TOMMY BHOY

Celtic legend was a supporter first, last and always

- PAUL CUDDIHY

IT was 31 years ago this week that Tommy Burns pulled on his beloved green and white Hoops for the last time as a Celtic player.

The occasion was a friendly at home to Ajax, a match that Celtic won 1-0 thanks to a goal after 20 minutes from Roy Aitken.

But the night was all about Tommy Burns, who was leaving Paradise for Kilmarnock after 14 years at the club. Supporters chanted his name throughout the match, and when he was substituted for Stevie Fulton, the midfielder took of his boots and through them into The Jungle, a final thank you and farewell to his fellow Celtic fans.

Tommy served the Hoops as both a faithful player and manager before returning to be a Backroom Bhoy once more under Gordon Strachan.

He always described himself as a supporter who got lucky. Yet, in truth, it was the Celtic support who considered themselves lucky enough to have seen him play. He played 503 times for Celtic, always proud to wear his beloved green and white hoops. His passion for the club was there for all to see, and he was always viewed by fans as one of their own, someone who, if he hadn’t been blessed with such football talent, would have been standing in The Jungle cheering on the team.

He made his debut in 1975 but it was in the 1980s that he established himself as a vital player for the club, helping deliver a number of memorable triumphs for Celtic, not least the centenary double triumph. And he always understood what it mean to supporters, famously stating,