after returning to hearts in 1948 and playing several seasons of reserve-team football, glidden made his debut in november 1951 against queen of the south. although he played as a right-back on that occasion, it was as right-half that he gained a regular role in the first team later that season. in 1954 hearts' bobby dougan sustained the second serious injury of his career and required a cartlidge operation. after covering for dougan during his enforced lengthy absence, glidden took over the position on a permanent basis. he was part of the side that ended hearts 48-year trophy drought by winning the 1954-55 league cup and captained the team to scottish cup victory in 1955-56, a moment he recalls as the "sweetest" in his footballing career.