HARRISON, Bertie (1934)

Overview

Bertie was born in Greenock and played with Port Glasgow Juniors before going to Airdrieonians and when he was brought to Douglas Park in August 1934 it was on a free transfer from our Lanarkshire rivals. He played well in his first game for Accies and many critics wondered why he had been freed by the Broomfield club. With Accies he went on to be a grand servant in a very attack minded forward line.

He played in the 1935 Scottish Cup Final versus Rangers and he scored Accies goal. Later that year, in October he was travelling reserve to the Scottish team to meet Wales in Cardiff and a month later he was chosen to play against the Irish League and he netted two goals in the match. Accies fans anticipated that he would be capped in the next International as a result of his scoring exploits but it was not to be and Alex Venters of Rangers was chosen instead.

In March 1936, Albion Rovers wanted him on loan, however this was turned down. He was taken as a guest with Celtic on their Irish tour that same year. Played against the Irish League at Ibrox on 2nd September 1936 following the withdrawal of first choice inside left, Bob McPhail of Rangers.

Accies ground attendance record was achieved in 1937 and Bertie played his part that day when Heart of Midlothian were defeated 2-1 in a Scottish Cup tie. Travelling reserve for the match in Belfast the following year where he eventually played.

Transferred to Rangers in December 1937 for a fee of £3,000. While at Ibrox he appeared in another match which was to make history as far as the attendance was required, as he was in the home side which defeated Celtic on January 2nd 1939 in front of an incredible 118,567.

He was transferred back to Hamilton in August 1939 for a greatly reduced sum in relation to the figure which had taken him to the Glasgow club. Two months later he played his part in Accies winning the Lanarkshire Cup at Broomfield in a 5-1 demolition of the home side. Despite health problems he enlisted for the RAF in 1940. Discharged in the middle of 1942. His retirement came about as a result of these difficulties. A low handicap golfer, he played off 2.

Debut on 11th August 1934 in a Scottish League match away to Hibernian.

Scottish League 124 Appearances 72 Goals (3 Hat tricks)

Scottish Cup 11 Appearances 6 Goals (1Hat Trick)

Western League 24 Appearances 11 Goals

Southern League 12 Appearances 9 Goals

Summer Cup 3 Appearances 2 Goals

Lanarkshire Cup 7 Appearances 3 Goals

Accies Career

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