Glentoran Football Club have paid tribute to 'inspirational' former player Bertie Wright following the Oval legend's death at the age of 102.
Bertie, born on St Leonard’s Street off the Newtownards Road, spent eight seasons with the Glens and went on to become one of the club's biggest fans.
He joined the Oval giants in the 1941-42 season. and scored 47 goals in 214 games, twice finishing as the club’s second highest scorer.
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Bertie also represented the Irish League on five occasions; three times against England and also against Scotland and the League of Ireland.
Glentoran often marked Bertie's milestone birthdays, notably in October 2019 when he celebrated reaching 100 by walking the team out before a match against Ballymena United.
The Glens tweeted on Saturday: "We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bertie Wright.
"An inspiration to many, we're honoured that he was part of our Glentoran family.
"Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him."
Club chairman Ian Kerr added: “Bertie was a real Glentoran icon and a beacon light.
"An important link to some of our hardest days in the 1940's and an example of how to face them and fight through them. A really lovely man with a wonderful smile who was Glentoran to the core, we might never see one like him ever again.
"We have lost a treasure. Our heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, all Glentoran fans thoughts are with them in this difficult time.”
In an interview with the Glentoran Gazette several years ago, Bertie explained how he joined the Glens.
He said: "It actually came about following a mistake by Portadown.
"They failed to re-register me on time and I became what is now known as a free agent.
"My old friend Davy Cochrane was playing for Linfield at the time (back home due to the war) and he, knowing my situation, told the Blues to try to sign me.
"The Linfield Chairman, Charlie Stewart, and two other directors came to see me and actually offered me terms well in excess of what Glentoran had offered.
"However, I just couldn’t bring myself to leave my club and I signed for the Glens."
Bertie was predeceased by his wife Peggy and daughter Dolores.
He is survived by his son Paul and wife Violet, and their children Gary and Lynne. Also, Dolores’s children Susan, Peter and Karen and great grandchildren Jacqui, Susanne and David, Josh and Molly, Holly, Jessica, Ben and Max and great great grandson Dylan.
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