Burns, Tommy – Plaque at Celtic Park

A sculpted plaque to commemorate the life of Celtic legend Tommy Burns was unveiled at Parkhead before the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Kilmarnock today. The former Hoops' player and manager died of cancer in May 2008. Burns' children, Jonathan, Michael, Emma and Jenna were at the ceremony with Jonathan unveiling the 'relief' – as the form of sculpture is known – on a wall near the entrance to the stadium.

Around 1,000 Celtic fans turned up early to hear Celtic chairman John Reid say: 'It is very fitting that Tommy takes his rightful place at Celtic Park. 'He rose from a boy in the crowd to become a true Celtic great.' Chief executive Peter Lawwell was also present along with Lisbon Lions Billy McNeill, Bobby Lennox, Bertie Auld, Jim Craig and Tommy Gemmell. Former team-mate and close friend, Billy Stark, added: 'I can speak for everybody when I say Tommy was a fantastic player and a fantastic man. 'It was an honour and privilege to know him.'

Plaque unveiled at Parkhead to remember Celtic legend Tommy Burns

The former Celtic player and manager died of cancer in May 2008. Burns' children, Jonathan, Michael, Emma and Jenna were at the ceremony with Jonathan unveiling the relief – as the form of sculpture is known – on a wall near the entrance to the stadium.

Around 1,000 Celtic fans turned up early to hear Celtic chairman John Reid say: "It is very fitting that Tommy takes his rightful place at Celtic Park. He rose from a boy in the crowd to become a true Celtic great."

Chief executive Peter Lawwell was also present along with Lisbon Lions Billy McNeill, Bobby Lennox, Bertie Auld, Jim Craig and Tommy Gemmell.

Former team-mate and close friend, Billy Stark, added: "I can speak for everybody when I say Tommy was a fantastic player and a fantastic man. It was an honour and privilege to know him."

celtic legend tommy burns honoured

Newsroom Staff
CELTIC Football Club is delighted to announce the unveiling of a plaque in honour of Tommy Burns, one of its greatest ever players and finest servants.

The plaque, or 'relief' as this form of sculpture is known, will be positioned at the Main South Stand entrance to Celtic Park.

The bronze sculpture shows the three stages of Tommy's career with Celtic Football Club – the young, talented, exciting player that all Celtic fans came to love, as manager enjoying Scottish cup victory in 1995 and an image of Tommy in later life, when he was the club's first team coach and Head of Youth Development.

The three stages of Tommy's life at the club are also set against a backdrop of Tommy's strong faith, with the sculpture framed by an image of the doors of St. Mary's Church, Calton – a place so important to Tommy throughout his life and the Church where thousands came to mourn his passing in May 2008.

Speaking on behalf of the Burns family, Tommy's daughter, Jenna said: "As a family we know more than anyone how much our dad dedicated his life to Celtic as he had such a great love for the club and its supporters.

“He knew exactly what it meant to be associated with such a special club and felt truly blessed that it was a major part of his life and that he could live his dream here every day.

“We are sure that he would very humbled at the fact he is taking his place beside Brother Walfrid, Jimmy Johnstone and Jock Stein, people who have played a huge role in Celtic’s history.

“We are extremely proud of our Dad for being the person that he was and living his life the way it should be lived, by doing this he was in our opinion a great representative for Celtic and this honour today recognises that…we are all very grateful for this gesture.”

Celtic Chairman John Reid commented: “It is very fitting that Tommy takes his rightful place at the steps of Celtic Park.

“As I have said before, Tommy Burns will forever be remembered as one of the club's greatest sons. Tommy's warmth, generosity and personality crossed all boundaries and his death hit all within the wider Celtic family like no other.

“As a player, manager and coach, Tommy gave his life to the club and it is something which the club will forever be so grateful for. It is fitting that the sculpture we unveil today reflects such an enduring association with the club.

“Indeed, it was vitally important that Tommy was honoured outside his beloved Celtic Park, where our many thousands of supporters who enjoyed such a great bond with him and loved him so dearly, can now pay their respects.

"To have Tommy a part of Celtic for so many years, was a true privilege. He was a man who lifted the spirits of all around him, a man whose humanity and integrity was an example to us all.

“Like no other player, Tommy Burns loved this club – Tommy will always be Mr. Celtic. Moreover, he was indeed one of the finest men I have had the honour of meeting.

"While we all continue to miss Tommy immensely, today is an opportunity for us to once again celebrate the life of a true Celtic great."