Reproduced from an original sketch by Alexander Seton Bain (Rutherglen)
THE NUMBER ‘7’ is iconic in Celtic folklore, invoking glorious memories of Jinky and Henke – today, the number ’77’ is equally prestigious, this being the 77th birthday of one of our most famous sons, the irrepressible “Ten-Thirty” … Wee Bertie (Auld), undisputed ringleader of our immortal Lisbon Lions.
Not only back in the day … but STILL, right up to the present, as anyone who has ever attended one of The Lions’ personal appearances will readily testify.
In tribute, we present a slightly revised version of our poetic accolade to Bertie, which first featured on this blog some three years ago:
Ten-Thirty (An Accolade)
The shuffling gait, the cheeky grin;
the hitched-up shorts, the jutting chin;
the faithful drooled o’er every flick –
he really made the Celtic tick.
The iron will, the nerves of steel;
the bottle to face down the De’il;
with cunning ploy and subtle trick,
he really made the Celtic tick.
The speed of thought, the craft, the guile;
the temperament so volatile;
creative … gallus … cocky … slick –
he really made the Celtic tick.
The jaunty step, the jesting clown;
a cool head when the chips were down;
no easy touch, to vengeance quick –
he really made the Celtic tick.
The hot young head, the acid tongue;
the Chairman’s wrath … consigned to Brum;
then at the ball a second kick –
Wee Bertie made the Celtic tick!
25thmay1967.com 