Strachan: Tommy was special
by Tom Adams, 15 May 2008
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has described Tommy Burns as ‘top of the league when it comes to being a man’, paying an emotional tribute to the first team coach who has passed away after losing his battle against skin cancer.
Burns, who made 352 appearances for the club before also managing Celtic between 1994 and 1997, was held in very high esteem at Parkhead and his death has been marked by all manner of touching tributes.
In a poignant news conference, Strachan paid his own respects to his colleague and friend whom he visited less than a day before his death at the age of 51.
"The best part of coming to Celtic, above everything else, is that it has been a fantastic journey," said Strachan.
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"But the last few years, calling Tommy Burns my friend. That's the best thing you can get.
"That's no disrespect to football, but being Tommy's mate was the best part of joining Celtic. We're talking about a legend here.
"As I said all along, people should be judged not as a footballer but as a person.
“There weren't many better than him. But, as a person, he was top of the league when it comes to being a man.
"Even yesterday, when I was with him, his faith was incredible. All he was interested in was making sure Rosemary and the kids, and I, were all right. He wasn't thinking about himself, which is absolutely incredible."
Celtic captain Stephen McManus also described how the death of such a popular figure had hit the playing staff hard.
“It's very, very tough," said McManus. "I've spoken to a few of the players and we're all pretty much numb. A few of the lads have known for some time that he's not been too well.
"Then he'd bounce into the training ground as if everything's fine. That shows you what he's like as a man, that he was willing to fight on.
"He made sure you didn't feel awkward or no-one felt sorry for him. He was courageous and he was probably as brave a man as you'll ever meet."
Chief executive Brian Lawwell added: "Today, we lost a coach and head of youth. But, more importantly, we lost one of this club's favourite sons.
"If you define a Celtic man, it would certainly be Tommy Burns. He was a wonderful human being.
"Tommy also transcended the football world, the divide in this city. You can see that outside now by the tributes coming in from every club. That takes a very special person."