The Celtic family lost one of their favourite sons on Sunday night when the sad passing of Bertie Auld was confirmed.
Bertie was a massive figure within the Celtic support throughout the years.
Winning the European cup with Celtic all those years ago – the former midfielder was always going to go down in Celtic folklore. However, Bertie has inspired and touched the lives of so many Celtic fans over the years, through his words, his stories and his cheeky character.
Bertie simply belonged to the Celtic fans and he wouldn’t have had it any other way. Nothing was ever too much of a problem, and if you seen him at a Celtic night or outside Celtic Park he would happily stop and chat to you and give you a joke or two while taking pictures.
The man had been an ambassador for Celtic for well over 50 years. He doesn’t belong to the generation of the 60s, he belongs to every Celtic generation because he continued to serve the Celtic support long into retirement.
Bertie had a profound affect on Celtic and the footballing world. It shows in the outpouring of emotion and messages after the sad news was confirmed.
Here are just some of the tributes for the great man, as cited by Celticfc.com:
Today the Celtic support has lost an absolute legend and gentleman. A wonderful man that has been a great support to our CSC ever since we started. Our thoughts are with Liz and all the family at this sad time. You’ll Never Walk Alone, Bertie.
MARYHILL BERTIE AULD CSC
What a man Bertie Auld was. He appeared at countless Foundation events over the years and made each of our participants feel like they were the only person in the room. He meant the world to our team and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. You’ll Never Walk Alone, Bertie.
CELTIC FC FOUNDATION
Rest in Peace, Bertie, one of the greatest ever Celts, on and off the pitch.
CELTIC GRAVES SOCIETY
When a legend becomes a friend. It was a privilege to know you and you were a massive part of the Candy Family. A Lion with a smile and a story, you will be missed by us all. When you get in the pearly gates, ‘Entertain!’ RIP Bertie.
ST ROCH’S FC
Thoughts are with the family of Bertie as another legend is sadly taken from us. Never a dull moment when he was around. He always brought a smile to your face with his patter. Rest in Peace, Bertie.
TOM BOYD
Saddened to hear the passing of Bertie Auld … legend, Lisbon Lion and a truly great gentleman. My thoughts are with the Auld family. RIP Bertie.
JOHN HARTSON
A true role model and a gentleman. RIP Bertie.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Devastating news to hear that Bertie Auld has passed away. Bertie was a real legend, a Lion and an absolute gentleman. He was a great player and a charming, funny, funny man. Thoughts and love and prayers go out to Bertie’s family.
CHRIS SUTTON
Sad to hear the passing of Bertie… He was such a nice person and so positive. An absolute legend and a gentleman. Thank you for the joy you gave to people! You’ll be missed but never forgotten!
MOUSSA DEMBELE
RIP Bertie Auld , a true gentleman AND a Glasgow Celtic FC legend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
PADDY McCOURT
Sad times to have heard the passing of a true Celtic legend, Bertie Auld. It was a pleasure to have met you and also been in your company. Rest in Peace.
JOE LEDLEY
Sad to hear the news about the wonderful gentleman and Celtic legend, Bertie Auld. RIP Bertie.
ALAN THOMPSON
My thoughts! I always remember his smile and joy. Especially his work with the Celtic FC Foundation. My sister and I had the pleasure working with him several times. A gentleman.
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
Very sad to hear about Bertie Auld. When I presented the Lisbon Lions story on Times of Our Lives on Sky, Bertie was the life and soul. I could not get a word in. I met him on a number of other occasions and realised that was how he always was. Larger than life. Will be missed.
JEFF STELLING
Everyone connected with Partick Thistle Football Club was truly saddened to learn of the passing of our two-time former manager, Bertie Auld. The love, thoughts and condolences of everyone at Partick Thistle FC are with Bertie’s family and friends at this terribly sad time.
PARTICK THISTLE FC
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Hibs player and manager, Bertie Auld, at the age of 83. Rest in peace, Bertie.
HIBERNIAN FC
The Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player and 1963 League Cup winner, Bertie Auld. The thoughts of everyone at Birmingham City FC are with Bertie’s family and friends at this difficult time.
BIRMINGHAM CITY FC
It is with very deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of our former player and manager, Bertie Auld, at the age of 83. The thoughts of everybody at Dumbarton FC are with Bertie’s family and friends at this sad time.
DUMBARTON FC
Everyone at the club is saddened to learn the news of the passing of former manager Bertie Auld. The thoughts and prayers of everyone here at Hamilton Accies is with the friends and family of Bertie.
HAMILTON ACCIES FC
Everyone at Rangers FC express sadness and pass on their sympathy to the Auld family and Celtic FC at the passing of former player, Bertie Auld.
RANGERS FC
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bertie Auld. Bertie was a much-loved figure in Scottish football, winning three caps for the Scotland national side and famously lifting the European Cup with Celtic.
SCOTTISH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
I spent many hours with BertieAuld beneath the stage at the old Pavilion Theatre. And as the show ebbed and flowed above us, I listened intently to the majestic stories of a Glasgow legend and gent. Theatre has opened many doors for me, this was the greatest.
NICKY ALLT (Celtic The Musical writer)
RIP Bertie.
IRVINE WELSH
Absolutely saddened to hear Bertie Auld passed. His smile was infectious, genuine and lit up every room. My last beautiful memory, at his house, singing and feeling his joy. God bless you and RIP Bertie. A true CelticFC legend & servant.
GIANNI CAPALDI
There are characters in the game and then there’s Bertie Auld! RIP Bertie you’re a legend, off to join the Lions in Paradise.
TONY CURRAN
Really sad news about Bertie Auld. Celtic legend and a huge character. Rest in peace.
STUART BRAITHWAITE (Mogwai)
We have no doubt more stories will be shared in the coming days and weeks. Celtic fans are already making their way to Celtic Park to pat tribute to Bertie.
The SFA should bow their head in shame. The most gifted Scottish left foot ever had THREE caps! THREE! All because of his background!
A legend and they ignored it.
Too many Celtic legends were sidelined to let the establishment get their own players on the field. Scotland was spoiled for top class players in the late sixties through to the early eighties and never achieved our full potential on the international scene for same said reasons, even though Celtic, Rangers & Aberdeen had won European trophy’s. Shameful and a disgrace
A good few years ago I met Bertie and Jinky wandering round the duty free shop at Gatwick. Jimmy was in the later stages of MND and Bertie was his carer. Bertie told me that they were on their way home after attending a dinner in honour of Alfredo De Stefano. He said Jimmy would be in bother with Agnes when he got home. Jimmy looked confused. Bertie picked up a sample perfume spray, doused Jimmy in it and said “Explain that”.
So sad to hear about the passing of Bertie Auld a true Legend. He was such a big character he brought a smile too everyones face he loved Celtic and the Supporters and we loved him right back rest easy Bertie with the other Lions Gone but Never Forgotten HH YNWA