Tributes pour in for Tommy Burns

Published on Thursday 15 May 2008 10:27

TRIBUTES today poured in for Celtic legend Tommy Burns who has lost his long-running battle with cancer at the age of 51.

The club's first-team coach originally contracted skin cancer in 2006. Although he received treatment and had looked to have beaten the disease, it returned in March.

Burns had been undergoing treatment in both Glasgow and in France in recent weeks.

A statement on Celtic's official website confirmed the news of Burns' death.

"It is with great sadness that Celtic Football Club confirmed this morning that Tommy Burns had passed away.

"Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man will be sadly missed by us all. Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Tommy's wife Rosemary and his family at this extremely difficult time."

Burns played more than 350 games for Celtic and represented Scotland on eight occasions during an illustrious playing career.

He also managed Celtic, Kilmarnock and Reading and had a spell as assistant manager with the Scotland national side.

Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert, a close friend of Burns, said: "Even though you knew he wasn't too good, when you hear (of his death) it's still a massive, massive shock.

"It's a great loss, no doubt about it. He was just a terrific guy to have known. I worked under him for a few years with the national team and it's just a sad, sad loss."

Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell, who won the 1967 European Cup with Celtic, was also quick to praise Burns.

"He was a tremendous player and a great manager. And a great person," said Gemmell.

"I don't think you will find anyone on this earth who will say a bad word about him. My feelings go out to Rosemary and his family. It is a very sad occasion for someone so young. It's a sad loss."

Celtic chairman John Reid described Burns as a man of "true integrity and dignity" whose death would be mourned by everyone connected with the club.

The former Home Secretary said on the club's official website: "The passing of Tommy Burns is devastating news and my sincere and heartfelt sympathies go to Rosemary and Tommy's family.

"Tommy is someone who was loved by so many of us. He was a man of true integrity and dignity. As a Celtic player, manager and coach, Tommy served Celtic with distinction and true professionalism.

"He was a true gentleman and someone who had the ability to connect and engage with anyone he met."