Hugh Baird

Hugh Baird (14 March 1930 - 19 June 2006) was a Scottish footballer born in Calderbank, North Lanarkshire who spent the majority of his playing years at Aberdeen.

Club career

Baird started his professional playing career aged 21 with local side Airdrieonians, who he joined from Dalry Thistle. A striker, he quickly gained a reputation as a prolific goal scorer. In 1957 Leeds United signed him for £12,000 but he only stayed one season in England. In 1958 Aberdeen paid a then club record transfer fee of £11,500 to ensure his return north. He stayed with Aberdeen until 1962 making 86 appearances for the "Dons".

Baird continued playing for another 4 years following his departure from Pittodrie, enjoying brief spells with Brechin City and Highland League sides Deveronvale and Rothes before retiring from football aged 36 to become a bricklayer.

International Cap

Baird made one appearance for the Scottish national side in May 1956 at Hampden Park against Austria. He only received his International Cap in 2006 due to SFA rules at that time that only allowed Caps to be awarded to players who appeared against a Home Nation.

Baird died in Aberdeen aged 76.