Passing of Bertie left an empty feeling
When I was told last Sunday afternoon of Bertie Auld’s death there was a feeling of total emptiness.
He was a brilliant footballer and a great man. Honestly, what a character he was.
Marina and I have shared many stories about wee “Ten Thirty” in the past week and it made us realise the part he played in my footballing career and the way he enhanced both of our lives.
I was fortunate to play in the Celtic reserve team with him when he was a European Cup winner. Joe Mcbride also played in that 1967-68 season.
I was a wee guy with red cheeks and a bit of cheek in my character. They helped guide me as a footballer and wanted to see me succeed. Their advice was invaluable.
That was one of the many great things about the Lisbon Lions. From Billy Mcneill to Stevie Chalmers, they wanted to help the next group of Celtic players coming through the ranks.
Ultimately it led to some of us eventually getting into the first team at their expense, but they were happy to see they had helped create that pathway. They didn’t fear us or try to hinder our progress.
Bertie just wanted what was best for Celtic. That was his outlook more than 50 years ago and until the day he passed away.
On the park, he was inspirational. He played a huge part in getting the European Cup to Parkhead in 1967. He was sensational in the tunnel before kick-off and even better on the park during the 90 minutes.
I also remember with great fondness the way he played for Celtic in the European Cup semi-final ties against Leeds United in 1970.
Just before half-time, Bertie laid out Mick Jones on the halfway line and the Leeds striker was carried off, but came back on to play.
Billy Bremner and Johnny Giles – who could both look after themselves – spent the rest of the game chasing after Bertie but they never got near him.
Wee Jimmy Johnstone was also sensational that night as Celtic beat them but lost to Feyenoord in the Final. Bertie loved those big games and loved playing for Celtic.
The thoughts of everyone in the Dalglish household are with Bertie’s family and loved ones at this time.