The Bear Roars Agains

Roy Aikten is back at Celtic as Club Ambassador.

- Mark Henderson

IT was fitting that Roy Aitken and Kieran Tierney shared the headlines last week. Aitken was named as a new Club Ambassador less than 24 hours after Tierney had captained Celtic in a competitive match for the first time in the thumping 5-0 win over Kilmarnock.

The defender capped another outstanding performance with a stunning 40-yard wonder-goal, an early contender for goal of the season. At 20, many speculated that the Celtic Youth Academy graduate was the youngest-ever player to skipper the Hoops.

But in fact, it was Aitken, another home-grown Hoops hero, who holds that record. He donned the armband, remarkably, as an 18-year-old in a League Cup clash away to Stirling Albion on October 5, 1977. Like Tierney, he marked the occasion with a goal, securing a 2-1 victory for Jock Stein’s side.

That was typical of Aitken, someone who always led by example on the pitch, even as a teenager, a fact recognised at the time by Celtic’s greatest-ever manager.

A true Celtic great, the former Scotland internationalist was an inspirational figure during his time in the Hoops. He made 672 appearances for the Bhoys, eventually becoming club captain in time for the memorable centenary season when his leadership qualities once again came to the fore.

By the time he departed the club in 1990, he had won six league titles, five Scottish Cups and one League Cup. His immense contribution to the cause was never forgotten by the Celtic supporters.

And although his heart has always been in Paradise, Aitken told the View in an exclusive interview he is delighted and honoured to be re-establishing an official connection with Celtic as a Club Ambassador.

What are your memories of captaining the Celtic at such a young age?