tributes pour in for a celtic hero

Paul Cuddihy
THE tributes to Tommy Burns have continued to flood into Celtic Park, with former Celtic chairmen Brian Quinn and Fergus McCann both paying their own respects to the Hoops legend.

Brian Quinn said: “My recollection of Tommy Burns was formed over three different stages.

“Firstly I observed Tommy Burns as a player. He was skilful, elegant and 100 per cent committed to the team. Tommy was a creative force in Celtic and Scotland teams over many years.

“Secondly, when I joined the Board, Tommy was manager of Celtic.  He was an idealist and a visionary in the sense that he had a clear idea of how Celtic should play.

“For me and for many Celtic supporters he proved that winning is not necessarily everything. There is style, quality and integrity of performance. Tommy brought pride to Celtic supporters by managing teams which showed how well the game can be played.

“Thirdly, when he accepted the job of overseeing Celtic’s youth development we, the board, knew he could do it with total commitment and dedication. The results are evident in the success of our programme in discovering and developing new young players.

“He had not only the medals to show his pedigree but was also an ideal role model for the young players who came under his care.

“No-one could fail to be impressed by his personal standards of how you should conduct yourself. He was a hero.

And Fergus McCann issued a statement regarding the sad and premature death of Tommy Burns.
Fergus said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Tommy's death. I pray for the repose of his soul and for strength for his wife Rosemary and their children.

“Tommy had a fine career and every Celtic supporter and Scottish football fan will have their own special memories of a man whose life was dedicated to his family, to the game of football and in particular to Celtic Football Club. Those memories will live on.”