Tommy Burns
Tommy Burns developed a particularly intimate relationship
with the Celtic support during his time as manager from 1994 - 1997. Those were not successful times for Celtic,
but unlike normal fallow periods, those were years of belief; belief that
Celtic were in the hands of someone who cared as much as you did.
Tommy was born into the same community Celtic were in 1888, the parish of St
Mary's in the Calton area of Glasgow in 1956.
Jock Stein signed him for Celtic in 1975, where he would remain until he
accepted a post with Kilmarnock in 1989.
He had an enormously gifted left foot and was a tall, strong and intelligent
footballer. As a manager he was renowned
for playing attractive passing football.
In 2006 he was diagnosed with melanoma, although news that his treatment had
been successful soon followed. It was
announced earlier this year that the cancer had returned but on this occasion
the disease would not abate. He passed
away at 4am this morning.
His death will sadden many who never knew him personally and will devastate
those who did, including all his friends at Celtic Park and Lennoxtown, and
that means everyone at Celtic Park and Lennoxtown.
He evangelised by the way he led his life and bore witness to his faith.
My thoughts and prayers go to his wife Rosemary and his family.
RIP Tommy
Celtic Legend
Tommy twists!
Tommy turns!
Tommy Burns, Tommy Burns!
I met Tommy on a few occasions, a true gentleman and legend.
RIP Tommy
Requiescat in pace
Phone call from the Godfather whilst on the train to work, immediately dropped the newspaper I was laughing at and sat with tears in my eyes.
Two years ago we lost the Greatest Ever Celtic Player, today I think we have lost the Greatest Ever Celt (at least of my lifetime). A hero of 79, 86, 88 and (in his own way) 98 he epitomises everything that is good about Celtic.
Just looking at his picture on the Celtic website has made it hit home even more. The sooner this season is over the better.
RIP Tommy, You'll Never Walk Alone!
a very sad day
Tommy Burns was my favourite Celt.
I have many happy memories of his time with us. No matter what happened he always behaved with respect and dignity and set an example for us to follow.
The way he played, the way he managed, the way he lived always gave us hope.
God rest his soul.
So very very sad. RIP Tommy
God Bless
Tommy Burns was my favourite Celt.
I have many happy memories of his time with us. No matter what happened he always behaved with respect and dignity and set an example for us to follow.
The way he played, the way he managed, the way he lived always gave us hope.
God rest his soul.
A truly tragic day for Celtic and the Celtic family.I lost my sister in law at only 29 to Melanoma only 3 years ago and every step of Tommys tragic illness brought it all back.
A true Celtic man has passed but left memorys that will last longer than tears.
RIP Tommy
He was the sponsor for one of the bhoys at my confirmation. He signed stuff for everyone that day. First Celt I ever met.
Greatest Celt of my lifetime.
Rest in Peace Tommy, You'll never walk alone.
I remember him visiting our secondary school when he was a player, he was great with all the kids. He always had time for the support and when he returned to the club as manager he made sure all the players took part in supporters functions.
My thoughts are with his family.
I was looking forward to logging on this morning to gloat about last night, when I was just getting ready to leave for work when I heard the breaking news on talkSPORT radio the tragic news about Tommy Burns. I was gutted, it made me felt petty on how I was feeling earlier, it put things into perspective. Here was a thoroughly decent family man cut down so young at 51 to that terrible disease, it's true what they say only the good die young.
Tommy brought a lot of joy to the Celtic Family, as a player, as a manager and as a man. A lot was made when he was a manager that he could not stop Rangers winning the league, but what some people forgot was that he brought pride back into club, after years of poor football and even poorer managers. Tommy working along with Fergus raised Celtic FC up, we started to play football the Celtic way, he brought colourful players to Parkhead and he won us our first trophy in 6 years win we beat Aidrie in 1995 in the Scottish Cup Final, in a year when every game was played away from our home in Parkhead, Tommy kept us competitive. Although Tommy didn't win the big prize he laid the ground work and foundation for Wim and Martin to follow.
Tommy was always a humble Celtic man, when Celtic and Martin came calling for him to become the youth development coach, a lesser man might of let his pride get in his way of accepting the position after being the main man at Celtic Park. Tommy gladly rejoined Celtic because his love for Celtic was so strong, he went on to become the first team coach under Gordon Strachan, Celtic Board and management knew how much Tommy meant to the Celtic Supporters.
My favourite memory of Tommy is the 1988 Centenary Double, his smile and pride he had when we won the double. Not only Tommy was a proud Celtic man, he was also a proud Scotsman even though throughout his Scottish carreer he was treated shabbily by the SFA. I know Rangers fans who had said to me they couldn't believe the measley amount of 8 caps he received as a player. I believe Tommy was one of those rare Celtic players who Rangers fans hated as a Celtic player but respected him as a man.
Tommy you will be missed, thank you for all the wonderful memories you gave Celtic fans and football fans in general. I had a brief encounter with you once and you were a true gentleman. God bless you and my prayers go out to you and your family. The next 25th January Burns night I will raise a toast of whisky for you, for me the there was only one poet named Burns and that is Tommy Burns.
Rest in Peace
First post on this site.
Very saddened by the death of a legend, puts everything else in perspective. I was too young to see Jimmy Johnstone, I grew up watching Tommy, and also loved the football he produced as a manager. He was a legend and a gentleman.
RIP Tommy, You Will Never Walk Alone.
A Celt through and through and a great loss to the whole Celtic community.
RIP Tommy
RIP Tommy
A Celtic great
I am a long time reader of CQN but have never registered to post comments-but the sad sad news this morning prompted me to sign in, so I can join with this fantastic community in sending my condolences and love to all of Tommys family and friends.
RIP Tommy-a Celtic legend and a true gentleman
A marvellous guy, who lived our dream. My thoughts are with Rosemary and his kids to lose Tommy at his young age.
Wee Fergus gave him the chance to live his dream too soon, but in everything he did for Celtic he gave us style, honesty, and passion, and never resorted to the anti football tactics of Rangers.
There are the Lions and Big Jock, then there are many many great Celtic players, Tommy supercedes all the greats and is closest to the immortal Lions.
Thanks TB
Tragic news - have enjoyed so many great evenings in his company at the annual HWEUCSC TB supper, especially during the 90's when we needed cheering up a lot. It was always the highlight of my Celtic year.
A nicer gentleman you will never, ever, meet.
RIP Tommy
Jinky, Murdoch, Burns
The Heaven XI has some midfield now!
I'd give them 100 UEFA Cups to have him still with us. Been close to tears all morning. I know a lot of fans credit MON with giving us back our pride but I feel Tommy did this with the Cup win in 1995 and the way we played football under him. The gloom of the early 90's was hard to take and seemingly never ending. He lifted it and if lady luck had been with him he'd have stopped NIAR.
Rest in Peace TB,
You will never walk alone.
It's all so sad.
But what a life the flame haired maestro had! I never had the pleasure of meeting the man, but he always gave you the feeling that he lived every minute of every day.
My favourite memory of him as a player was actually the 89 cup final. We weren't expected to win that day and the team never had a good year at all. But Tommy must have covered every blade of grass on a baking hot Hampden pitch. Oh how we celebrated and how Tommy did too. Wee Joe got the goal, but Tommy was my man of the match.
He always came across as a true gent, a real sportsman who enjoyed football rivalry in the best way. He seemed to have a very genuine friendship with McCoist in that classic way many players across the divide have had.
God bless you Tommy and your family and thanks for the memories.
An exceptional man of faith both on and off the park. Had the great pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions. His work for Celtic was immense carried out with dignity and unselfishness.
I can remember Gordon Strachan saying if he left Celtic for Scotland they would require 2 men to replace him such was his work with the first team and younger players.
Just a suggestion but I think it would be fitting if the training complex at Lennoxtown was in some way named after Tommy either a section of it or the entire complex.
Rest in Peace Tommy - a true Celtic Legend
My thoughts are with Rosemary and his family.
YNWA
In 1995 Tommy Burns brought us the first silverware i'd seen celtic lift since I started following regularly and educated me in how football should be played by a celtic team!
A legend has moved on but he will never be forgotten.
God bless Tommy Burns.
Welcome “neil lennon”, mohara67, GretnaBhoy and derrybhoy67, thanks for leaving your messages.
Hoopsididitagain, I took care of that message, although I am sure we all understood the context.
This is devastating. Tommy Burns is the nicest football man I've ever met. A proper gentleman who loved to see football played as it should be and carried himself with dignity at all times in this harsh business. A beautiful, Christian, family man, and an example to us all.
RIP Mr Burns
Sad Sad day... Tommy Burns Celtic legend will be sadly missed but never forgotten,RIP
God Bless Him
Such a sad day for us all.
RIP Tommy.
Deeply sorry to hear of the news about Tommy. I lost my father last Sunday, also a Tommy, a stonesthrow from TB's house. So its a sad time.
I have many memories of Tommy as a player, a Manager, a great family man and a hugely well respected man in Scottish football.
My thoughts are with Rosemary and the kids. Scotland lost a legend today, but your loss is even greater.
DG
Sorry to read of the sad loss to the Burns family.
Forever twist and forever turn, Tommy Tommy Burns.
Sorry to post again but I won 'Dinner with Gordon Strachan' at tne 2nd CQN Golf Day. At the Q&A Gordon said that no matter what else he ever did in football management his greatest signing would always be making Tommy Burns his first team coach at Celtic.
Tommy always seemed to make Celtic that bit more special.
Tommy Burns Celtic Legend. Tommy was a great servant to Celtic and epitomised everything that Celtic stands for.I hope the club can commemorate this great mans life with some sort of charity match with the proceeds going to cancer charities.The tribute match for Phil will be a specail opportunity for fans to pay tribute to 2 Celtic legends. Tommy was a Great Manager at the club at the wrong time. YNWA Tommy Rest in Peace
Tommy Burns.
True legend in every way. Fantastic person , who bled green and white. There's a recent photo which epitomizes Tommy Burns , after the Sparak Moscow game , Tommy jumping several feet in the air onto the pile of players in celebration.
Thats what I'll remember.
Rest in peace.
Paul67
Simple and elegant words for a true gentleman.
We remember him as great Celt but his work for SCIAF and charities in general was truly great.
Too few celebrities use their fame to improve the lives of others but Tommy Burns did just that throughout his life.
He enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to see him play football and improved the lives of those in far flung places through his charity work, what a wonderful legacy to leave.
RIP TOMMY BURNS
R.I.P. Tommy Burns, God bless you, and bring peace, serenity and solace to those who loved him. You will be missed like few before you
Please keep this as a Pro-Celtic & Pro-Tommy arena today, strictly no talk about 'them'.
Hail! Hail! 3-in-a-Row
Just heard the dreadful news that Tommy Burns has passed away.
Gutted:
Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
R.I.P Tommy Burns
God Bless
Tommy Burns was a true gentleman.
My last memory of Tommy was this seasons game against Spartak Moscow, after we won the game on penalties the players piled on top of Arthur Boruc, Tommy ran straight from the dugout and piled straight on top of all of them.
Thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
Just had a call from my cousin in Scotland. Sad day for Tommy Burn's family and the whole Celtic family. Green and white all the way through Tommy. A true green and white knight , a hero for us. Sadly missed . We will all say a prayer tonight for a great man and his family. RIP Tommy Burns.
the celtic family has lost another son.
not just any son but a living legend.
you will be missed on earth but loved forever.
r.i.p. tommy.
The season review of 2000/2001. tommy is interviewed and talks of the pride MON had brought to the club.he talked of meeting his pal's in the street and how they all were lifted by the turn in celtics favour. he is close to crying when speaking of this. i cried watching him.
celtic forever
Just received a text message from a Rangers supporting mate on his way back fom manchester and he's also devastated by the news of Tommys passing. Think that says everything about how Tommy was respected by everyone in scottish football.
Hail Hail Tommy.
If they say that, as a rule, you should never meet your heroes – Then I think Tommy Burns must be the exception that proves the rule
A true gent, a fabulous footballer and Celtic Legend.
My over abiding memory of TB was not as you might imagine doing a lap of honour holding the Scottish Cup aloft in 88 – tho that was special or doing his wee shuffle on a sprint up the wing or countless other moments of celebration and skill but of an indicent at a reserve game I went to with my father and uncle at Parkhead.
In those days at reserve games you “got to sit in the Main Stand”. We went in and sat round about half way up the lower stand near to the half way line. My memory is shocking these days so I can’t be entirely sure of the opposition or date but I think it was Aberdeen, probably around 1983.
I took my seat a seat along from an elegant elderly gent in a long brown overcoat and hat carrying a walking stick. A rather hefty chap - looked like he was no stranger to a fish supper indeed pork pie and cream too.
Anyway, the game got under way and he started shouting not too loudly at first TB this, TB that, TB the next thing for the opening thirty mins or so.
Then the ball went out for a throw on the stand side around the half way line and Yir Man stands up and roars “Tommy Burns! Tommy Burns give that (expletive deleted) (expletive deleted) (expletive deleted) some (expletive deleted) STICK” all the while branishing his walking stick in the air like some demented Pictish warrior.
Tommy Burns – who by that time had his full attention turned open mouthed and looked along at me and we both smiled and then dissolved in laughter.
Yir Man calmed down somewhat after that - much to my displeasure.
On the one occasion I had the pleasure to met Tommy (and it was a pleasure) I recounted that story and to my astonishment he remembered too and we both smiled and then dissolved in laughter.
TOMMY YOU WERE, ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE A CELTIC LEGEND
REST IN PEACE MY HERO
My heart goes out to his family and friends
Sunken,
deflated,
We all (rightly) claim ownership of the people who play for and represent the club that we all support. Hold them in our hearts with passion and attachment. A dreadful affinity in times like these.
A lot of us never met the man but shared the same dreams and aspirations he did. We hold the same mortal fears. Fear of failure, fear of defeat. A lot of us will revert to the faith of our fathers and some will not.
Having read this blog over the years I am acutely aware that one member's loss and joy are shared with some empathy by most others on board.
Family.
Hail Hail TB.
Just a wee personal memory of Tommy.
I had the fortune to play beside Tommy in the football aid game at Celtic Park in 2001. He was superb that day, made me and all the other guys playing feel like we were special. It was a joy to be in the same room as that man.
The following week I was invited to the Football writers player of the year awards at the Hilton Hotel. I get a tap on the shoulder, turn round and it's TB. "How did you enjoy that last week big man, great day was it not. You had some game." He shouts Billy Stark over and say's "it's the big man from last week, what about that performance"
I was speechless, here was Tommy Burns praising me about a game of football and taking time out to speak to me. It sums him up for me. One of the good guys, a true Celt.
RIP Tommy
You'll never walk alone.
Dreadful,dreadful news about Tommy Burns.
A true Celt and one of the "old school".
May he rest in peace.
Thoughts and prayers for his wife and family.
six.
Tommy Burns Celtic legend RIP
What a lovely man and a everything that embodied Celtic. My condolences to his family. It would be fitting that in his honour we were to win the league title at Tannadice where he had some of his finest moments in the hoops.
Jim Kerr (Simple Minds) made some lovely comments about Tommy on Radio 5 Live just there.
FTHATS
Excellent idea naming Lennoxtown complex after Tommy.A fitting tribute to a great Celtic man.Hope Celtic take this idea on board.Tommy was the embodiment of all that is good about Celtic.
Derryglas thoughts and prayers with you too mate. Not an easy time. Remember the good ones.
Tommy Burns Celtic Legend R.I.P.
God Bless you Tommy, thoughts and prayers are with Rosemary and his family. Will treasure my signed autobiography.
A true and humble servant of the Lord.
RobinBhoy
I have no doubt in my mind that Tommy is up there in that other Paradise with all the good ghuys.
RIP Tommy and thanks for the memories
Rest in peice Mr Celtic.
I have no doubt in my mind that Tommy is up there in that other Paradise with all the good ghuys.
RIP Tommy and thanks for the memories
I note that Rangers FC have cancelled their planned open top bus procession, as a mark of respect to Tommy Burns, stating that it would be "wholly inappropriate".
I wondered if they might, and it's good that they have.
Awful news. My thoughts are with Tommy's family. I met him once - a true gent.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Tommy Burns - Celtic Legend RIP
Devastating news this morning.
I feel pathetic for the importance I placed on Rangers demise last night and the joy I was feeling this morning at the disgarce they'd made of themselves. Actually, it means nothing.
My abiding feeling about Tommy is the pride he gave us back and some of the astonishing football we watched during his time as Manager. More than that, he was the finest representative of our Club I have ever witnessed.
A TRUE Gentlemen and a GENUINE Celtic Legend
Rest in Peace Tommy
SwanseaBhoy
Very sad.
Rest in peace Tommy. If thoughts can help, your family will feel a huge blanket of sympathy around them.
weeminger
Credit where it's due to Rangers for canceling the open top bus.
Tommy Burns made a positive difference to my life and, I'm sure, to the lives of many others too. His decency as a human being and qualities as a football man drew respect from all quarters. He will be remembered for all the right reasons. My thoughts are with his family at what must be an impossible time for them.
First toured the Celtic Park in the 80’s with the family. When we got down pitch side I saw Tommy Burns in his Celtic strip kicking a ball about on the far side. He ran across and cajoled our youngest, 4 or 5 years old at the time, out onto the park. He eventually had him in the goal at the Celtic end rolling “shots” into him. My youngest son has no memory of the incident but his elder brother, mother and father do. A nice and gentle man.
Tommy Burns RIP.
Tommy was a true gentleman and will be missed by all at Celtic Park.
I attended the PFA Player of the Year Awards and when Aiden was asked by Peter Martin who the greatest influence on his career thus far had been, he responded immediately - Tommy Burns.
I too recall seeing Tommy jumping on the pile of players after the Spartak Moscow game and that says it all about the guy. He was one of us.
I attend the same parish as Tommy and he always made time to speak to those who wanted to chat after Mass. He was a gentleman but also a gentle man.
RIP Tommy
My heartfelt condolences to the Burns family on their sad loss; for all his undoubted skill as a footballer Tommy always came across as a genuinely good man, a much more laudable achievement. The deep and genuine sincerity of his faith came through in his actions and the way he lived his life. RIP.
My condolences also to Derryglas and his family. YNWA.
Long-time lurker but had to post today.
Very sad news about Tommy Burns. I have very fond memories of the many times I watched him in the Hoops. He played football the Celtic Way.
I never met him but those who did testify to his character as a man and a human being.
My thoughts are with his family.
My prayers are with Tommy's Family and all who Loved him.
He will be sadly missed by everyone. May the love and peace
of christ be with him always.
A real Celtic great.
R.I.P. Tommy Burns.
Very, very sad to hear the news this morning. Tommy was a complete gentleman and a tremendous example of a fine human being.
God Bless Tommy
Rest In Peace Tommy,
A Celtic Legend and a true gentleman.
I believe that when someone you love dies or someone who embodies the spirit of something you love dies a tiny part of you does too. It certainly feels that way.
No single person epitomised Celtic more than Tommy Burns.
My condolences to his family.
TLWIO
R.I.P Tommy Burns "You'll Never Walk Alone"
My thoughts and prayers are with Rosemary and the Family.
God Bless.
Can't quite put into words how I am feeling right now. Tommy Burns is one of the few who thoroughly deserves the accolade "Celtic Legend".
Rest in peace Tommy. You'll never walk alone.
Thanks Paul.
Tommy will always be one of the greatest Celts I ever had the pleasure of watching.
God bless you Tommy you brought me many moments of happiness.
Tragic news on what was a gloriously happy day. As always in such trying times, football is a complete irrelevance.
May his family and friends find the support and comfort that they will need in the days, weeks and months to come.
pablophanque
Credit to Rangers although my cynical side says it was done fearing more embarrassment from the Orcs. Based on some of the despicable text messages I received from ex Hun friends this morning in the wake of Tommys death.
Tommy Burns.
A fantastic person, with great values. May you rest in peace forever.
I'm a veteran of The Tommy Burns Supper held at Edinburgh Uni every year - to honour "The Flame-Haired Maestro". Everyone who has attended these events will testify to Tommy's loving nature, and utter humility, as well as his deep, deep love for Celtic.
I watched him when he was a young bhoy, breaking thru to the first team. Running with the ball, so graceful, head held high looking for passing options - the great players don't have to look at the ball when they're running with it - and Tommy was a great player.
His youthful skills made the leaving of Dalglish a bit more palatable.
My great pal, Winningemmell will hopefully tell us a story that typifies Tommy Burns, one which illustrates how much a Celtic Man - and a man of the people - that Tommy was. A Celtic Great - but also, like Christy Moore says....An Ordinary Man.
It's with very few Celtic players, that you can truly say - "He is one of us".
Tommy Burns was one of us.
Paul67
I know I said I'd be off the site for a day or so but I knew you would have a thred like this and like others wanted to post my condolences and sincere best wishes to those loved ones left behind.
Mr Burns was a Celtic great, he was also a gentleman and a perfect role model for any youngster. The world doesn't have enough people like him and he will be sadly missed.
He was one of those rare Celtic folk who were respected by Rangers fans and many are passing on there condolences on the GersForum.
GersForum Tributes
I hope his family can take solace from the high esteem he was held in by so many
Tommy Burns R.I.P. One true celtic Man
DannyBhoy
Prayers and condolances with the family, Rest In Peace Tommy.
Such a genuine man, today will bring many stories about him and I will read everyone of them with pride/respect and sadness.
McLeod,
your story brought a tears to my eyes.
can't really bring myself to add to the condolences. Just so sad. Tommy introduced me to Celtic Park at the age of 9, taking me and my cousin on a tour of the place - one of my proudest photos is of me aged 9 sitting on tommys knee holding the Scottish Cup, then having a kick-about on the park with him (which you weren't really supposed to do!).
A true gent and a Celtic, and Scotland, legend. Heartbreaking.
Nice touch from Rangers today also, cancelling the parade through Glasgow as a mark of respect.
Words such as legend, honesty, integrity, dignity are banded about with disregard as to the appropriateness of their use. Today the use of any of these words could not be more fitting...Tommy Burns was a man of immense integrity, unquestionable dignity and true honesty. And he WAS a Legend!
God bless you Tommy Burns, the thoughts and wishes of a support who adored you are with you and your loved ones right now.
Rest in peace.
Killerheels, do you mean "ex-Hun friends" (as written) or "Hun ex-Friends"? There is an important and significant distinction, especially after last night.
We love you Tommy, YNWA.
Tommy Burns, a true Celt, a really committed christian and the finest human being you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. There is a saying, I think, that those who die live on in the hearts of those that loved them and that they loved. Tommy, you will live forever. RIP
cheers Ed
RIP Tommy...thanks for the memories.
Haven't watched his video for a long time, but for those who have seen it will recall his comments on what Celtic means to him and (paraphrase) the wee boy who rights CFC on his car window sums up everything that the club meant to him.
HAIL HAIL
This is such sad news. He was one of the loveliest men in football. A truly great human being first and foremost. All our thoughts go to his family.
Rest in Peace Tommy Burns.
Tommy was the lynch-pin in the Celtic team I first watched as a boy. He was an absolute joy to watch in full flow.
The last time I met him was just before a Scottish Cup Final (I think it was vs Dunfermline in 2004). He was raving about some of the young talent coming through at Celtic Park and his enthusiasm spread around everyone he spoke to. It was easy to see how his players loved him so much when he was the manager. He was an absolute gentlemen and will be a big loss to everyone connected to him. My thoughts are with his family.
RIP Tommy
Bigchips UK,
hun ex friends I meant
RIP Tommy Burns. Having met him in '01 when making the pilgrimage to CP from Australia he was so gracious and genuinely interested in what I had to say. Thanks for the memories mate. Thanks to 'Gers for cancelling the parade. Nice touch!
RIP Tommy Burns. Having met him in '01 when making the pilgrimage to CP from Australia he was so gracious and genuinely interested in what I had to say. Thanks for the memories mate. Thanks to 'Gers for cancelling the parade. Nice touch!
Tommy Burns R.I.P.
The truest embodiment of a Celt: in playing for, managing, supporting the club we all hold dear and who espoused football the Celtic way.
In life that was rewarded for his football abilities, in illness with the loving support of his kin & in death with the acknowledgement of his gracious character from all who came to know him.
I wholeheartedly endorse the suggestion of naming our training site after our now mourned Celt.
The Tommy Burns Celtic FC Academy
TGP
Just read the news about Tommy Burns. As thismancraig has already mentioned his very presence helped make Celtic special.
My condolences go out to his wife and family.
God Bless.
A true gentleman, was lucky enough to meet him on a few occasions and always had so much time for the supporters.
Always a favourite player growing up and will never forget when we beat Airdrie in 95 as was the first time i was there to see us lift anything.
Tommy Twists
Tommy Turns
RIP
R.I.P Tommy...A Gentleman.
I hope the club do decide to name Lennoxtown in honour of Tommy and sooner rather than later.
SwanseaBhoy
Tommy was one of us.
That's why his death will be felt so sorely by those who didn't know the man personally but felt inextricably linked to him because of our common love of Celtic.
It's been a sombre morning and - like many of you, no doubt - I've been struggling to contain the tears. I have had the pleasure of shaking his hand and enjoying a quick a word on a couple of occasions down the years. Always a gentleman and a true ambassador.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, those who will miss him the most.
God bless you, Tommy. Rest peacefully.
Saddened to hear the news of Tommy's untimely death. I hope that his wife, family and friends gain strength and comfort from the heartfelt thoughts, prayers and good wishes from all quarters.
Chris
I’d urge all of us who can to make a pilgrimage to CP tonight to pay tribute to Tommy. Hail hail. R.I.P.
I had the pleasure of meeting Tommy on a couple of occassions and he certainly was a special man.
Like many of you have lots of memories.
Tommy Burns RIP
You will never be forgotten
Such tragedy on what promised to be such a fine day.
I met Tam several times and he epitomised what it was to be a true gentleman and as others have commented bled green and white.
My favourite memory was the day after the centenary winning game against Dundee. I was in a line of traffic outside St Cadocs in Newton Mearns when I spotted Tam in my rear view mirror. He was taking Packies mother to mass as there was going to be a party in Packies house later.
I got out of my car and walked towards Tam's. He got out and walked towards me. Both of us smiled broadly and cuddled each other.
I was in uniform and driving a panda.
R.I.P. Tommy. God bless you. YNWA
Tommy Burns always managed to say the right things. I remember feeling very down after we got beat at Ibrox in the new year game in 1997. Davie Provan interviewed him after the game and suggested that 'it would take a miracle now for Celtic to stop 9 in a row'. Tommy replied, 'I believe in miracles Davie'.
He also addressed the crowd before the Newcastle game when we re-opened Celtic Park in 1996 by saying "Hello everyone, I'd like to welcome you all back to Celtic Park, to tell you that we love you and you'll never walk alone, God bless the Celtic".
And again at the end of that season (after we had played some great football and lost only once), Tommy addressed the crowd by saying "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like you all to bow your heads and thank God for saving your football club".
Tommy you were the Mr Celtic of your generation. God bless you and your family.
Devastated.
R.I.P Tommy Burns - Celtic legend.
Well said Lennybhoy, I too would like to thank Rangers for cancelling the parade.
They can always rearrange it (they're good at that, having already rearranged the Scottish season... and Manchester city centre) and have their losers parade next Friday instead.
Don't normally lift anything from the BBC site, but thought this summed up Tommy Burns as a Celtic man:
Burns made a farewell appearance in a friendly against Ajax, before joining Kilmarnock. Facing the Dutch giants in his final match was an emotional experience.
"I wanted to go out with a smile on my face and not a tear in my eye," said Burns. "So I got all of my crying out of the way during the warm-up.
"I ran about the pitch for 20 minutes with tears running down my cheeks because I knew I would never wear a Celtic jersey again."
I'm stunned. Absolutely gutted.
RIP Tommy - a legend in the true sense of the word.
Mayomanada -
I remember that well, got a tear rolling down my cheek right now. One of us.
gutted
Tommy Burns R.I.P
Sad, sad news - and as others have said, Tommy Burns epitomised everything that we hold dear about Celtic.
Tommy lived the Celtic dream about 4 times over - his life should be rejoiced as well as his passing mourned.
God Bless you Tommy and may you join the elite team in God's paradise.
Hail Hail
Tommy Burns R.I.P
This true Celtic Great epitomised everything that is special about the club we all adore This man had a Charisma that was underestimated You dont manage a football club that goes through 38 games in a season only losing once without having a special presence the players who played under him must have idolised him, I read Paolo Di Canio,s book and he absolutely idolised Tommy you could tell from what he wrote in the book you could feel Paolo.s passion for Celtic and Tommy in particular.
I was overwhelmed with relief and a large slice of Joy when Rangers lost last night now I feel numb I feel Sad I feel a little bitter that this Celtic great has been taken from us at such a young age and yes the Rangers result means nothing to me now.
However I,m sure as time goes by my feelings will change I,m sure I will feel an enormous amount of Pride that one of the nicest most genuine blokes the World has ever known had a massive massive passion for the club I / WE Adore.
TOMMY BHOY YNWA.
God rest his Soul.
Tommy. You will be missed by all who frequent Celtic Park.
A wee prayer for you.
Saints of God, come to his aid!
Come to meet him, angels of the Lord!
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
May Christ, Who called you, take you to Himself;
may angels lead you to Abraham's side.
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Give him eternal rest, O Lord,
and may Your light shine upon him forever.
Receive his soul and present him to God the Most High.
Let us pray: We commend our brother,Thomas Burns to you, Lord.
Now that he has passed from this life,
may he live on in Your presence.
In Your mercy and love, forgive whatever sins he
may have committed through human weakness.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
I can imagine TB meeting up with Uncle Phil the now and joking how Phils place in Ghods 11 was under threat now, and then going onto discuss 3 in a row.
Seriously I hope they have both found the peace they deserve.
RIP
hello everybody,long time lurker first time poster.
Tommy Burns what a player ,what a gentleman.
met him one time after barca game in uefa cup,
walking down stairs singing our heads off when it
took me 2 minutes to realise i was shoulder to
shoulder with one of my heroes,i shook his hand called
him a gem,but forgot i had one photo left in disposable camera.
always regreted that.
thanks for listening to my prattle
I hope this link works.
A couple of pictures of the great Tommy Burns.
CLICK HERE
Hail Hail
Such mixed emotions this morning. Happy that the football team won, and they are shown for what they are, both of which have been overshadowed by the premature and untimely death of one of the good guys of football. That he is one of our own makes all the more harder to take.
As i am sure many of you have felt, i have been worried the past few months with the lack of news and deteriation of TB's condition. That has not made it any easier when it comes.
He will be remembered as a footballing great, a Celtic great, but he is more than that and will always be much more than that to those whose lives he touched.
RIP Tommy Bhoy. Was priviliged to be in your company into the early hours at our CSC dinner. I will always remember your version of 'Mac the Knife' in our Belfast-Glasgow sing off, what a great night and memories you give us. Deepest condolences to Rosemary and family. BMCSC.
Nothing useful, or important to add Bhoys,
All that can be said at a time like this is Thank You Tommy Burns
May you rest in peace, and may your family find comfort from the fans, even if only a small percentage of the comfort that Tommy gave us, then you will find the strength to get through this terrible ordeal.
Tommy Burns
RIP.
The Birthday Bhoys is on Celtic TV just now. A wee chance to see a bit of Tommy again.
Hail Hail Tommy Burns.
I'm in bits here and will get round to a proper and personal tribute in good time (our paths crossed quite a bit, mainly down to a shared love of the romance/love affair that is Celtic Football Club) - what I'd like to mention now though is how TB turned up on Scotsport after a right gubbing at Megiddo (1-5) and spoke of his fear that they might have equalled the 7-1. He was resplendent in club blazer and tie. I was and am so proud of him.
Tomy Burns - UNCONQUERABLE.
WG
It's amazing how we Celts think alike.
Similar to many other fans, I was about to write about the huns anti-football, justice, fans disgracing themselves and Scotland ect.
Then I got a text about the death of Tommy Burns.
How small minded I was, how petty.
If Tommy stood for one thing, it was decency.
He had pride and love for Celtic, hatred of another club was beneath him.
We have so much to learn from the lives of people like Tommy Burns.
A gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
The missing m is deliberate, need to keep a wee bit of him in my heart.
Paul Just anote to say how saddened I am this morning to hear about the death of Tommy Burns. He will be greatly missed by all in the Celtic family and beyond. In our younger days, my wife and I used to frequent a cracking little restaurant called Rocco's La Dolce Vita in charing cross. it was also a favourite Of Tommy Danny Mcgrain George McLusckey Tom McAdam and Roddy MacDonald and their wives. They were all relly nice quite people.
Rocco was a good friend of mine and he suprised me one time by inviting me as his guest to the European Cup Semi final Between Celtic and Real Madrid and Tommy supplied the tickets : main stand. God Bless and keep you Tommy and may Rosemary and your children find consolation and tranquility.
May suus animus quod animus of totus fidelis mortuus sileo in pacis Amen.
Greenwells
Like a kid waiting for Christmas..I wanted to wake up to see rangers dejected and their name dragged through the mud..I was happy they had caused trouble and lost.
But Christmas has been cancelled..would Tommy Burns have felt like I felt..we all know the answer is Tommy Burns would not..he would have wanted Rangers to have done Scotland proud.
Tommy your an example to as all..just a throughly decent human being..and we where lucky to call him a Celtic man..he made us proud to say he's one of us.
Thank you Tommy Burns, we will always salute you.
What awful news.It's like losing a family member you loved and a man who epitomised what respect and dignity mean.It's a sunny day here in Belfast but it's raining in my heart.
I met Tommy once, and always wished I could meet him again.
I was 10 years old at the time, and to celebrate the opening of a new sports shop in town, several Celtic players were present to serve behind the counter. Tommy was one of them.
I somehow managed to get through the heaving crowds to the counter, where the players were signing autographs, chatting and posing for photos. It was the first time I'd been allowed into town on my own, and as I got to the front of the queue, it was Tommy who said, "How are you?"
Even as an adult I'm not the most self-confident of people, but at 10, my bottle totally crashed, with one of my idols actually talking to me. I stammered, "A pair of goalkeeper's gloves please." Tommy handed me a pair of those old yellow and green gloves, and said "Take care" as I rushed out of the shop.
I've always regretted that moment of youthful shyness and wished I'd at least got his autograph. I just hope he didn't think I was being rude.
Tommy Burns was the perfect role model for any young Celt, and he remained so until this very day. It seems almost churlish to mention how sad I am today, as my feelings pale into insignificance compared to how his wife and children must be feeling right now. Hopefully it will be of some small consolation to them to know that Tommy was held in such high esteem by so many people.
On John Thomson's grave is the epitaph, "They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind." As long as there is a Celtic Football Club, and for as long as there are people who remember Celtic Football Club, Tommy Burns will live forever.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord
And let perpetual light shine upon him
May he rest in peace.
Amen.
Tommy Burns, Mo Ghile Mear.
Sorry for the wrong link just there. Hopefully this one works.
Tommy Burns Pictures
This is a truly tragic way for Tommy Burns to leave his family, the Celtic family and the world footballing family. He was one of our greatest ever ambassadors and epitomised everything that Celtic and football should be about.
Please forgive me for relating my own experience with this horrible disease but it is so fresh in my mind that I can't help linking the two.
I lost my sister, Fiona aged 44, to melanoma in January and know how devastating this disease is. Tommy's wish to fight this disease in private, away from the media, would have been done in the full knowledge that he was most likely going to lose the battle within a short space of time. When melanoma recurs after an initial episode has been treated successfully the average life expectancy is around 6 months. It generally does not respond to chemo or radiotherapy although doctors still give it as a matter of course. My sister had a malignant mole removed in 1998 and was given the all clear 5 years later. She was then told last September that a lump in her groin was the same disease and it had tracked through her body. Like Tommy she was an athlete, swimmer and a lifeguard, but this disease has no respect -it doesn't care whether you are healthy or obese, rich or poor, black or white, catholic or protestant, it is indiscriminating in choosing its victims.
The speed of its progress is terrifying.By November Fiona could not walk unassisted and by December she knew the end was near. She held on through sheer will power to get through another Christmas for her children and family before passing away in January with all of her family around her.
That Tommy, like my sister and the many other sufferers of this disease, still manage to put up a fight when they know the odds are stacked against them is a truly humbling experience. It encapsulates all that is good in humanity and all that is important - love, family and friendship.
Tommy's humanity, his kindness, his warm heartedness and generosity shone like a beacon throughout his life. He wore his heart on his hooped sleeves, he will be desperatey missed.
Tommy, you are a true hero in this world where your values are all too often belittled, Rest in Peace.
One of The Bhoys