Strachan in tribute to legend Tommy
Published:
CELTIC manager Gordon Strachan today led the tributes to Hoops legend Tommy Burns, who died aged 51 after a long battle against skin cancer.
Strachan insisted there has been nothing better in his spell in charge at Parkhead than becoming close friends with Burns.
Strachan said: “Being Tommy’s mate was the best part of joining Celtic.
“As a footballer, there were not many better and as a person he was top of the league when it comes to being a man.”
He added: “It was a privilege to be in his company every day.
“He was not a guy to go on about what he did in football, he was more into helping other people.”
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said it was too early to say what the club would do in terms of a memorial gesture, but hailed the contribution Burns made to Celtic.
He said: “It was a privilege for Tommy Burns to be one of us and the football world will mourn the passing, as well as Celtic, of a very, very special person and a favourite son.
“Tommy will go down in history as a Celtic legend among the many, many great legends that Celtic have.”
Celtic captain Stephen McManus was honoured to have been able to work with Burns:
He said: “It’s been a pleasure to have known him for eight years.
“You can’t help but love him to bits. He’s going to be sadly missed.”
He was married to wife Rosemary for 28 years and the couple have four children.
Former Celtic captain Paul Lambert said: “It’s a great loss.
“So soon after the Phil O’Donnell tragedy as well, and then Tommy. It’s just horrific.
“It was a privilege knowing him.”
