Celtic hero that helped stop the ten pays tribute to John Clark

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 5:17 PM ET

Football lost a giant yesterday as Celtic legend John Clark passing was confirmed on Monday. The Lisbon Lion passed away at the age of 84, prompting an outpouring of emotion from the football community.

Clark was an integral figure under Jock Stein, resulting in the club’s greatest success in Lisbon, playing each game during the 1966-67 season. Renowned for his partnership with Billy McNeill at the back for Celtic, Clark would link up with Cesar as Assistant Manager before returning to the club in 1997 as kitman. Clark would play another key role in the club’s history, helping Wim Jansen’s side to stop 10IAR and claim a famous league double that year.

One of the stars of that team, Craig Burley, paid a heartfelt tribute to Clark for his role in that dressing room.

John Clark was part of the greatest story in Celtics history. He was a legend but more importantly a friend to all the boys. A man of few words we’d see John every day at Celtic park as his time as kit man. Clarky it was just a pleasure to have known you. RIP my friend.

— Craig Burley (@craigburley) June 23, 2025

A humble man, Clark was a supporter that played for his boyhood team and immortalised himself along with his teammates against Inter that day in Lisbon. His passing is a huge loss to the club and the wider footballing community.

Rest in peace, John.

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

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