Club, fans and media unite on Tommy Burns
Thanks to everyone for leaving such fine
sentiments today. They were a compelling
reminder that not all people are the same and that some even manage to be an
inspiring example to the rest of us.
We lost a fine example of how life should
be led today, so maybe you and I should aspire to fill the gap.
I
thought Peter Lawwell spoke well on
our behalf and the media, as they often do on occasions like this, came into
their own. For future reference, illness
does not need to be reported regularly or in detail, or in pictures.
Well done to the Rangers fans who paid their respects
at Celtic Park today. They've endured
international condemnation over the last 24 hours and it's going to get tougher
still in the weeks to come, including on these pages, but they are a credit to
their club.
Gordon Strachan lost a close friend today and it showed. I heard he left Celtic Park after the recent
3-2 win over Rangers and instead of celebrating went straight to St Mary's in
the Calton where he lit a candle and prayed for his ill friend. You don't need to be born a Celtic fan to be
Celtic minded; maybe spending time around Tommy Burns is enough.
I will establish a prominent link to the
previous article so if you would like to leave an enduring message please do so
there.
I'll leave you tonight with words from our
friend, Estadio:
"Many many times in my years stretching out the seconds minutes hours and days
as I wander across God's sod, I have tasted the joyful sweet tears of victory,
the bitter acid tears of defeat and the defiant cold-steel tears of
determination.
In only a few cases have I ever
experienced the kaleidoscope of sadness, laughter, admiration, regret and
inspiration that comes with the passing of Tommy.
Celtic Park this morning was like one of those time lapse photographs speeded
up even more than normal, as scarf after scarf, bouquet after bouquet, banner
after banner, and tribute after tribute gradually consumed the railings and
pavings surrounding Brother Walfrid culminating in a massive white standard
laid out across the small car park outside East Main Stand, bearing an
Celtic-green inlaid image of Tommy and the simple but revealed truth - 'Tommy
Burns Celtic legend'.
As this huge emotional jigsaw of respect, farewell and love flowered in front
of my eyes, the sadness was palpable! As I walked past the tributes and thought
of Tommy running to the crowd I smiled and laughed. As I looked at the pictures
of him as a boy growing to a man but always a bhoy, I grasped again the
admiration. And as I read the words written by a thousand hands on Celtic,
Rangers, Kilmarnock, and St Mirren colours and remembered in turn his own
words, I breathed deeply as I sensed again the inspiration that he provided to so
many youngsters that have passed through the doors of Celtic Park, of
Barrowfield, and now of Lennoxtown.
And then as the cameras and radio mikes behind me swung into action and the
victims for 'just a few words' were summoned and asked 'what are your memories
of Tommy', all those emotions and memories of my own became no more than a blur
as I tried to think just what I would say if anyone was daft enough to ask me
(they weren't!).
I was stuck for words!
I just couldn't come up with a coherent view of Tommy as a player, a manager, a
coach or even as a man, without seeing him in the context of the club whose
founder and home towered above and in front of me, and it was as I stared at
Brother Walfrid that I suddenly knew just what I remembered of Tommy.
For 120 years football has been played by those sporting the colours of Celtic
Football Club at the current ground and the previous one just over the back
where the ginger factory now stands. During that 120 years, sometimes glorious,
sometimes desperate, sometimes victorious and sometimes vanquished, an
occasional man or woman of substance has arrived on the scene like a shaft of
sunlight on the dullest of days to illuminate and remind us of exactly why any
of us are bothered about this club, why it ever mattered in the first place and
why it should matter in the future.
Few lights have shone brighter than Tommy, and none have lit up so many dark
corners for so long as he has done in is all-too-brief 51 years, and none came
with the smile, the laugh, the raised hand and the unbowed shoulders that said
to us all, 'this matters you know, this club means something, how we represent
this club means as much, and how we represent ourselves is the foundation upon
which the first two are built'!
But there was more.
Tommy Burns as a player was also Tommy Burns the supporter.
Tommy was no badge kisser; he never needed to be one.
Tommy was no chest-thumper; he never needed to be one.
Tommy was devoid of platitudes; he never needed to spout them.
Think now of Celtic Park and European nights in particular. Think of the
support - the twelfth man.
Think how, as backs to the wall, the passion, desire, and urging of the whole
ground in full song inject adrenalin into those who may not fully understand
this club, and how they suddenly produce that extra step, that extra leap, that
extra sprint to pull the rabbit of victory from the dark deep depths of defeat!
Tommy never needed that support from the terraces and stands!!
Tommy had his own Celtic support system raging like a furnace inside him and
even in the lowest silent moments of our despair that burning desire lit up his
team-mates and lit up the crowd and the fire would spread on a breeze of
confidence, pride and perseverance.
Victory or defeat? It didn't matter. We knew who Tommy was and he knew who we
were.
We were the same! It was just that he was
better at being the same than we could ever manage!
And for those who say that Tommy's passing
demonstrates just how unimportant football really is, could I just say that
somehow Im not sure that Tommy would have totally agreed!
The power of football, the dream that is Celtic and the smiddies of poverty in
which they were forged, enthralled, captured and inspired in Tommy Burns the
desire, determination, and imagination to become the man that we all grew to
cherish.
At the core of his soul was his Catholic faith, but a faith that was not
exclusive or blinkered; a faith whose true founding principles of faith, love
and charity guided just about every step of his waking life, and a faith that
nurtured the seeds of respect that he had for colleagues, opponents, and peers
from every walk of life.
I know that undoubtedly Tommy would have been the same man even without
football! But without football, I doubt if he would have been known by so many
for the man that he was. More importantly I doubt he would have influenced so
many to become the people that they now are, and left a legacy that enriches so
many people worldwide.
To me Tommy Burns did not just epitomise Celtic, Tommy was someone through whom
you could view the essence of Celtic and in Celtic you could see the reflection
of Tommy! After all how many can say that they supported, played for, managed,
coached and represented this club. All of those who did were and are giants and
Tommy was and always will be a giant among even them, for he did all that and
even more.
And so as I close my eyes to think again of what my memories of Tommy Burns are
and just how I would answer such a question, I can see my own minds-eye
appearing as a u-tube video!
There's a brash young smiling red-haired
Glaswegian running towards me across the Celtic Park turf, hand raised in
triumph, his stride shortening as he looks around at the cheering and rapturous
crowd; the colours on his top begin to fade and his garments are gradually
replaced by club suit and tie; his hair fades from that brilliant red to a
distinguished grey, and a hundred different players hug him and he hugs them as
he takes another step towards me standing at first in the jungle and then out
of my seat beneath a towering north stand; a change again to a track suit and
as Dalglish becomes Aitken and then Stubbs and then De Canio and finally
McDonald, McGeady, Boruc and Caldwell, with one almighty leap, as Celtic get to
the Champions' League again, he flies through the air to land on the pyramid of
celebrations!
Is it a bird?
Is It a Plane?
Is it Superman?
"Naw - It's Tommy Twists, Tommy Turns, Tommy Burns!"
Thanks for the smile Tommy! Thanks for the memory! But most of all just thanks!
I'll be seein you wan day!
Hail Hail
Estadio"
1st?
k13rdo, that’s the kind of man we’ve lost.
Welcome RoughBoundsBhoy.
Theplanner, thanks for that, and for the excellent story about your Mother.
An excellent idea; our friends at Sixtee7.com have nominated MacMillan, who do excellent work in Scotland.
Does anyone know how best to arrange donations to MacMillan?
Welcome Whiteybhoy.
I have to say The Herald has truly surpassed itself with it's 'slideshow' tribute. A wonderful tribute.
Number 14 will make you smile.
44-46 will make you nod your head.
Number 18 will have you in tears, like me right now.
What a fitting tribute no more needs to be said.
REST IN PEACE TOMMY
evening all..
first chance Ive had to post today..like others was heading for work to give the wildebeast what for when I got the text about Tommy Burns..devasted with the news..
been some cracking stuff on here today with folks memories of TB and Ive just about managed to keep a lid on it, but when I watched the press conference and then the pictures of WGS.. fraid
I just wept..
Only met him twice..both times he came to visit a mate of mine in the western who had kidney trouble..TB always brightened up his day on the numerous occasions that he visited during my mates lengthy hospital stay..he would always come with stuff like signed posters/programmes/pennants etc for him..
One day he turned up with one of his old european tops with the bold number 10 on the back and gave it to my mate..it meant so much to him to get that jersey..
Over time my mates condition gradually deteriorated and he died in early 2000..he was buried wearing that strip..
Tommy Burns RIP
YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE
PAUL, ESTADIO
That was so so beautifully put, His total Catholic Christian principles would have made Brother Walfrid immensely proud.
I,m off to Bed now well done to Rangers fans today they done their club proud.
Good night all I,m emotionally shattered.
I will say it again
I,m so so proud that Tommy Burns had a passion for the club we all love.
I want to say a quick thank you to Paul 67 for all his contributions today
I also want to say Thank you also to everyone that posted re Tommy today it has been an absolute pleasure reading all of the tributes to MR CELTIC.
Good night
Hail Hail Roccobhoy.
Paul,
It's pretty easy to donate to MacMillan on line as a one off.
Or I'm sure that something a little bigger could be worked out with their fundraising staff.
Off the top of my head, I'm thinking that there are several hundred people on this site who I'm sure would be willing to make a donation. That would add up to a tidy sum.
Now I'm sure a wee bit of publicity could be gatehred for a donation to MacMillan in Tommy's memory and that we could perhaps get someone from the club to present a cheque?
If you think there is something in this, I would be happy to be involved. I'm off to bed now but drop me an e-mail tomorrow.
hi paul and everyone one the CQN. im a long long time lurker but felt i had to join up officially tonight. ive cried all night and i never met tommy but you just knew he was one of the best. its a tragic loss for everyone especially tommy's family but the depth of feeling/admiration/ancedotes/respect across the board and particularly on here helps cushion the blow in a small comforting way. tonight makes me incredibably proud to support celtic football club. paul.. keep up the good work my man.. (good job the cooncil i work for does not allow me to acess site from work or i would get no work done at all !
The funeral arrangements are enormously fitting. In case anyone has not seen them on the Celtic FC website:
The funeral of Tommy Burns will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at St. Mary's Church, Abercromby Street, Calton, Glasgow. The Requiem Mass will begin at 12noon.
St. Mary's is a parish which Tommy was extremely close to personally. St. Mary's Church Hall was also the birthplace of Celtic Football Club, when in November 1887, Brother Walfrid along with others discussed the establishment of a football club to feed the poor in the East End of Glasgow.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions on seating at the church, access to the service will be predominantly for family, friends and club representatives and there will only be very limited public access.
Following the Requiem Mass, the funeral cortege will pass by the Main Stand at Celtic Park where supporters will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Tommy Burns.
Dear All,
Off to bed now...too much Guiness already passed my lips...
I loved the idea of lobbying for a change to the 'Lennoxtown' name in honour of TB...any mileage in this? I know it's raw emotion today, but I'd like our under 16's right up to our first team to see TB's name every time they break out into a sweat...
Inspiration...of the right sort. Let's see what happens...
Gagsy from previous thread
sky listings for Celtic TV sky 436 have no mention of the Green Room being repeated, though imagine it will.
The Birthday Bhoys - re: centenary season - scheduled to be repeated tonight Friday @ 10:30 pm, also Monday @ 10:00 pm.
Ive Just watched the 3 press conferences together. We had 3 people showing how much Tommy meant to them.
A big Hand for our captain who has taken a bit of stick recently he handled himself well especially considering his young age. If I remember correctly he done the same for Phil.
God bless and good night to all of the Celtic family
superb superb superb tribute
Brilliant tribute Estadio-sums up the man to a tee.
Re my comment at the end of the previous thread I clearly erased 1976 completely from my mind!
Paul agree with your comments re Rangers fans -many have shown true class on a difficult day for themselves.Tommy I am sure would have been very proud.
roccobhoy,
saddened even further tonight after reading that 1st?
Surely this is the time to put an end to the podium and put Tommy Burns 1st where he belongs!
gsu
RIP Mr Celtic.
A true gentleman, a family man and a man of the people. One of us.
You'll be sadly missed Tommy, thanks for the wonderful memories.
Brian.
Just watched the Gordon Strachan press conference.He has laughed every day since he joined Celtic.(I expect that's been because he's been priviledged to be in Tommys company for most of that time).Gordon,you done us proud today.Hope you stay for at leat 4 in a row.Tommy R.I.P.
God bless you and your family Tommy, now and forever.
Dick Byrne @ 8:32, it must break your heart all over again to type that. I don't know you, but my thoughts are sincerely with you too
Gagsy,
The full listings from tonight are repeated during the day tomorrow, starting from 9am ( the programmes all have the wrong titles, but it will be in there.
Lets not forget Tommy's love for Football and our club.Nothing would be a more fitting monument to the man than winning this title and showing up our Nations Shame for what they really are.
Let's put our hands in our pockets and make a difference to people lives.
Donating to MacMillan only takes a few seconds. A one off donation can be done here
One off donation link
A direct debit can be quickly set up here.
Monthly Direct Debit
The price paid to Setanta can be avoided with a decent internet connection and the right web links. If anyone is having issues doing this I will be happy to help in order for the monthly fee to go to something far more worthwhile.
Like everyone else here I feel gutted by what has happened today but I also feel inspired by a great man.
Tommy transcended bitterness and rivalry and leaves me feeling humble and immensely proud to think that a man that great held Celtic football club in such high regard so close to his heart.
Hail Hail.
P.B.J. WhoseNameDoesNotSeemAppropriateRightNow
As i was reading peoples thoughts on tributes to Tommy, i thought that one for him could be to do what Motherwell did for Phil O'Donnell & put his signature on our hooped top, maybe even only for our game against Dundee Utd. The sight of Tommy's name on their shirt would inspire our bhoys to do what he did so many times, winning the league trophy.
Just a wee thought from one Celtic fan to another.
Goodnight & God Bless You Tommy.
" YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE "
Mark McGhee said it best tonight: Tommy Burns embarrassed you into being a better person.
I'm sure many Celtic fans woke up this morning with a glint in their eye and a smile, all ready to get tore into their Rangers-supporting workmates.
Then the news came through . . . and suddenly it wasn't important any more.
Then we saw Rangers fans stop off at Celtic Park on their way back from Manchester; and suddenly respect replaced hate.
Tommy Burns did that.
Then I saw Gordon Strachan, clearly emotional, relating how he'd been with Tommy only a few hours before his death. His words were beautiful and clearly from the heart.
He was clearly a close friend of Tommy Burns. And to have been accorded that privilege, he must be a pretty decent human being.
That's when I felt embarrassed as I recalled, with a cringe, some of the terrible things I'd written and said about our manager.
And that's when I remembered that horrible, un-Celtic moment at the end of the Motherwell game at Parkhead when a minority belted out a vile chant about our manager.
Hopefully, some of those who sang that day will now feel embarrassed, too.
I feel today has drawn Gordon Strachan closer into the Celtic family, and drawn the Celtic family closer to him.
Tommy Burns did that.
Even in the sad, sad hours after his passing, he has embarrassed us into being better human beings. And better Celtic fans.
In future, whenever you need to know the course of action you should take in a situation, ask yourself this:
What would Tommy Burns have done?
You'll be the better for it.
May he rest in peace.
Nite, Tam
X
Left this at the tail-end of the last thread but I screwed up the link, so I'll try again.
I find these words to be very appropriate in these circumstances.
Wind Beneath My Wings
pablophanque
Paul67,
TB death has really hit GS very hard. I think a lot of people underestimated the closeness of the two them. Sounded like GS relied a lot on TB in the begining. TB having been threw it all himself has enabled him to guide Gordon on certain aspects he probably found difficult himself as well as other problems associated with the job.
I was proud our manager today. He done the club proud by managing hold everything togther and speak about his friend. I also believe that each and every passing day and unfortunate circumstances that have happened over the past couple of years like Jinky, Phil and now Tommy has shown how special and close club we are and he actually feels immense pride that he's manager of a great club.
"You don't need to be born a Celtic fan to be Celtic minded"
sums up perfect for me mate. Gordon we are proud to have you. Long may it continue!!
Let's get behind our manager and players in what will be a difficult game next week given the circumstances today. Regardless of the outcome let's make it a celebration of a great man(Tommy Burns) and show his close friend(Gordon Strachan our manager)why we are such a special club and give him the necessary support he needs while getting over this difficult time as well.
Paul67,
Give tht £20 note a wee rub on Saturday at 12:30pm.
paul 67
Stunningly put.
God bless Tommy Burns
JohnBhoy 12.43
Exactly.
Sorry previous post did not work link for DD to macmillan is
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Donate/Direct_debit/Set_up_a_direct_debit.aspx
One off payment is
https://secure.macmillan.org.uk/donateonline/donations.aspx?cde=default
JohnBhoy,well said.The manager was hurting big time today,but still faced the cameras.Leadership in abundance-MANAGER-CAPTAIN-CHIEF EXEC-Proud of them.We are the 12th man & need to win this league now for Tommy.We have the right people in place.Let's all get together & deliver.Tommy YNWA.
hail hail !!!
im sure st peter will be waiting at the gates for you tommy holding them wide open ushering you in to paradise........hope to see you one day
thankyou from a 35year old man with tears in his eyes after reading all this tonight
WGS,
Well put.
Hopefully our manager will hear his name being chanted next Thursday as well as Tommy's.
That was a wonderful post Paul & Estadio.
As a club I think we have had more tragic moments than most. We've had a lot of sad and troubling times in the last decade alone with the deaths of Tommy, Phil, Murdoch and Jinky, we've also had the threatening illnesses of Morten Wieghorst and Alan Stubbs. Not to mention the less tragic but still upsetting moments such as John Kennedy's possibly career ruining injury. I'm sure that have been others moments which I have missed as well. I think my point is that our reactions to each of these moments highlight what a family our club is. We unite in times of adversity and we appreciate our own and in a sense I see Tommy as the Godfather figure for our club. His spirit will oversee the club for eternity alongside the other greats and I think Tommy would be happy with the idea that he managed to bring the Celtic family closer together.
Something strange happened to me last night. I didn't go to bed until around 2/3am and before going to bed my mood took a dramatic change. Earlier I had been watching with glee and horror at the antics of Rangers fans, I was feeling quite satisfied that the world had finally been exposed to what they've always been like.
My good mood changed quite quickly though and I found myself dropped into an unexplainable low which I still cannot explain now. I don't really believe in the supernatural and it's unlikely that I sensed the bad news coming, so maybe it was a realisation that I don't want hate to be in this world and neither do I want to enjoy seeing the hate of others being exposed. It also brought about a depressing through that the nation which i belong to has been tarnished.
Despite this when I woke up this morning I turned my laptop on with a renewed eagerness to find out what the aftermath of last night was and I was looking forward to finding out what sactions will be taken against them. What I got I didn't expect though and was hit by this sad news which put me instantly into tears which I have came back on a number of occassions today as I have read everyones wonderful stories.
Like many others I have felt ashamed of myself for the hate I have for Rangers. Tommy definitely embarrassed you into being a better person, he had an uncanny knack for reminding you that your priorities are in the wrong place. Tragic moments bring the most unlikely of people together, today we have seen a number of tributes being shown towards a Celtic man from the otherside of the divide. I'm not foolish enough to think that it will last forever but I think it's a beautiful though that Tommy can unite us all and proving that a undeniable good can prosper.
As the saying goes, 'no man is bigger than the club', but no-one ever did, or ever will, come as close as Tommy Burns.
RIP Tommy
Derryglas, DeniaBhoy Dick Byrne, cosvaldo and others ….. no words, extraordinary people.
Take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
nice photo tribute by the herald, I take my hat off to the rangers supporters there to pay tribute to a true celtic legend, it shows us that in times like this football takes second place. RIP Tommy, you will be sadly missed.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=6I8hF9TTkkk
watched the tribute show on celtic tv earlier tonight,the video at the end was very emotional especially the footage of Tommy throwing his boots into the Jungle and blowing kisses to the crowd.The tears were running down my face.
Mr Celtic
Hail Hail
I landed in Atlanta this afternoon and phoned my wife and she passed on the devestating news.
I didn't know Tommy but I met him once. He was Celtic and Celtic was Tommy.
I remember a Tommy Burns Supper in Edinburgh...despite plenty lookouts Tommy managed to wander into Teviot Row and up to the banquet hall without anyone noticing. All the other invited guests including Billy McNeil and Jim Craig were in the bar having a right old laugh.
Tommy was spotted chatting with big Jackie McNamara and I was the only committe member in the main hall so I had to go over...and speak...to bloody Tommy Burns...the same guy who when I was 10 scored one of the best goals ever at Tannidice on the way to winning the league that night...
What do you say to the guest of honour? "Eh..Tommy? Does anyone know you're here?"..."No son"..."Ah...well you're no supposed to be here...better come with me and I'll get you a drink..."
I'll cherish those Suppers.
Tommy Twists, Tommy Turns, Tommy Burns!
So so sad. I've never doubted the capability of Rangers fans to be as humane as us, I am so glad that they, along with all us Bhoys, Girls and other Scotsmen/women have fittingly shown their respect to a man such as Tommy. Comparisons are never fitting for the death of any life, but I will say that Tommy's passing leaves me with more sadness than the death of Mr Phil O'Donnell earlier in the seaon (who could have foreseen the deaths of two such 'Celtic-minded' men this season?), perhaps because of the cumulative effect of two such deaths within months of each other.
Estadio, it is inconceivable that you have not made millions from your gift to shape words into art that reflects what everyone else is thinking. You express the feelings of the majority before they even realise how they feel.
Paul67, this season for the forum has surely surpassed your original expectations of how Celticquicknews.co.uk would evolve, not only with your own regular reporting but with the increasingly profound meanderings from the multitude who post here.
Tommy Burns you will be missed. May we, the Celtic support, live to see a man or woman who will equal your effect on our club and lives.
JohnBhoy @12.43..
Thanks, for a fine post about someone we all felt we knew.
So well put.
Tommy Burns DID do all of that.
I know I looked at myself more closely today, and made sure I told those that matter to me how much they meant.
I can't better what you said, so thanks again.
HH
P67 - class today, pure class. I went straight to CP at 9 this morning and was blown away by the crowd - it was weird, I wanted to be amongst my own but wanted to be alone. Rangers fans came and went all day and were applauded by us as they left their tributes. There are good guys amongst them.
Tommy was invited to our club (Largs) dance in 1995 which turned out to be the night before the Cup Final! By 9pm he hadn't turned up so El Presidente Mick H - phoned him to chase him up- he was giving the team a final talk and took time to be sure that they were settled - he eventually turned up at 9.45 and was - well just TB - one of us. Next day big Pierre stuck it in the pockey and we've won the cup! TB's greatest fan was sitting next to me that day - Burnsey, and he fell to his knees and burst into tears when the final whistle went. Burnsey passed away 2 years ago and he was at the gates wi a mitre waiting on TB when he arrived this morning!!
This Club is a Family - times like this prove it.
Estadio - respect!
DavieL
The Scribe.
I hope you found writing that as cathartic as I did reading it. Thanks.
Yesterday afternoon I loudly & passionately cheered the defeat of our rivals.
It meant a lot to me. I am never usually emotional when watching a team other than Celtic.
I was sitting in my local next to a married couple visiting from manchester. Man U supporters.
I warned them what was to come for their home city....And that they had picked a good time to visit NY.
When I got home I smugly noted from news reports that I had been proved right.
A couple of Yankees fans I know had asked me why I was so worked up about seeing a team getting beat..
I tried to explain the importance of the result to me... & my team..
I tried to explain the negative energy of their support..
I tried to explain how many of their support are motivated by hate.
I tried to explain how they are portrayed in the media...
Tonight, I think back to yesterday afternoon and consider the possibility that i had been consumed with a little too much negative energy and hate myself.....And how I was portraying myself.
This after an evening reflecting on the Life and Character of Tommy Burns...
And the way he conducted himself as a Man..
I am embarrassed.
Mark McGhees' words struck a chord with me...
Big Time.
Rest in Peace Tommy Burns
Johnbhoy@12.43
Moving and very well said.
Tommy Burns lived and fulfilled the dream.
Player, manager, coach and fans' hero.
He also embodied the spirit that Brother Walfrid envisaged when Celtic were founded.
Celtic and Tommy Burns was a partnership made in heaven.
Working overseas since the late 70s, I didn't see Tommy play much.
I was introduced to him by my late friend, Kevin O'Donnel, when Celtic played a pre season friendly charity game at Broomfield to benefit the hospice, I think around the summer of '82 or '83.
After the game Tommy, he may have been injured at the time, was fussing around filling up and then carrying the team hamper from the pavilion to the bus, all the while chatting to everyone in hearing distance. Even then as an established young player he had no issues or ego about pitching in to help and be a part of the club.
Sadly both Tommy and Kevin were taken from us far too soon.
At least Kevin will whistle appropriately if Tommy goes down in the box.
God bless you both.
'GG
Very sad today. Tommy Burns one of my favorites growing up watching the bhoys. Thoughts go out to his family especially his wife and kids.
R.I.P Tommy, you will always be remebered!
The only way to finish off a wake in honour of, as someone said earlier, a gentleman and a gentle man.
Danny Bhoy
RIP Tommy.
'GG
Hi Paul
What a sad and strange day yesterday was.
Being on a high after the Rangers result, driving to work looking forward to a good day’s gloating and then hearing the sports news on the radio bringing us the sad news about Tommy. The much maligned Chick Young’s voice breaking with emotion.
My feelings of schadenfreude being replaced with guilt at the pettiness of it all.
Sitting at work reading the many tributes on this wonderful blog, tears welling up in my eyes.
Being stunned at the grief stricken face of Gordon Stachan. Don’t anyone ever again say that he’s not a Celtic man.
Back at home watching the news reports on tv, trying not to cry in front of my kids.
Listening to two wonderful shows on Radio Clyde and then Radio Scotland. I haven’t read the blog since yesterday afternoon, so I don’t know if anyone heard either of these programmes. The Clyde show, with Peter Martin, Hugh Keevins, Andy Walker and Graham Speirs was really touching. All telling stories about Tommy, the warmth of their friendship shining through. Whenever I hear Mack the Knife now I’ll think of Tommy.
Unlike many of you on this blog I never met Tommy. However I watched him closely since he first broke into the team in the mid 70’s. I remember raving about this young guy with the sweet left foot. We had someone as good as Liam Brady in our team.
One of my favourite Tommy performances from those days was a demolition of Dundee one cold February night in 1977. We anialated them 7-1, George McCluskey bagging a hat trick. Tommy was spraying beautiful passes everywhere that night. I thought with these 2 brilliant young men in the team, the good times would soon return.
Tommy’s performance’s back then where sheer class. I have a sentence etched in my memory from a match report by Ian Paul in the Herald, which captures them. Tommy had just returned from injury and was on the bench that day. I can’t remember who we were playing, but the match report summed up Tommy’s skill when he came on in the second half “ ….deft touches, back heelers and blind side passes of uncanny accuracy were all introduced to the game when Burns came on”.
What a horrible few months it’s been for the Celtic family. First Phil and then Tommy. I always remember that photograph of the pair of them when Tommy signed Phil for the club. Both of their faces beaming. Two guys living the dream.
What’s going on here god?
Why take these two good men so early?
My thoughts and prayers are with Tommy's wife and family.
For once i feel lost for words.
A great , great man and a legend in our times.
When we think of players over the last 10-15 years who may have been seen as legends and compare them to Tommy........to me thats what makes him stand head and shoulders above many.
A man who dedicated his love, devotion, faith and commitment to his family and Celtic.
To many of us THAT is our ultimate goal in life.
Tommy achieved that by putting his whole heart into everything he loved.
Thanks Tommy for making us feel humble and to make us know that we can strive to be a better person.
rest in peace tommy
A real legend
To me, Tommy Burns was the perfect example of how to live life and how to love life. The fact that he was one of us, made me all the more proud of him. He was the epitome of everything Celtic represents and his loss will be deeply felt for years to come.
CQN has once again excelled itself over the last 24 hrs, with some remarkable personal stories, moving tributes and magnificent definitions of a great man. Special mentions for Paul67, Estadio and Winningemmell, in that respect.
God bless, Tommy and thanks for the memories.
Estadio.
This is why i have referred to you as the genius before.
Outwardly,Tommy would have been humbly embarrassed by such word's.Inside ,i'm sure that he would be bursting with pride.
God Bless you Tommy Burns.
I pray that the loved ones that you have left behind ,can move from grief, to warm happy memories very quickly.
I loved Tommy Burns because he, like me, is a ginger! When I was growing up, I was too young to know/appreciate the '88 season, but I knew all about the '95 Scottish Cup win; Tommy was MY manger, just like Martin O'Neill is my nephew's generation's manager.
When I was younger, I was the 'only Ginger in the village' and I'd be taunted for it - still do! - some in gest, some not. One day I was taunted: Name one famous person who has ginger hair...
My reply: Tommy Burns!
The taunter sniggered and said "He's not even famous!"
I told him "Tommy Burns is the manager of Celtic. He's the most famous person in the world!" and I folded my arms, sat back and felt as proud and as smug to be a ginger!!
Only met the fella once, on his way to Mass in Barcelona on the day of the game in the Nou Camp. We drew 0-0 that night and went through. I remember thinking: He must have SERIOUS connections up there...
Great Herald tribute by the way.
Paul 67,Estadio and winningemmell (from last link) thank you,your tributes have been special,very very special.
Go in peace Tommy.
Somehow the news of Tommy’s death has left me feeling even more raw today than when I first heard the news. I posted my own, very inadequate, tribute to Tommy yesterday but Mark McGhee’s word that “Tommy embarrassed you into being a better person” have really struck a chord with me. Like many others Tommy’s death has made me have a very hard look at myself. I feel ashamed that I so wanted Rangers to lose the other night; Tommy wouldn’t have. I feel ashamed at the perverse pleasure I took that some of their fans disgraced themselves in a way that I hoped they would; Tommy wouldn’t have wanted that. If through his passing Tommy has made us pause and look at ourselves and think “Is there another way?” then his life, and his death, do have a point.
I only met Tommy twice and on one of those occasions, while in a private conversation with him, he told me that he admired me for something that I had done. I was not deserving of his admiration, he was twice the man I will ever be. But, if his passing motivates me, even in just a little way, to become the person that provoked his admiration, then my little bit of the world will be the better for it.
Thank you Tommy, and may you rest in peace.
Long time lurker but felt I had to join in the condolences.
Still can't get my head around Tommy Burns' death!
I'm so shocked by this sad news.
God rest his soul.
Thanks blantyretim for the heads up.
GG
In case no-one saw the trailer last night, just to confirm that there is a tribute to Tommy being shown tonight on STV at 10:30pm.
DF
GG No prob.
posted about this time yesterday when I heard the news. Still numb and i was in tears watching the grren room last night.
Thommy lived his life the way we all shouild and this world is a better place for having had the man. He will bw missed by people who knew him as well as those who didn't..
He was a very humble and honest man..
God bless Thommy Burns..RIP
I loved that team, of the late 70s, early 80s. They may have under-achieved in Europe, but on the home front they held their own during the last period the league was genuinely competitive.
They played some good stuff, fantastic attacking, real Celtic football from the likes of Mcgrain ,Aitken, Mcleod, Provan, Nicholas and Mcgarvey.
But Tommy was my the one I loved to watch, coolly running the left side of the pitch, ably assisted by his left back mucker Mark Reid. Always looking for the pass, the through ball which would unpick the opposition defence.
Funnily enough one of my strongest memories of him had an unfortunate ending- we were playing Dundee at CP and murdering them thanks to two sumptuous goals from CN and Tommy himself. In the second half he pulled a muscle, but refused to go off and Dundee scored. The game finished 2-2, and the points dropped helped Dundee United win the League that year.
Mcmillan do a lot of good work in cancer care but please also consider donating to Marie Curie Cancer Care who are peerless when it comes to offering patients and families practical help in these most difficult of times.
Morning all.
DBBIA, I think I was at that game, but believe it was the one in which Frank McGarvey scored a screamer. I had him and Tommy as the scorers in my memory’s Wee Red Book.
Seeing the tears in Gordon Strachan's eyes yesterday made me think
How can anyone say he is not a Celtic man
He may not have been previously, but the day he joined Celtic he became a Celtic man
THE moment that moved me most yesterday was seeing our manager play tribute to Tommy Burns. It epitomised for me all that Tommy stood for, all that Celtic will always stand for. I felt honoured that Gordon Strachan is our manager. I hope he continues for many a long year. He is Celtic through and through. I did not write this yeaterday because I did not want to detract in any way from what was being shared about Tommy.
I woke this moring to the thought about why Tommy is a legend for me. To me, he was the true Celtic player; he could pass the ball. That to me is the measure by which I judge a player. I don't wish to cause any controversy but he is up there with Paul McStay and Charlie Gallgher to me and that says it all. CLASS. May you rest in peace, Tommy.
C1st - you may be right. My memory is in a similar condition to a Mancunian large screen TV these days, but I thought Frank saved his screamers for the Buddies.
Perhaps WishawGalactico or Gordon will be able to shed light on this.
Paul
Your posts just get better and better, but harder to read with the lump I have in my throat.
I feel as if Tommy Burns and I were brothers, seperated at birth by different mothers. He was Mr Celtic, a man who epitomised our club, our feelings, our culture and our passion.
Till we meet again Tommy, I will always be thinking of you.
Billy McNeill always said there was a certain fairytale about our club - and hopefully this week will see the next chapter - but right now it feels like a curse. So often these days do we seem to have to face tragedy.
We still could dream of Tommy being the manager again and toppling Smith once and for all - just to make up for the pain of the 90's.
I've heard him described as Mr Celtic but for me that's slightly out, for me Tommy Burns was Celtic.
I'm glad we've such fine Celtic servants as Peter Lawwell, Stephen McManus and especially Gordon Strachan at the helm at this time. Next Sunday might just be a special Celtic day.
Speirs latest article:
A club with a poison at its core
Graham Spiers
Utterly predictably, the fate of Rangers is once again to find excitement on the field marred by loutishness and delinquency off it. Losing the Uefa Cup final in Manchester on Wednesday night was no disgrace for Walter Smith or his team, whose very presence at the game was a triumph in itself. Beyond the stadium, however, before and after the match, events told their own story of how accursed Rangers remain as a club.
Willie Waddell, a memorable Rangers manager of the early 1970s, whose team brought the 1972 European Cup Winners’ Cup back to Glasgow, once aimed the following simmering words in the direction of his club’s supporters: “It is to these tikes, hooligans, louts and drunkards that I pinpoint my message. It is because of your gutter-rat behaviour that we are being publicly tarred and feathered like this.”
After that European triumph of 36 years ago, Rangers were banned by Uefa for the rioting of their fans, causing Waddell to implode with rage. The blight of Rangers - defined by loutish behaviour and bigoted chanting among groups of supporters – is proving a durable social poison. Here we are four decades on, still lamenting the seemingly endemic way in which these supporters behave like primitives.
The chaotic scenes in Manchester on Wednesday night - a Zenit fan stabbed, rioting Rangers fans, and 15 policemen getting injured - were frightening to behold. Moreover, the footage released yesterday and shown on Sky News, of hundreds of Rangers fans charging at police and setting upon one who stumbled to the ground, will make the already weary Ibrox hierarchy cringe.
Rangers have a repeated get-out for these episodes: the script always says this is “just a small minority” of fans. Moreover, as incident upon incident passes with the club’s supporters - at Villarreal in 2006, in Pamplona in 2007 and now in Manchester in 2008 - it is always “heavy-handed policing” and not the Rangers fans themselves who are said to be the blame.
Well, this is no small minority of Rangers supporters, and nor are the Greater Manchester Police renowned for their truncheon-wielding brutality. Instead, this is a football club with a poison somewhere at its core.
Such scenes will enrage those legions of decent Rangers supporters who love their club and follow it with impressive ardour. The postmatch eruptions were all the more depressing on Wednesday because the vast Rangers support gathered inside the City of Manchester Stadium had created a brilliant spectacle of colour and noise, including many who stayed on to applaud the Zenit St Petersburg players on their 2-0 triumph.
Other aspects, however, were familiarly ugly. During the day before the match, and certainly in the drunken aftermath, there was too much evidence of the sort of primitivism that enraged Waddell 36 years ago. In particular, bigoted or sectarian chanting remains an excruciating pastime for too many Rangers supporters, despite repeated pleas by the club to give these anthems a rest. For two days in Manchester, if you were based in the city centre as I was, you woke up to these dirges in the morning and you went to sleep to them at night.
Since being punished by Uefa two years ago for such antics by their supporters, Rangers have hired PR people, as well as Kenny Scott, a seasoned and former high-ranking Glasgow policeman, to try to gouge out the social disease which has clamped itself to the club. Scott, in particular, knew very well the inherent dangers of 100,000 Rangers fans descending upon Manchester for the Uefa Cup final.
The downside of Rangers reaching such a prestigious game in as close an area as the north of England was that it was an open invitation for the club’s less impressive followers to display their capacity for drinking, aggression, and sectarian abuse. I would go so far as to say that Scott, as head of security at Rangers, will have been cringeing at the very prospect from the moment the club qualified for the final.
Some spoke yesterday of another Uefa investigation of Rangers, but this surely won’t occur. It is almost impossible for Uefa, however much they care about the image of football, to weigh in on such affairs as public disorder in the city centres of Britain.
But who has the answer to this blight? Can anyone offer Rangers a cure for this ugly delinquency which afflicts a sizeable group of their supporters?
Until that cure is found, the once-proud name of Rangers FC will always trigger thoughts of yobbishness and bigotry. The club, to be blunt, is paying a heavy price for its century-long antipathy towards signing Catholic players, a policy which planted this bitter harvest.
comment:
How about Celtic ? no secterian chantin from them?
or Zenit st Petersburgh no racial taunts aimed at black players? a hint of rangers bashing here.
If the history of hate and rivalry wasnt there between teams I think we would experience a sterile atmosphere.
LFC got us banned 4 5 yrs
Tom Prince, Niigata, Japan
Well said. It's about time more people with a public voice cut through the 'only a tiny minority' excuses with Rangers (and Linfield). Your final sentence hits the nail on the head. Given that for so long Rangers was an institutionally sectarian club, what else can we expect of so many their fans?
Connel McKenna, Belfast, Ireland
NUFC v SUFC, FA Cup semi, both sets of fans were enjoying a drink and banter in a Manchester pub, police then stormed the pub lashing out at kids, old people and everyone else. No officer had id numbers, fans tried to prosecute, nobody was brought to task. FACT.
Dale Storey, Adelaide, Australia.
monthehoops
Guys thanks for the notes for the programmes.
Just got through a day at work yesterday without tears then on the treadmill at the gym sky sports News came on with GS PL and Micks tributes, had to get off the treadmill and walk around the gym, thought I was fine, then switched Celtic tv on and the ending of the tribute had me in tears again, and then this morning, I must have missed your original post Estadio, but the piece at the top of this thread started me off again. Was frightened to read the papers for obituaries this morning as most commuters don't like tears on a train. Am away this weekend, hopefully bumping into some Celtic fans in Luxembourg to share some other TB memories
very moving tribute
thank you
SPL
Jan 3, 1983
Celtic 2 (Burns, Nicholas) Dundee 2
Att - 16,000
all I have just now (at work) - more this evening.
God bless Tommy, the club he loves and Queen of the South.
WG
Watching TV, reading all the posts yesterday and just wallowing in memories of Tommy, one aspect that really hit me right between my eyes was the humility and dignity of such a fantastic man.
Many of the folk in football I have detested for years have spoken well of Tam Burns, a Celtic man to the core and yet a man who could gain the respect of everyone he met in life, and many many that he gave so much joy to on the park and in life.
At a time when Rangers will rightly be under the microscope for the trouble in Manchester, maybe we all need to be more like Tommy Burns and stop pigeon holing all Rangers fans, and start seeing the good in people of all persuasions.
The fact that many Rangers fans upset at not only losing the UEFA Cup but also having their club tarnished by louts, took the time to either post messages or go to Celtic Park to pay their respects, says to me that it is about time we all learned a lesson from TB.
All of us have good friends who did not see the light and support Celtic, friends who are as fervent about Rangers, or any other team, as we are about "Celticfootballclub", as Tommy was portrayed by Jonathon Watson, mates who I would be embarrassed to say some of the things I would say, or think, in their absence.
Dislike them, don't detest them.
Respect them don't revile them.
Let us all take part of Tommy Burns and live our lives in a better way from now on.
Maybe we could let them have their open top bus with just the League Cup on it in a few weeks where we could all applaud them, or maybe I haven't taken all of Tommy's traits and would be in Dumfries watching the Scottish Cup.
Thanks Tommy for teaching me a lesson, it is just a pity that you had to die to convince me. Rest in Peace Tam Burns a true man of his people.
"tommy could embarrass you into being a better person"
so true. i think this hit all of us in this way yesterday.
after watching Celtic tv and reading on here all day yesterday
i put on my PS3 for a release of pressure and play pro evo 2008.
i set up a game with the name
TOMMY BURNS-LEGEND-R.I.P.
within seconds an opponent had appeared.
RANGERS1873 (or similar, cant remember).
the chat went right away to tommy and it being a sad day for football. usually its dogs abuse being hurled this way and that when you know its a rangers supporter (and viceversa) your playing. not last night. the guy told me that his bus had left manchester in the early morning and as usual there was plenty of drink on board. the usual singing of songs was broken by a pal on the bus saying hed just got a txt saying tommy burns had died. the bus fell silent for about 5 minutes he said and then the chant went up...
1 TOMMY BURNS,
1 tommy burns,
theres only 1 tommy burns.
i played a few games with the game name as before and played a few rearangers fans
and a few celtic fans. everyone a gent last night...long may it continue.
thanks tommy.
lochmoybhoy
god was needing a left side to his midfield this year i think.
Whatever we all may think of WGS it is obvious that the wee man is a very, very decent human being.
From the information released he had obviously developed a very good and friendly intimate relationship with Tam.
It is with utmost sincerity that WGS said that Tam was his best signing for Celtic.
Also some nice touches with supporters eg. organising for several of us from the stands to share in the league trophy presentation on the pitch couple of seasons back.
A credit to himself and to Celtic.
I will offer Graham Spiers, not a panacea to the Rangers dilemma, but a beginning in the search of a cure.
Each, and every, Rangers supporter, from the board to the unemployed, must first admit that a problem exists. Without that admission… there will never be a cure.
Rangers Football Club will become a global pariah and a human pox that will be shunned by every city council, by every citizen, worthy of the name, of every town and city anybody cares to mention.
For every obnoxious follower of Rangers - there are dozens of fair minded and kind hearted Rangers supporters. Inexplicably, the majority of decent human beings, that support Rangers, are allowing themselves to be dragged down by society’s gutter crawlers.
It is an enigma beyond comprehension. A social suicide fuelled by Jurassic mind sets.
Why do the good men of Rangers allow it? Why do they not dispense with those who would drag their club down?
The Neanderthals that would shame their club… and our Country.
The future of Rangers Football Club is in the hands of Rangers Football Club.
Do with it what you will.
Tommy Burns passed on to a better place, of that I have no doubt, but maybe, just maybe, with Tommy’s passing the place left behind will be a better place for him having been here.
IrvineCelt - your post reminds me of Ally McCoist's reminiscences, which I saw online earlier today. Worth reprinting here, brought a tear AND a smile to my face:
ALLY McCOIST was a busy man. He and Walter Smith had just been asked to return to Rangers. He had a million things to do and didn't have time to talk to anyone.
Then his phone flashed with a text from Tommy Burns, one of few people to whom he could give a bit of his attention as his life turned upside down 16 months ago.
"Haw you - where am I in this bloody dream team?" read the message.
McCoist smiled briefly yesterday as he recalled that moment while speaking about a pal he once described as "just the best person I have ever met in my life".
He loved Burns. Pure and simple - even if neither he nor Smith thought to invite their old pal to Ibrox with them.
McCoist said: "Walter and I were getting ready to return to Rangers and this text came through from Tam to say he had been reading about a so-called Rangers dream team and had yet to see his own name mentioned.
"He then went on to say that neither of our a**** would last long in our seats before we were out the door.
Then, for good measure, he finished with a PS that said, 'Get it up the pair of yae'.
"Honestly, I killed myself laughing. Only he could get away with that.
"But that was Tam. He wanted to have a laugh with us and couldn't resist a wee dig.
"It is difficult to put into words what Tommy Burns meant to me. He was kind, thoughtful, funny and everything you would want in a man. I can't think of a better person.
"It had obviously been an emotional night on Wednesday and I got a call just before eight in the morning to tell me that Tommy had passed away.
"I was absolutely distraught. I don't mind saying that there was a tear in my eye.
"I loved Tommy. We all did. It's hard to think of anything else eight now."
It's not that Manchester and the UEFA Cup didn't matter. Of course it did. But the Rangers assistant manager has lost another friend too early - just as he did with David Cooper.
The only downside about McCoist going back to Ibrox was that he wouldn't get to spend so much with his Burns as he did when they worked together with the Scotland national team.
Both loved their football and a laugh. If the two could happen at the same time then all the better.
Little wonder that, for once, the Rangers assistant manager struggled to articulate what he was thinking.
McCoist said: "I can't believe Tommy has gone. I have met a lot of good people through football but Tam was the very best.
I don't know a single person with a bad word to say about him.
"You could not ask for a better friend and I'll admit this now - his patter wasn't bad. Hey, he could sing too.
"I knew he was seriously ill but you just hoped he'd get through it. You expected him to because he was such a fighter, such aforce of life.
"You'd never have known he was ill because Tommy never complained. He'd ask about you, the kids and never talk about what he was going through.
"I got a text from him only last week. He wouldn't think to talk about himself, right enough.
"I'm told Rangers fans on their way back from Manchester stopped at Celtic Park to pay their respects.That's sensational.
"But if you didn't like Tam Burns then there was something wrong with you. He was one that crossed the divide.
"I remember talking to him after both ourselves and Celtic got to the Champions League this season. All he could talk about was how great it was for Glasgow to have our two teams in the competition.
"That's what he was like. It wasn't just about his own team, although he loved Celtic. Tam was happy for me and Walter too.
"But I did have to remind him that a man in his 50s should not be seen jumping about like a young thing after Celtic beat Spartak Moscow on penalties.
"I have never in my life met a man so enthusiastic about football. All the players loved him. You couldn't help it, really.
"My heart goes out to Rosemary and the family he adored. They were the most important thing in his life. Tommy had just become a grandpa and 51 is way too young for him leave us."
So what are McCoist's best memories of Burns? He said: "It's of him giving me a cuddle after Scotland scored. We loved our country and took great joy in watching us win. Kenny Miller's goal against Italy, Gary Caldwell in the France game. It was always Tommy I ended up dancing with.
"I laughed every day in his company and even when he got cancer the first time, Tam was still the life and soul of things.
"It's not fair, is it?"
Welcome Green Giant.
Andsomethingshappened, you’re welcome.
Westim, it sure has.
Welcome orchard county bhoy, good to hear from you.
Ternar, thanks.
DavieL, cheers.
Monthehoops @ 9.18am
Re the G Speirs article...
"Can anyone offer Rangers a cure for this ugly delinquency which afflicts a sizeable group of their supporters?"
Yes - Martin Bain - he has the answer - deny that they are Rangers supporters. Give the an another 24 hours and it will have been Celtic fans disguised as Rangers supporters.
Monthehoops @ 9.18am
Re the G Speirs article...
"Can anyone offer Rangers a cure for this ugly delinquency which afflicts a sizeable group of their supporters?"
Yes - Martin Bain - he has the answer - deny that they are Rangers supporters. Give the man another 24 hours and it will have been Celtic fans disguised as Rangers supporters.
(whats happened to the delete button?)
Like all i am empathetic to the peripheral goings on at the minute but another good piece from G Spears today posted here @ 9.18.
I was cringing in embarrasment for Bain last night when he went in front of the cameras stating that the trouble in Manchester was caused by 'people who do not usually attach themselves to the club'
If one thing comes from this I hope it is that people once and for all see that Gordon Strachan is a Celtic man. His tears at the press conference yesterday were our tears and I hope all fans can now get behind him and give his team 100% backing in the future.
Regarding rangers does anyone know if a European ban is a possibility?
savo01
Depends if UEFA get involved.
I'd prefer it if Bain, Murray et al pulled their finger out, admitted the Rangers support has a problem which, although a minority, is still a significant number to cause problems. I then hope they call on the majority of good Rangers fans to assist them in finding them and eliminating them.
It is an interesting situation, there is little doubt the hooligans were attached to the Rangers support, however there is no way of telling whether or not they ussually attach themselves to Rangers as Bain claims. If the 11 charged are Rangers season ticket holders Bain then has a problem
p.s. WGS = Celtic legend in the making. It is fair time we showed him the support he deserves.
p.s. WGS = Celtic legend in the making. It is fair time we showed him the support he deserves.
Posted my feelings very early doors yesterday after hearing the sad news of Tommy's death.I feel compelled to try and keep us focused this weekend though.
I still have a tear in my eye, for a man I never met, but feel as though I knew him so well, his devotion to all things Celtic and Scotland and the dignified manner in which he always displayed this to us all allows me to feel this way.
Let us not worry ourselves over the goings on in Manchester, this will take care of itself in its own way and time. We are in mourning for a much loved fellow Celt, probably the finest Celt of my lifetime.
Tommy has had the class to have bridged the great divide in Glasgow and the scenes of the Rangers fans at Celtic Park yesterday are part of a fitting tribute to a great man, a great Celt and a great Scot.
If Tommy's death helps us all to see that we can become too insular and introspective about all things Celtic and Rangers then I feel blessed to have experienced this effect.
Tommy was a good man, hate was not in his dictionary or actions, he loved people and I believe his faith made him the man he was.
if ever there was an example of "life being too short" then I feel the pain of Tommy, a family man who has been denied the joys of experiencing his children and grandchildren grow up and know what a wonderful man he was, but more importantly learn how to live their lives the Tommy Burns way.
he is the epitome of my username and I feel, as Mark McGhee suggests challenged by Tommy Burns to live up to that name, he was the one man who I feel could honestly call himself Faithful through and through.
so Tommy I dedicate all my future actions and endeavour to live up to my username, with the dignity and class that you always had
God Bless Tommy Burns
God Bless Rosemary and all the family
God Bless Celtic
God Bless all the Celtic family
I was in Piccadilly Gardens yesterday morning, the scene was unbelieveable. Manchester city council office staff were out suits etc trying to help.
Roads were covered, and I really mean covered, in broken glass.
Areas of the city centre were shut down in the morning, it really was truly awful, especially the smell of stale beer and other things.
Whilst standing with crowds of others just looking at the Gardens I got the text about Tommy. My blood ran cold, then I remembered the other text a few weeks ago.
I asked one reported who said he didn't know I then found someone from Reporting Scotland who had just been interviewing some of that mob. I asked him, he said it was true and must have assumed that I was a Rangers supporter being in Manchester with my accent - he took one look at my reaction and said 'oh, you're a Celtic man' and said he was too, and he was gutted. I've worked around journalists before and there are very few occassions where someone would let their guard drop and say who they supported.
Tommy was the first player I ever met and my first ever Celtic Supporters Club dance. Got my pic taken with him, which I have hunted high and low for, and just he's just been there...always.
Player, manager, coach ... he was just always there.
Don't want a debate about the rights or wrongs but he built a helluva side and I watched some great football then.
I also remember him coming on TV to be interviewed after we had been beaten 5-1 at Ibrox. He faced the cameras and supporters with absolute honesty.
After predicting carnage in Manchester, I am still disappointed at the level of trouble and damage but every time I see the pics of the Gardens it will remind me where I got that text.
I cannot see how Uefa could not get involved. A supporter was stabbed inside the stadium at their second prestigious cup final. I believe if the will is there Uefa have all they need to punish them, only time will tell.
I do have to admit that WGS has gone right up in my estimations. He may not be big of stature but yesterday I saw a big big man.
My wish for the year.
The Tommy Burns football academy and training complex Lennoxtown.
Forgot to add
Tommy Burns backed Gordon Strachan 100%
It's time we all did as well and united as one
Ceaser1967
Like you I welcomed another good, insightful piece from Mr Spiers.
I too watched the reports from Ibrox but did not cringe when the bumptious Mr Bain trotted out the usual empty rhetoric "Doing all we can", "helping the authorities" etc etc - Licence payers please note - our very own BBC SCOTLAND now carries the "infiltrators" message on their website.
There was however excellent reporting of the facts on both Scottish broadcast news channels last night but as the bold Spiersy points out Murray has employed expensive PR people to move the "agenda".It was the same 42 years ago in Spain, they'll blame anyone they can , apart from themselves.
They were ready with the old chestnut of "heavy handed policing" until Manchester's finest reacted by releasing the city-centre CCTV footage which told it's own story.
And this is the main point for me out of all this - R@@gers have never come out and said that the behaviour of a significant number of their fans is, in simple terms, "WRONG" - they've said that its "innapropriate", "damaging the club" etc etc, thev've highlighted how it will affect them via UEFA, financially, fines, bans, points dropped etc - but never grasped the thorn. In truth there is only so much any football club can do with supporters like these but R@@ngers need to do much more than a window dressing, flak-deflecting PR campaign and our news outlets shouldn't be allowed to aid and abet them either
I'll finish by taking this opportunity to to thank Paul67 for pro