Celtic legend Bertie Auld dies aged 83

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 14 November 2021

Celtic legend Bertie Auld, who was part of the famous Lisbon Lions side that won the European Cup in 1967, has died at the age of 83.

Auld, who was diagnosed with dementia is June, made a total of 283 appearances across all competitions for the Hoops in two spells with the club, firstly between 1955 and 1961 and then from 1965 until 1971.

The midfielder was best known for his historic success with Jock Stein's side who became the first British club to win the European Cup, beating Inter Milan 2-1 in Lisbon.

As a player for Celtic, Auld scored 85 goals and also won five top-flight titles, four League Cups and three Scottish Cups.

Bertie was always at the centre of things, happy to spend time talking about the club & recounting stories of when he & his team-mates were the Kings of Europe & one of the best teams in the world.

Bertie always loved being a Celt & the Celtic supporters loved him in return 💚 pic.twitter.com/aF5EegW55M
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 14, 2021

A club statement read: "Everyone at Celtic Football Club is devastated to hear of the passing of Lisbon Lion, Bertie Auld, who has died at the age of 83, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Bertie's family at this extremely sad time.

"Bertie was a legend of the club for his many achievements in the green and white Hoops throughout his playing career, and he was adored by the entire Celtic Family for the passion and love that he always showed for Celtic."

Celtic chairman Ian Bankier added: "I don't think words can ever adequately describe what Bertie meant to the Club and our supporters. He was a giant of a player, a giant of a man and quite simply Mr. Celtic.

"He scaled the greatest of heights as a player with his talent but it is who he was as a man that made him so much more to us all. He enriched all our lives so greatly with his humour, his character and personality and for that we will forever be grateful."

As well as enjoying a successful career at Parkhead, Auld made three international appearances for Scotland and also played for Dumbarton, Birmingham City and Hibernian, before moving into management with Partick Thistle, Hibs, Hamilton Academical and Dumbarton.

Auld won two second division titles as a manager, firstly with Partick Thistle in 1976 and then with Hibs in 1981.