Tommy Burns R.I.P.

[drinkfeckarse]

Being reported here that Tommy has passed away this morning. Seldom has there been a man carry himself with such poise and respect for others. A gentleman. R.I.P. Tommy.

[seanog2001]

A true celtic legend R.I.P. mate

[Jeebus]

Very saddened to hear this, has really depressed me for the day now.

RIP Tommy, You'll never walk alone.

[celticV3]

Tommy Burns R.I.P. celtic legend and a sad loss

[old git]

another celtic legend and genuine down to earth man r.i.p.

the celtic lads have some team & manager above in heaven now :ball:

[inchicore_saint]

R.I.P

[jebus]

Always liked Tommy, I'm not even a Celtic man but he always came across as a decent sort, RIP

[rambler14]

A true legend. Rest in peace Tommy.

The legends team in heaven has a new player.

[Torn-Ado]

A Celtic legend.

RIP

[Pike B]

Was shocked and upset when hearing this today. A true Celtic and Scotland legend. Very sadly missed already.

[Flawless]

RIP Tommy, a true legend.

[old git]

the definition of a celtic man
David Friel
PETER LAWWELL today hailed Tommy Burns as the perfect example of a Celtic man and promised that he will live forever within the history of the club.

As thousands of supporters started leaving tributes in a shrine outside Celtic Park, the Chief Executive paid tribute to the legacy left behind by Tommy, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning.

A true Celt, Tommy worked tirelessly in his dual role as Celtic’s Head of Youth and first-team coach. The loss of the Hoops legend will be felt by the entire Celtic family and the football world in general.

“Today, we have lost a coach and our Head of Youth,” said Peter Lawwell. “More importantly, we have lost one of this club’s favourite sons.

“If you define Celtic and a Celtic man, Tommy Burns fitted the bill. He was a wonderful human being. I think in life you only met a few special people. Tommy was certainly that.

“His football style, as a Celtic man, his standards, his value, his humour, his integrity…all made him that special person.

“Tommy also transcended the football world and the divide in this city. You can see that by the tributes already being made outside Celtic Park from every club. That takes a very special person.

“Personally, it was a privilege to work alongside him. His energy, his enthusiasm and his love for this club was an inspiration to me and everyone around the place.

“Tommy loved Celtic and loved the Celtic support. The Celtic support loved him. It was a privilege for Tommy Burns to be one of us and the football world will mourn the passing of a special person.

“Tommy will go down in history as a Celtic legend. There have been messages of support from all over the world. That demonstrates the love that people had for Tommy.

“It’s early to be thinking of tributes for Tommy, but he will live forever within the club. There are many legends at Celtic, but he will take his place among them.”

A fans’ favourite as a player, Tommy won numerous honours with Celtic and continued to make a massive contribution as a coach.

While his influence on the first-team was huge, Tommy was responsible for putting in place the successful youth system that has allowed the likes of Stephen McManus and Aiden McGeady progress to be first-team stars.

The Chief Executive added: “Right up until a few weeks ago, Tommy was in at Lennoxtown working. He wanted to put things in place so that everything would be alright when he was getting his treatment.

“I spoke to him on the phone last Monday, and again it was business. His energy, drive and passion for this club was remarkable.

“Tommy leaves us with the legacy of a successful Youth Academy. Stephen McManus, Aiden McGeady, Darren O’Dea and Paul Caddis are just some of the players to come through and Tommy has left the club in a great state.

“Tommy campaigned for the training centre for 10 years. He was a big inspiration and I can remember taking him up to Lennoxtown when it was a derelict site.

“You needed a big imagination to try and see what we would do there, but we delivered it for him.

“Clearly, our thoughts at this time are Tommy’s wife Rosemary and his children, Emma, Jenna, Jonathan and Michael. Any support they can get from this football club, will be given.”

tommy burns r.i.p.

[Dunny]

Tommy Twists, Tommy Turns, Tommy Burns!

True Celtic legend!

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

[Marked Man]

Nice piece about him here, if you haven't already seen it:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=535357&cc=5901

[Stevo Da Gull]

R.I.P.

[ArdeeBhoy]

A true gentleman & Celt.
R.I.P.

[Denis The Red]

The continuing theme here is that Tommy was a gentleman. The world is a lesser place without him.
Rest In Peace, Tommy.

[superfrank]

I was astounded that Walter Smith and Ally McCoist were two of the pallbearers. Very big move. Great to see that all the nonsense can be pushed side for important things.

RIP.

[see's it]

I was astounded that Walter Smith and Ally McCoist were two of the pallbearers. Very big move. Great to see that all the nonsense can be pushed side for important things.

RIP.

all part of the scotland management team at 1 time

[superfrank]

all part of the scotland management team at 1 time
Yeah I know but to have two of the current Rangers management team, at such an important time of the season as well, carrying the coffin of a man who was Celtic through and through is truely admirable.

[rambler14]

all part of the scotland management team at 1 time

Yeah. Smith was manager. Burns was assistant and McCoist was strikers coach.

[see's it]

Yeah I know but to have two of the current Rangers management team, at such an important time of the season as well, carrying the coffin of a man who was Celtic through and through is truely admirable.

ya fairplay to the rangers boys for the gesture just shows how much of a legend tommy b was

[antrimgreen]

Complete and utter legend, as described at his funeral, he had 3 passions his family his faith and football.

RIP

[EAFC_rdfl]

I found the pictures on here very moving:

Tommy Burns Funeral (http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_200508173232.aspx)

McCoist seems to be in bits in one of them, definitely shows the high esteem he is held in.
Then I came on here and foolishly read the Aiden McGeady thread, where one of the best products of Tommy Burns endless hard work with the Celtic youth system was once again getting slated to bits. I couldn't even be bothered replying to it

[antrimgreen]

I found the pictures on here very moving:

Tommy Burns Funeral (http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_200508173232.aspx)

McCoist seems to be in bits in one of them, definitely shows the high esteem he is held in.
Then I came on here and foolishly read the Aiden McGeady thread, where one of the best products of Tommy Burns endless hard work with the Celtic youth system was once again getting slated to bits. I couldn't even be bothered replying to it

His performances in a green jersey have been poor you can't really argue with that, other than that he has been great.

Celtic TV had a good program on last night, interviewed alot of players, Aiden was very emotional suppose he knew him from the age of 12. It's a wonder with Tommy's influence on Aiden's game he decided to declare for Ireland and not Scotland.

[Block G Raptor]

Delighted to see Celtic winning the league for Tommy. was watching the Celebrations last night and one of the players (cant remember which one) ran to the crowd and started them chanting Tommy's name. It was really nice to see a Player do that fair play

[rambler14]

Delighted to see Celtic winning the league for Tommy. was watching the Celebrations last night and one of the players (cant remember which one) ran to the crowd and started them chanting Tommy's name. It was really nice to see a Player do that fair play

That was Lee Naylor just after Celtic got the trophy.