Tributes have been paid to Celtic legend Tommy Burns, who has died at the age of 51. GORDON BROWN, PRIME MINISTER  Tommy Burns passed away after a battle with cancer |
"His death robs Scottish football of one of its most inspirational figures of modern times and one of the nicest people in football. "He will go down as one of the all-time great players for Glasgow Celtic. "His belief in good football shone through in his time as Celtic manager, as well as in his service for Scotland and Kilmarnock. "But perhaps most of all it was his passion and love for his family and for life itself that made Tommy so inspiring. He will be sadly missed by us all." ALEX SALMOND, FIRST MINISTER "Tommy Burns was an outstanding servant for Celtic and Scotland. "He always answered the call of club and country and will be hugely missed throughout the world of football and beyond. "The grit and determination he displayed as a player and coach were very much in evidence during his brave battle against cancer. "Our condolences go out to Tommy's family and friends and our thoughts are with them." JOHN REID MP, CELTIC CHAIRMAN "Tommy is someone who was loved by so many of us. "He was a man of true integrity and dignity. As a Celtic player, manager and coach, Tommy served Celtic with distinction and true professionalism. "Tommy's passing will be mourned by the entire Celtic family. He will be hugely missed by us all, but he is someone we will never, ever forget." STEVEN PURCELL, GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL LEADER "Scotland has lost one of its greatest footballing legends and one of its most decent and genuine men. "One of my earliest memories of going to Celtic Park was of seeing Celtic greats like Tommy Burns. "His brave battle against cancer over the years and his deep Christian faith has also been a deep inspiration to thousands. "Tommy was unusual in that he crossed the footballing divide and was liked and respected by all football fans not just here in Glasgow but throughout Scotland and beyond. "It's true when they say that only the good die young." DAVIE PROVAN, FORMER CELTIC TEAM-MATE "I will remember him as a very good footballer but more than that, a great human being. He was decent and honest. "He was hugely popular at Celtic but I'm sure his death will cause great sadness among the Rangers supporters too. He embodied everything good about the club. "He was a great example to everybody at Celtic Park. He was universally popular at the ground. "He was born and brought up in the Calton district of Glasgow - a stone's throw from Celtic Park - and he got to live the dream. "But football was a poor third in his life. His great devotion was Rosemary and his family, and his faith." FERGUS MCCANN, FORMER CELTIC OWNER "I am deeply saddened to hear of Tommy's death. I pray for the repose of his soul and for strength for his wife Rosemary and their children. "Tommy had a fine career and every Celtic supporter and Scottish football fan will have their own special memories of a man whose life was dedicated to his family, to the game of football and in particular to Celtic Football Club. "Those memories will live on." TOMMY GEMMELL, LISBON LION "He was a tremendous player and a great manager. And a great person. "I don't think you will find anyone on this earth who will say a bad word about him. "My feelings go out to Rosemary and his family. It is a very sad occasion for someone so young. It's a sad loss. "I never had the privilege of playing with him but I watched him many times. He was a superb player with a lethal left foot. He will be sorely missed." PETER RAFFERTY, ASSOCIATION OF CELTIC SUPPORTERS "He was a true gentleman and a big family man. I would just like to pass my condolences on to Rosemary and his family on behalf of the Celtic supporters. "Celtic was a big part of his life but the biggest part of his life was his family. He became a grandfather a few weeks ago and that is the biggest tragedy. "Legend is a word that is used quite a lot these days but he was. He was a great player with Celtic first and foremost. "If you needed anything, Tommy Burns would always be there for you."
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