Jim Torbett, SURVIVOR of the Boys Club beast, has vowed to take Celtic to court, even though the club is trying to settle the victims’ legal claims behind closed doors.
The brave Gordon Woods spoke out after it emerged that Parkhead bosses were in personal talks with lawyers for former football stars abused by Torbett, 76, and Frank Cairney, 88.
If the terms are agreed, this resolution could end a “class action. “
But last night, Gordon, 69, said: “My purpose has been to face Celtic F. C. in court and be held accountable for the decades of suffering inflicted on victims.
Gordon, who has waited more than 50 years for justice, says the potential deal offered by Celtic is “a fundamental change” but will not possibly silence him.
He was attacked by Celtic Boys Club paedophile founder Jim Torbett in 1967 and recounted his “long, arduous and painful” struggle as Parkhead bosses to take part in negotiations with survivors.
Torbett, 76, was sentenced to three years in prison in April for attacking Gordon, his third conviction for child abuse.
He is already serving six years of criminal sentence for sexual crimes against children.
More than 20 victims of Torbett and former Boys Club director Frank Cairney, 88, are represented through Thompsons Solicitors in a “class action lawsuit” against Celtic, which has consistently denied any official links to the breeding club.
But this week it emerged that Parkhead bosses had “indicated their intention” to participate in the negotiations.
Gordon, from Glasgow, told the Scottish Sun newspaper that any settlement should be accompanied by an apology and a guarantee that victims would be informed.
He said: “This is a fundamental change from an organisation that has had 50 years to do this. If Celtic really want to come to terms with those suffering and ease their pain, so be it.
“The relief of this pain will have to be accompanied by an apology, but the gulf between Celtic accepting an out-of-court settlement and a ruling ordering them to reach an agreement is huge. The stories of those suffering have yet to be revealed, he said.
“If Celtic need to include confidentiality agreements and gag orders in their regulations, to me that means Celtic will pay a sum of cash to remain silent.
“That’s not what the rules are about. Any deal that comes will be for the victims, not for Celtic to keep history hidden. “
Gordon, who waived his right to anonymity, spoke after posting a message on X, formerly Twitter, about a possible deal.
The message shared with thousands of fans on Tuesday read: “This long, arduous and painful fight for justice has never been a monetary reward. My aim has been, and continues to be, to take Celtic FC to bear in court and prove to the law that they have been and continue to be responsible.
“Nondisclosure agreements or gag orders are an option. “
Gordon on the verge of suicide after indecent attacks on Torbett’s car, apartment and shop in Glasgow.
At least nine men with links to the host club, which Celtic says is a separate entity, have been convicted or questioned by police over alleged attacks on young footballers.
Thompsons said this week that Celtic had declared their duty or made formal concessions.
A Celtic spokesman said: “Celtic’s lawyers continue to investigate and discuss these cases with lawyers representing those who suffered abuse at Celtic Boys Club.
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