Former Dunfermline manager Jock Stein was in the town at a supporters’ function just months before he died in 1985. An audience member asked about the greatest players he worked with. He mentioned a few, including John Clark, who Stein thought indispensable to his greatest team, and told the audience most fans did not realise how great a player Clark was.
What Jock didn’t know, was that John, who was then manager of Cowdenbeath, just a few miles up the road in Fife, had discretely slipped into the hall. It brought an unexpectedly prominent moment to a man who was all about anticipation and being prepared.
John came from Chapelhall in Lanarkshire but lived a few miles away in Holytown (where I grew up) when he won the European Cup. The impact he and a few of his teammates made on our community is difficult to relay. Jimmy Johnstone came from Viewpark, Billy McNeill from Bellshill (our high school was spread across both towns), while Tommy Gemmell was just as close in Craigneuk. Bobby Murdoch, from Rutherglen, was at Our Lady’s High School in Motherwell at the same time as Billy, John and Jimmy.
My Dad’s generation of Celtic fans all went to school with at least one of them, you would see them in the street. They inspired their own generation and taught us that we too could achieve in life. You cannot be what you cannot see, and we saw people from our community who went to the very top. Countless wee boys (and some girls) kicked on in life.
I was too young to know John as a player, but I saw his courtesy, kindness and intelligence last well into his later years. As did his memories of Holytown back in the day. How lucky we were to have him. Rest in Peace, John.
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Peter Lawwells tribute was excellent
Great tributes to John Clark.
Privileged to have witnessed his career a man of many names, an authority of European football that even Celtic managers consulted for information.
The Broom, was a Celtic production born and bred a few miles up the road, he often shared the bus with Jimmy Johnstone in those early days. The term ‘Libero’ was invented elsewhere but could have been invented for John Clark, the best Celtic ‘sweeper’ of all time.
He took the ball from opponents like a thief in the night, all he wanted was the ball and he took it clean as a whistle, more often than not.
That was Clark, when he got it, he shared it with the Lions and let them do their thing, a provider for Celtic left foot, right foot, didn’t matter slide tackles, no crunching, minimal fuss, little contact.
An immaculate Celtic player and Celtic man, in a life well lived.
RIP John Clark
So sad to see that John Clark has passed away.
I have enjoyed his company a few times. He was what everyone says: Quiet, thoughtful, intelligent, and welcoming.
And yes, he was a quality player, without whom, the greatest of Celtic teams might not have achieved all that they did.
Good night, John.
Ronnie
https://i2-prod.glasgowlive.co.uk/incoming/article31914991.ece/ALTERNATES/s1200e/0_Scottish-League-Cup-Final-Celtic-v-Rangers.jpg
I witnessed John’s career from the beginning…the Brush was often an unsung but vital player in Jock’s team. He hardly missed a game….Honest, fearless and a real team man. I would often see him on my trips up to the stadium for the beeb and he would always greet me, ‘hello son’. I last saw him in March 2019. He and his wife were temporarily staying at the Burnside Hotel whilst work was being done on their home. I was finishing lunch with my son and 4 year old grandson when John and his wife came into the restaurant and sat down at the next table. He recognised me and I got the usual ‘hello son’ followed by some small talk. Meanwhile my grandson began regaling Mrs Clark with tales of scary dinosaurs. They were both so patient and charming. My son was awestruck meeting a legendary Lisbon Lion and politely asked if his dad could take a photo. It was a case of, ‘Of course, no problem.’ And because the place was so quiet I managed to take a few snaps. So, tonight I searched for them and to be honest I got a lump in my throat when I saw them. A lovely couple in a lovely moment. Goodbye Legend…
Vale John Clark; one of our most unassuming club legends.
(Eloquent and heartfelt tribute and accompanying video by the club to mark his sad passing.)
readback.
I met John Clarke in 2002 on a tour of the stadium.
My then 10 year old boy asked me who as that man.
I told him he was a true Celtic legend, a European Cup Winner.
He was so humble it was unbelievable.
RIP John Clarke. Lisbon Lion Legend.
May you rest in peace.
Good Morning Celts…
Sad news about the passing of John Clark.
A true club ambassador, legend and lion.
Thoughts and prayers with his family and friends and all who profoundly feel his loss.
Brilliant well deserved tribute from Celtic.
May he R.I.P.
Hail Hail
FRITZSONG
John Clark scored one of his few goals in a cup replay against Hibs at Easter Road. Celtic fans were locked out but,myself and a few others, wandered round the park until a big wooden door was opened by someone and a mad scramble got us inside. Plenty of room inside and managed to see John score one of his few goals for the Bhoys.
RIP John, God Bless
in
Good morning all.
I know many are negative about the FIFA club event. Personally I really do wish we were there. I actually think we could add so much to the comptition and likewise we would benefit from its funding and ultimately its prestige and global connection. Not just USA but all the other countries. Appeal as a destination for players would be another benefit. If seen on that stage.
Some good games last night for sure. Happymouf old adversaries got eliminated. Not that I am bitter. Much.
Bada do you have a link to your 9.30.post.
Thank you
HH
There’s no doubt the money being paid to invited participants at this event is significant. The title itself is a joke, but in a smaller TV revenue country like ours, that money e.g. would have suddenly lifted the likes of Sevco significantly, and, in the future, will be especially beneficial to our European competition should any of them from outwith the bigger TV nations get a run in it. It needs watching and if it is played again, we need, one way or another, to be trying to find a way to be there, however ridiculous the actual event is.
B78 – I hear you re the prestige and the $.
Personally I’m very glad we are not there.
It’s a cash grab with no consideration of the performers.
Many of these guys will play through this summer and, for World Cup Final, next summer too.
Watch out across 2026 and 2027 for players in sizeable numbers breaking down physically.
The new article will be up at noon.
Some great posts about a Celtic legend.
Good etims article as well
https://etims.net/?p=19010
AT
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/june/23/celtic-legend–john-clark-passes-away/
AT
it’s in news section ( PL’s comments)
Speaking on Clark’s sad passing, Celtic Chairman, Peter Lawwell said: “John’s passing represents a massive loss to his own family and of course a huge loss to the wider Celtic family.
“A very dear friend and colleague, John was actually a hero to me and so many others, someone who achieved the greatest feat of all in club football but did so, along with his great team mates with such grace and humility.
“That famous day in Lisbon, which John was such an integral part of, changed our club forever. Ever since, each player who has passed through our club has stood on the shoulders of giants and John was certainly one of those giants.”
“John gave his life to Celtic both as a player and on our staff in a variety of his roles and his contribution to our great club over so many decades is immeasurable”.
“John was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. Such a warm, gentle, and unassuming man. It was an absolute privilege to have known John. Rightly he will forever be regarded as one of Celtics greatest ever servants.
“He will be someone we will all miss so dearly and we send all our love, our thoughts and prayers to John’s family.”
Rest in peace john̈
You will be in our hearts eternally
Missed
https://x.com/KenRoss67/status/1937289412012015642?s=19
HH
Hot Smoked / lefti
Thanks both of you
HH