Bobby Murdoch

1944 — 2001

Football Player; One of Celtic’s legendary ‘Lisbon Lions’ Bobby Murdoch was born in Bothwell, Lanarkshire, on 17 August 1944. Although originally an inside forward Murdoch made his name as a creative midfielder who could control the midfield and score goals. A dependable player capable of turning out consistent performances Murdoch when fully fit was an integral figure in Jock Stein’s plans. His passing ability and link up play in particular were an important asset to Celtic during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Murdoch was honoured 12 times for Scotland and was voted Scottish Football Player of the Year in 1969. With Celtic he won the Scottish League eight times, the Scottish Cup four times and the Scottish League Cup five times. He also played in both the 1967 and 1970 European Cup finals. By 1973, having won everything in the Scottish game, Murdoch was looking for a change and Middlesbrough quickly moved in for him. Manager Jack Charlton described him as the best passer in the Second Division and Murdoch along with a young Graeme Souness inspired Middlesbrough to the Second Division Championship in 1974.