Bert Patrick, a Preston North End defender from the 1960’s, sadly died at the weekend, at home in Kilsyth, Scotland, aged 68.
He was young enough to play in North End’s youth cup campaign that season, playing with such promising footballers as Howard Kendall, Gerry Stewart and Brian Greenhalgh.
The main obstacle for Bert was that North End stalwart George Ross was in his position in the first team.
Bert Patrick developed with the club’s reserve team at right back and ironically made his Preston North End league debut on St. Patrick’s Day, 1965.
If ever Ross was injured, Bert came in as a very competent deputy.
His best season, appearance wise, was the 1967/68 season when he played in 26 games all told.
With John McMahon coming through the ranks, he was released in the close season of 1971 and joined Barrow AFC.
He had made 57 appearances for the Lilywhites and scored one goal.
His second game for Barrow was against North End in a League cup tie.
Bert just played the one season at Barrow before returning to Scotland.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.