Jock Aird

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John "Jock" Aird (born December 18, 1926, in Glencraig, Fife) is a Scottish-born former footballer who played for both the Scotland and New Zealand national sides.

Aird started his professional career with Burnley, whom he joined from Perth junior side Jeanfield Swifts in 1948. A feisty but consistent left-back, he earned international recognition towards the end of his seven-season spell at Turf Moor, making his Scotland debut against Norway in May 1954, at the age of 28. He was then selected in the squad for the upcoming World Cup finals and was one of only 13 players who actually travelled to Switzerland, the SFA opting not to use the full complement of 22 permitted. He played in both matches at the finals as Scotland capitulated in the first round, losing to Austria (0-1) and Uruguay (0-7).

The following year, Aird left Burnley and emigrated to Gisbourne in New Zealand. There he played for Eastern Union FC, eventually earning selection for the national side, for whom he played several matches in 1957 and 1958, notably scoring in a 3-2 defeat by the Australian national side. He then moved to Australia, playing and latterly coaching with Sydney Hakoah.

[edit] External links

Profile at Official Scottish FA site

v • d • e Scotland squad - 1954 FIFA World Cup

1 Martin • 2 Cunningham • 3 Aird • 4 Evans • 5 Docherty • 6 Davidson • 7 Cowie • 8 Mackenzie • 9 Hamilton • 10 Brown • 11 Mochan • 12 Fernie • 13 Ormond • 14 Anderson • 15 Johnstone • 16 Henderson • 17 Mathers • 18 Wilson • 19 Binning • 20 Combe • 21 Copland • 22 McMillan • Coach: Beattie