Celtic's Gordon Strachan pays tribute to Tommy Burns

15/05/2008

Tommy Burns (Pic:Getty Images)

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has paid tribute to Tommy Burns after the Parkead legend aged 51.

Burns, a former Bhoys player and manager who was the club’s first-team coach and head of youth, lost his battle with cancer on Thursday morning.

Strachan said: "Every time he walked into a room you felt better when Tommy was about."

"The most important thing I did when I came here was make him assistant manager.

"Through his intelligence, common sense and humour, he made me understand what Glasgow was all about.

"He kept me sane at times."

Burns, was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006 and though he had been in remission after treatment in France, the disease returned in March this year.

Strachan added: "His bravery throughout his illness was an inspiration, and right to the end he was checking everyone else was okay, never giving a thought for himself or his situation.

"The fact that he has now gone will take a long time to sink in."