Tommy Burns
The former Celtic player and manager, Tommy Burns, has died of skin cancer at the age of 51.
Burns, who played for Celtic from 1974 until 1989 and managed the club between 1994 and 1997, was first diagnosed with cancer in 2006 and, although he received treatment at the time, it returned this March. The first-team coach at Parkhead since 2005, Burns then took leave to undergo further treatment in Glasgow and France, but a statement released on Celtic's website this morning confirmed his passing.
"It is with great sadness that Celtic Football Club confirmed this morning that Tommy Burns has passed away," read the statement. "Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man will be sadly missed by us all. Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Tommy's wife Rosemary and his family at this extremely difficult time."
Tributes paid to Burns
Former Celtic star Davie Provan has paid tribute to his old team-mate Tommy Burns. Provan told Sky Sports News: "He was a very good footballer but more than that, a great human being."
Former Celtic player Frank McGarvey said he was "shattered" by the news that old team-mate Tommy Burns had lost his brave battle against cancer.
Burns, 51, joined the Hoops as a teenager in 1973 and went on to play 352 league games for the club.
McGarvey said: "I'm shattered and I think everyone is. He was one of the good guys, a winner with a great sense of humour and he will be badly missed."
On Line petition to rename their Lennoxtown Facility to honour the contribution as
a player, manager, coach and supporter made by a true Celtic Legend, Tommy Burns.