.

Bertie Auld – or ‘Ten Thirty’ as he was nicknamed – was born in Maryhill in 1938. In his football career, he was used as a winger or midfielder.

He originally played for Maryhill Harp. However, amidst interest from different clubs, in 1955 he made the move to an even more prominent team with Irish heritage.

Bertie Auld image by Celtic Curio

Bertie’s dad convinced him to accept Celtic’s offer

Auld was Scout by the Hoops and travelled to Celtic Park, the first time he had ever done so. Although Celtic offered him less money than other clubs, his father was convinced that he should become a Bhoy.

Despite him signing for Celtic, the first senior team that Bertie played for was Dumbarton as he was loaned to the Boghead side.

Bertie Auld eventually returned to Celtic and in 1957 made his first team debut. This was in a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Rangers, played midweek at Ibrox in the Glasgow Charity Cup. Even though it was a poor start, this was not to define his association with Celtic.

Dundee 1-8 Celtic, 16 January 1971, Jimmy Johnstone and Bertie Auld lead the way. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Auld gradually became an important part of the Celtic squad in the late-1950s. He played an important role in the Bhoys’ run to the 1957 League Cup Final, when they famously beat Rangers 7-1.

This competition gave Bertie Auld his first green-and-white goal when he scored against East Fife in a comfortable 6-1 victory for Celtic.

The 1957 League Cup was the Bhoys’ last major trophy until 1965

Although the 7-1 game is a renowned moment in Celtic history, this was an era in which the Hoops often struggled; the 1957 League Cup was the Bhoys’ last major trophy until 1965.

In fact, in Auld’s first spell at Parkhead, the Glasgow Charity Cup was only competition that Celtic won when he played.

Bertie Auld and Bobby Murdoch. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Bertie also gained international recognition, playing for Scotland on three occasions in 1959. Despite turning out three times in a matter of months, these were the only caps that he ever won.

At least part of the reason for this may be connected to his debut, when the famous Auld temper was shown. On that day, as Scotland faced the Netherlands, Bertie became the first ever Scot to be sent off in an international match.

Concerns about Bertie’s temperament

Concerns about Bertie’s temperament were not restricted to people involved in the country’s national team, many others shared these worries, not least Celtic chairman Robert Kelly. Auld had regular disciplinary problems, and this would play a role in ending his first spell at Celtic.

In 1961, Celtic agreed to sell Bertie to Birmingham City. The story of Bertie Auld and Celtic seemed to be at an end.

IMAGO / Colorsport Bertie Auld (Celtic Glasgow) / Scottish Cup Final 1969

The move to the Midlands brought lots of successes for Bertie. Interestingly, his debut came versus a team he would come to know very well in future: Inter Milan.

His first Birmingham game came in the semi-final of the Fairs Cup against the Italian giants, and Bertie’s team celebrated a two-legged victory.

Bertie was successful in his time at Birmingham City

His time in the Midlands is remembered for positive reasons; he was a part of the team that reached the 1961 Fairs Cup Final, and also went one better when they won the 1963 League Cup.

However, despite doing well, Auld struggled to settle in Birmingham. And so, in 1965, Bertie’s Celtic story had its sequel. Just before Jock Stein’s arrival at Parkhead – although apparently with the Big Man’s blessing – Bertie re-signed for the Bhoys.

Bertie Auld, Photo supplied by writer for use on The Celtic Star

Like Jock Stein, Bertie’s impact on Celtic was immediate

Like Jock Stein, Bertie’s impact on Celtic was immediate. He scored two goals as the Bhoys twice came from behind against Dunfermline to win the 1965 Scottish Cup, a triumph which was the driving force Celtic’s for later success.

Auld also scored as Celtic won that season’s Glasgow Cup Final. He was soon a mainstay of the Celtic team, including as part of the the 1965-66 League-winning side. This title took Celtic into the 1966-67 European Cup, and on the road to Lisbon.

Auld played and became a Lisbon Lion – and legend – as the Celts beat Inter Milan 2-1 to bring that famous trophy back to Glasgow.

Sammy Wilson – Dunky MacKay – John Colrain – Eric Smith – Bertie Auld – Bobby Evans. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Every man who played for Celtic in that final helped the Bhoys to victory. In Bertie’s case, this was not just on the park. As the teams lined up before the game, he led his teammates in a rousing chorus of the Celtic Song, bemusing his Italian opponents and inspiring the Bhoys.

Bertie was often in disciplinary trouble due

Despite Auld’s ability on the park, he was often in disciplinary trouble due to being ordered off. There were various examples of this, including two notable ones in 1967.

As European Cup winners, Celtic were invited to the Bernabau to face Real Madrid in the testimonial for club legend Alfredo di Stefano. The Celts won that game – but Auld was sent off for fighting with one of the Spanish team.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld, photo The Celtic Wiki

There was an even more high profile sending off incident later that year. Celtic’s Intercontinental Cup appearance against Racing Club has gone down in club history for all the wrong reasons.

Bertie against Racing Club

After drawing with Argentinian side Racing Club over two legs, Celtic went to Uruguay for a decider. The Bhoys lost 1-0 but it was a brutal match which saw six men being ordered off. This included Bertie – but he refused to leave and was allowed to stay!

Auld was a crucial player for Celtic, providing performances and goals that helped achieve success. He scored in both finals as Celtic twice won the League Cup in 1969, and impressed when Celtic beat Leeds United in 1970, en route to the European Cup Final.

This was in an era that Celtic dominated Scottish football, and were also seen as one of the top sides in Europe. Auld was a major part of this. However, by the early-1970s, he was beginning to appear less often.

Bertie’s memorable last match for Celtic

Bertie’s final Celtic season was 1970-71, and he played as Celtic won another League title. In his last ever match – when Celtic beat Clyde 6-1 to officially seal their fifth successive title – he was carried off the pitch by his teammates and given the acclaim of the fans.

However, this was not the end of Bertie’s playing career. Having played for Maryhill Harp and Celtic, he now moved to another team of Irish heritage, Hibernian. Auld spent two years at Easter Road. This included playing in the 1972 Scottish Cup Final, although unfortunately for him he was on the end of a 6-1 mauling from Celtic.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld, photo The Celtic Wiki

His time at Hibs had also involved gaining experience as a trainer. Bertie had ambitions to go into management, which he did in 1974. His first managerial role came at Partick Thistle, where he spent six years. This included winning the 1976 First Division title. He is very well-remembered in his native area of Maryhill and is a member of the Jags’ Hall of Fame.

Bertie was linked with the Celtic job in 1978

In 1978 when Jock Stein left Celtic, there were stories that Bertie might replace him, although instead the job went to Billy McNeill. But by 1980, he was on the move to the east of Scotland where he rekindled his links with Hibs. In 1981, he once more lifted the Scottish First Division title, taking Hibs back into the top league.

He left Edinburgh in 1982 and took charge at Hamilton, before also having short spells back at Partick Thistle and at Dumbarton. This latter job – in 1988 – marked his final official football role.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld, photo The Celtic Wiki

Bertie worked in the pub trade

After his time in the sport came to an end, Bertie worked in the pub trade. He owned a pub in Hamilton, and also partnered Joe McBride in running a business near Celtic Park. At times, he was seen behind the bar in well-known Celtic pub, Bairds.

Although he left Celtic in 1971, Bertie remained a very popular and well-known face at the club. In later years, he was often seen on Celtic TV or at Celtic Park for games. In addition, he was a regular guest at supporters’ club functions and similar events.

Bertie was a great joker

Bertie was known not just for his appearances but also his personality and jokes. Possibly the most famous of these came in the 1990s when he was asked who would win a game between the Lisbon Lions and the current Rangers team. Bertie said it would be a draw, mainly because the Bhoys were all now in their 60s!

Celtic legend Bertie Auld, photo The Celtic Wiki

Sadly, in the middle of 2021, Auld was diagnosed with dementia. He died in November of that year, survived by Liz, his wife of almost six decades, and his two children. As a testament to his reputation at Celtic Park, thousands of fans came out to honour him at his funeral.

Bertie played for Celtic 275 times, scoring 79 goals

Given all his achievements, Auld can legitimately be described as a club legend. He played for Celtic 275 times, scoring 79 goals. In terms of silverware, he collected six league titles, four Scottish Cups, five League Cups – and, of course, one European Cup too!

In 1955, when Bertie first signed for Celtic, his Dad told him that if he did well, he would be revered by Celtic and its supporters. Bertie once described his father’s exact words, saying:

Bertie Auld’s father was absolutely right

“Right, son, did you see that place they called the Jungle? That’s where you will find the fans crammed in when you are playing. You can make these guys love you. You perform for them and they’ll repay you. This support has got a great knowledge. They’ll encourage you and they’ll never forget you.”

Quite simply, Bertie Auld’s father was absolutely right.

Matthew Marr

If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.