65 years ago, the career of one famous Celt reached its conclusion…
When it becomes to popular Celts from another generation, Bertie Peacock’s name would be near the top of the list. The Northern Irishman was a major part of Celtic’s story in the 1950s and is one of Ireland’s most celebrated football figures.
Nicknamed “The Little Ant” for his energy and persistence, his life encompassed a distinguished club and international career, and then decades of service as a manager and youth football advocate.
John Robert Peacock – better known as Bertie – was born on 29 September 1928 in Coleraine, growing up in a household with seven children. He quickly developed a love for football, representing his school, the local YMCA and nearby boys’ clubs.
A plumber then a footballer then a welder
At first there was no certainty that football would provide him with a lasting career, so he trained and worked as a plumber. In later years he would also work as a welder. However, those professions took second place to his sporting ambitions.
His journey in football began with Coleraine FC, where he made his senior debut in 1947. The following year he moved to Glentoran in Belfast. Playing for one of Northern Ireland’s leading sides helped him gain experience that soon attracted attention from across the Irish Sea.
In 1948 Bertie Peacock signed for Celtic
Just a year later, Peacock moved again – this time joining Celtic, then under the management of Jimmy McGrory. In fact, the moment he was first spotted by the Celts was when playing in an RUC five-a-sides tournament!
The Celtic team he joined was far removed from the powerhouse it would later become. In 1948 the club had narrowly avoided relegation, and the 1948–49 campaign brought early exits from both cup competitions and only a sixth place league finish.
Bertie Peacock made his first team debut for Celtic in August 1949
He made his first team debut in August 1949 in a League Cup fixture against Aberdeen. Unfortunately, although the Bhoys took an early lead they ended up losing 3-1.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, it was clear that that new Celt possessed huge potential. Initially used as an inside left, he formed an effective partnership with fellow Irishman Charlie Tully.
Tully would later joke to him, “If you’re the Irish coffee, I’m the cream!”
Despite his relatively small stature, Peacock became recognised for his close control, committed tackling and tireless running. Even so, some observers questioned whether his slight frame could withstand the physical demands of Scottish football.
Celtic Chairman Bob Kelly’s remarkable advice
One well known tale relates to how efforts were made to help him add weight. According to the story, Celtic chairman Bob Kelly suggested he drink a bottle of Guinness at lunchtime each day to help strengthen his build.
A major turning point came in the 1953–54 season when he was moved to left half. The switch allowed him to influence play more significantly, contributing both defensively and in supporting attacks.
Celtic’s ‘Little Ant’
His constant industry and tactical awareness reinforced his reputation as “The Little Ant,” highlighting his ceaseless work and dependable presence.
Peacock’s first major honour with the club—and Celtic’s first since before the Second World War—arrived in April 1951. A goal from John McPhail secured a 1–0 win over Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final.
That triumph marked the start of further success. In 1953, despite an otherwise disappointing season, Celtic won the Coronation Cup by defeating Manchester United, Arsenal and Hibernian—an achievement that placed them at the top of British football.
Celtic – Coronation Cup winners 1953
The following year brought even greater accomplishment. By the conclusion of the 1953–54 campaign, Celtic had won both the league title and the Scottish Cup, securing their first domestic double in forty years. This feat would not be repeated for more than a decade.
Among all the trophies Peacock helped claim, the League Cup is arguably the one most strongly associated with him. He was part of the side that captured Celtic’s first League Cup in 1956, defeating Partick Thistle after a replay.
Bertie Peacock captained Celtic in the 1957 League Cup Final against Rangers
The next season delivered one of the most famous moments in green-and-white history. As captain, Peacock led the team into the 1957 League Cup final, where their opponents Rangers were heavy favourites.
What followed was extraordinary. Celtic overwhelmed their rivals 7–1, setting a British Cup Final record. The match became legendary, celebrated in songs still heard today at Celtic Park.
During his 12 year spell with the club, Peacock made 453 appearances and scored 50 goals, achievements that cemented his status as a reliable and influential member of the squad.
Bertie Peacock won 32 caps for Northern Ireland
Bertie also excelled internationally, representing Northern Ireland 32 times. Just like his Celtic debut, his first time in a Northern Irish shirt ended in defeat; this was 3-0 loss to Scotland in 1951.
Peacock’s most significant international experience came at the 1958 FIFA World Cup in Sweden, where Northern Ireland reached the quarter finals. Sadly for Bertie, a knee injury ruled him out of this game and the Irish side lost to France.
His performances in the tournament caught the attention of the Swedish media, who dubbed him “The Little Black Ant,” a reflection of his industrious style and appearance.
One issue which was sometimes discussed in relation to Bertie was his religion. As a Northern Irish Protestant, some people might wrongly assume that he faced problems.
In fact, in a 2001 interview, the man himself said that “It wasn’t an issue [in Northern Ireland] and it was never an issue at Celtic. Very occasionally, from the terraces, someone would shout something, but it was honestly very rare.”
Bertie’s successful career in football continued after leaving Celtic
In his later years at Celtic, Peacock became known for his guidance and support of younger players, including future club icons such as Billy McNeill and Pat Crerand. These mentoring abilities would become central to his later career.
By 1961 his time at Celtic had drawn to a close, which led to different managerial posts. In the first place, he went back to Coleraine as a player manager.
In a strange quirk of history, this saw Bertie twice leave the hoops. As well as departing Celtic, he returned to a Coleraine club that changed its shirts from blue-and-white hoops to stripes.
In later years, when he was in his 70s, Peacock’s wife remarked that her husband still needed to be constantly active. This was the case in his younger days too. By late-1961 he was back in Scotland to speak at the annual Celtic Supporters’ Rally.
A summer in Canada
And then in 1962, he travelled to Canada, acting as player/manager for the Hamilton Steelers. This was only a summer role, and he later returned to his main job in Coleraine.
Under his management, Coleraine grew from a relatively modest team into one capable of challenging for and winning major trophies. His achievements included Irish Cup victories in 1965 and 1972.
Victory in the 1965 Irish Cup brought an additional achievement for Peacock – leading his men into European football. They faced top Soviet side Dynamo Kiev in the Cup-Winners’ Cup and suffered a massive 10-1 aggregate defeat.
This defeat ended up giving Bertie another Celtic link. Later that season, the Celts also faced Kiev. Peacock spoke to his former teammate Jock Stein to give him advice on the Soviet team, and the Bhoys went on to enjoy an overall 4-1 win.
By 1969, Peacock announced his playing career was over. However, he did this alongside winning silverware. Coleraine beat Shamrock Rovers to win the All-Ireland Blaxnit Cup.
1974 saw Bertie depart the manager’s position at Coleraine – but he did so in glorious circumstances. He led his team to the pinnacle of the Irish League, the only time they have been champions.
Bertie Peacock gave international debuts to George Best and Pat Jennings
Peacock also served as manager of the Northern Ireland national team in the 1960s. During his tenure he made several key selections, including giving George Best his first international start and introducing Pat Jennings into the team—both of whom would go on to have famous careers.
He later returned to the international setup in the early 1980s as assistant to Billy Bingham. Peacock was part of the coaching staff at the 1982 World Cup, where Northern Ireland famously defeated hosts Spain.
His influence, however, extended beyond coaching. In 1983, he helped found the Milk Cup. Held yearly in Coleraine, it has grown into a leading international youth competition, well-known for showcasing future professional talent.
Away from football Peacock remained active in his community
Away from the pitch, Peacock remained active in his community. He ran Bertie’s Bar in Coleraine until 1990, after which he focused on golf and youth sport development. His contributions to football and public life were recognised in 1986 when he was awarded an MBE.
Bertie Peacock passed away in 2004
Peacock passed away on 22 July 2004 at the age of 75 following a brief illness. His funeral in Coleraine drew many individuals from across the football world, all paying tribute to his impact on both club and international football.
In July 2007 a bronze statue was unveiled in his honour at The Diamond in Coleraine by Pat Jennings. Bearing the inscription “Sportsman, Statesman, Gentleman”, it was the first statue in Northern Ireland dedicated to an international footballer.
This a permanent monument to Peacock’s footballing and social contributions. But just as important as this are the memories that he created as a key figure in the history of Celtic, Northern Ireland’s national side and the advancement of youth football.
Matthew Marr
Follow Matthew on X @hailhailhistory
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2 Comments
I was at a game at Celtic Park as a wee boy in the 1950s. Teams were kicking the ball around prior to kick off. Bestie was right in front of us. The ball hit him high up on the leg leaving a muddy mark on his shorts. He was waiting to toss the coin. He wiped the mud from his shorts to cries of keep it clean Bertie amid laughter. He laughed too. A great player and ambassador for the club.
Walking at the front of the orange walk