The Bertie Auld Collection Goes Under the Hammer - A Treasure Trove of Football History

In a tribute to the legendary Bertie Auld, McTear’s Auctioneers is set to auction off a personal collection of football jerseys and programmes that encapsulate key moments in the life of the Lisbon Lion. The auction, scheduled for October 12, 2023, is a family affair, organized under the guidance of Bertie’s son Robert and the rest of the Auld family. The sale will commence at 10:30 am (Ten-Thirty), in line with Bertie Auld's nickname. The name derived from Bertie rhyming with Thirty when spoken in a Scottish accent.

Bertie first ran out in the Hoops on ‘May Day’ 1957 and played his final Celtic game on that same date fourteen years later, before moving to Hibs just a few short days down the line. Auld’s emotional swansong also marked the final appearance on the field of the ‘Lisbon Lions’, prior to a 6-1 stroll against Clyde.  Ronnie Simpson, sidelined at the time by the shoulder injury that put paid to his career, ran out that day with his immortal colleagues for a brief cameo appearance, before being replaced by Evan Williams for the match itself.

The collection is a football aficionado's dream, featuring jerseys worn in historic matches by football greats like Armando Picchi of F.C. Internazionale, Josef Vacenovsky of F.K. Dukla Prague, and Billy Bremner of Leeds United F.C., among others. The jerseys are expected to fetch between £2,000 and £30,000 each. Also included in the collection are Bertie Auld's own match-worn jerseys from his time with Hibernian F.C. and the Scottish national team, estimated to be worth between £2,000 and £5,000.

But it's not just about the jerseys. The collection also includes a variety of programmes from Bertie Auld's career, including those from matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C., Rangers F.C., and even international fixtures. These are estimated to fetch between £50 and £200 each.

The auction house has made a limited number of printed catalogues available for purchase at £5 plus postage, with all profits going to the Bertie Auld Legacy. Viewing for the public begins on October 10, and bids can be placed in person, by commission, telephone, or online.

This auction is more than just a sale; it's a celebration of a football legend and a unique opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of history. Whether you're a Celtic supporter, a football historian, or just someone who appreciates the sport, this is an event you won't want to miss.