Celtic legend & Lisbon Lion John Clark dies aged 84

Celtic have paid tribute to Lisbon Lion John Clark who has died at the age of 84.

In over 300 games for the Parkhead side, Clark won 15 major honours, including six league titles.

However, his greatest achievement came in 1967, when Celtic defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon to become the first British team to lift the European Cup.

“‘Greatness’ is a word people throw around, but for John Clark it is a very fitting tribute,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers.

“John was instrumental in delivering our greatest day ever and his achievement is forever etched in Celtic’s proud history.”

Clark, who made his Celtic debut in 1959, would return to Parkhead after his playing days to work in the club’s youth set up, before then becoming assistant to Billy McNeil at Aberdeen then at Celtic.

How own managerial career followed with spells at Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde, however the lure of the Glasgow giants brought him back where he was kit man for almost 20 years.

“John’s continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an absolute inspiration to so many players, managers and staff, including myself very much,” added Rodgers.

“To have him with us, as part of the club for so long has been a tremendous privilege for us all, it meant so much to us. Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club.”

Peter Lawwell, Celtic’s chairman, added: “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.”