Saturday, February 2, 2008

Bertie Auld
Robert "Bertie" Auld (born April 23, 1938 in Maryhill, Glasgow) is a Scottish former football player and manager, most notable as member of Celtic's Lisbon Lions side of 1967.
Auld first joined Celtic in March 1955 from local side Maryhill Harp, where he was converted from a fullback into a winger. However his headstrong character and poor discipline impeded his progress and after spending a season on loan to Dumbarton, he was sold to Birmingham City in 1961 for £15,000. With the Midlands club he won a League Cup medal in 1963, as well as appearing in the final of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, where Birmingham were beaten 4-2 on aggregate by A.S. Roma.
In 1965 Auld returned to Celtic in a £12,000 deal, possibly on the initiative of Jock Stein. No longer considered a winger, he now formed a partnership with Bobby Murdoch and provided the midfield muscle for the team. He became an integral part of the side that won nine League titles, as well as the 1967 European Cup. Prior to the final, against Italian giants Internazionale, Auld instigated a rendition of The Celtic Song whilst in the tunnel, much to the bemusement of the Inter players.
Auld left Celtic again in 1971 this time joining Hibernian on a free transfer. While at Easter Road he combined his playing role with one as a trainer, eventually focusing solely on the latter role. He started a career as a manager in 1974, when appointed by Partick Thistle, where he would stay for 6 seasons. He returned to Edinburgh as Hibs manager in 1980, in an attempt to revive the club following their relegation in the 1979-80 season. He succeeded in this end but was replaced by Pat Stanton in 1982. He then briefly managed Hamilton Academical before returning to manage Partick for a second time between 1983 and 1986. His final appointment was with Dumbarton.
The former midfielder is now a regular guest on the official television channel of Celtic FC: Celtic TV. He is renowned for his quick wit, and willingness to 'go against the grain' when commenting on club affairs.
Auld earned 3 caps for Scotland between 1959 and 1960.