A striking photograph from more than 50 years ago haunts a victim of Celtic Boys’ Club child sex beast Jim Torbett to his core.

Gordon Woods never played for the club after being told he wasn’t good enough in the late 60s but was instructed to keep coming to training by Torbett so he could be preyed on.

The photo has now emerged showing a young Gordon holding a trophy he had no right to claim. Torbett is seen smiling in the rear, while famous Celts pose with the players.

But Gordon was the player who never was and, instead of playing even once, he was repeatedly sexually abused by Torbett.

Two attacks happened in a toy shop in north Glasgow while, he believes, the shop owner was watching.

Now Gordon says he feels “abused again, again and again” over Celtic FC’s claim it was a “separate entity” from the youth set-up.

(Image: Daily Record)

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by anyone in the photo – other than Torbett. But Gordon, now in his 60s, believes the image is proof Celtic FC can no longer credibly claim the “separate entity” position.

In the photo he is seen, bottom right, holding the trophy along with other young boys.

Gordon said: “I was a target from my very first experience with Celtic Boys’ Club. I’m photographed holding a trophy I had no involvement in winning but my abuser wanted me in the photograph.

“I am seen standing, a frequent event, with the Celtic manager, the Celtic chairman, Jim Torbett and the Celtic European Cup-winning captain.

“I now think my abuser wanted the photograph as his own ‘trophy’.” And he said of the photo: “This surely ridicules Celtic’s stance of separate entity. Their statement is outrageous and calculated prevarication. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“The dream I was promised had nothing to do with ability – my trial ended in failure, with only my abuser allowing me a reprieve. It has morphed into a nightmare of massive proportions.

“Every boy who signed for Celtic Boys’ Club knew they were getting involved directly with Celtic FC.

(Image: Channel 4)

“We were joining the Celtic family. We had the respect of our families, parents and siblings, who were so proud and excited one of their own had an opportunity with Celtic FC.

“I was involved in Celtic Boys’ Club games at Parkhead and received complimentary stand tickets for Celtic matches regularly. I was often in the company of Celtic officials and players. These facts only endorsed our beliefs that we were Celtic FC.”

He added: “The effect of the abuse I suffered at Celtic Boys’ Club has been overwhelming since I decided to come forward to the Daily Record.

“I came forward after 50 years knowing I was strong enough to make known my abhorrent experiences.

“I am more determined than ever, regardless, to see the fight for justice continue until those to blame are uncovered and apologies issued.”

Gordon said he was “eventually thrown out of the club” and “discarded for asking for the abuse to end”.

He added: “Celtic FC’s persistent denial has left victims feeling abused again and again and again, not just physically, but increasingly mentally.”

At the High Court in Glasgow in November 2018, boys’ club founder Torbett, 72, was jailed for six years after being convicted of sexually abusing three boys over eight years.

In response, Celtic FC referred us to their statement of February 26, which said it “is very sorry that these events took place”.

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It added: “With regard to the allegations regarding historic abuse at Celtic Boys’ Club, although Celtic Football Club is a separate organisation, we take these extremely seriously because of the historic contacts between the two organisations.

"The club will stand by its responsibilities, respecting the due process of law.”