vs. Celtic F.C., UMBRO label, stitched crest, and number 4 verso, long sleeved
Note: Believed worn by Billy Bremner during the 2nd leg tie at Hampden, 15th April 1970.
Swapped with Bertie Auld; The Bertie Auld Collection.
"No manager could wish for a greater leader or a greater player. If I was in the trenches at the front line, the man I would want on my right side is Billy Bremner.” Don Revie
Born in Stirling in 1942, midfield firebrand, Billy Bremner, was the driving force behind Leeds United's most successful years under manager Don Revie in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Despite being rejected by Arsenal and Chelsea for his height, Bremner signed for Leeds at just 17 and proved his worth by helping the club secure promotion to the top-flight in 1964. He became team captain in 1966, holding the role until his departure from the club.
Wearing his distinctive No 4 jersey, Bremner won a haul of trophies at Leeds including the First Division (1968–69 and 1973–74), Second Division (1963–64), Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (1968 and 1971), FA Cup (1972), League Cup (1968) and FA Charity Shield (1969).
Although he marked out for his passionate nature and tough tackling, which occasionally got him into trouble, Bremner was a skilled player with the ability to score crucial goals. In his 772 appearances he found the back of the net 115 times with countless assists to boot.
He was named as the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1970 and has since been voted Leeds United's greatest player of all time, with a statue erected outside the south-east corner of their Elland Road stadium.
Internationally, Bremner played a significant role in Scotland's rise during the 1970s, playing a key role in the side’s 1974 World Cup campaign and garnering praise from none other than Brazilian legend, Pele.
Despite his legendary status, the European Cup eluded Bremner, with one of the bitterest defeats coming in the ‘Battle of Britain’ – the momentous European Cup semi-final clash against Celtic in 1970.
In the second leg, Leeds faced an uphill battle after losing the first match 1-0 at Elland Road. Despite Bremner's powerful strike that levelled the tie on aggregate, Celtic emerged victorious, with second-half goals from John Hughes and Bobby Murdoch giving them an unassailable 3-1 advantage. The historic victory assured Celtic qualified for the European Cup final, facing Feyenoord in Milan.
The game at Hampden Park drew a European record crowd of 136,505, mainly Celtic fans. The game was ranked as one of Celtic's greatest victories ever, with Jimmy Johnstone's performance earning him praise as a legend throughout Europe.
Billy Bremner's illustrious career and Leeds United's memorable European Cup battle against Celtic remain significant chapters in football history, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and the fans who witnessed these momentous events.
A condition report is offered as an indication of any issues visible to the naked eye. As none of our staff is a professional conservator or restorer, buyers must satisfy themselves in respect of condition. The condition report does not form part of any contract between McTear's and the buyer, and all lots are offered "as is" in accordance with our Terms of Business available on our website.
Sold for £9,500
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
Condition Report
Condition generally good.
There are some pulled threads below the collar which has created two ladders. Some loose threads around the number. Some minor bobbling. Some dirt marks and minor discolour, likely from having been worn.
This iconic shirt is the one Bertie Auld swapped following the match, and there are a number of photographs of him holding it aloft whilst celebrating on the pitch.
Additional images now available.
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