by Celtic paid tribute to Lisbon Lion John Clark, who died at the age of 84.
In more than 300 games for the club, Clark won 15 major awards, including six league titles.
His greatest achievement, however, came in 1967, when Celtic Inter Milan defeated in Lisbon to become the first British team to lifted the European Cup.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “Greatness” is a word that people throw around, but for John Clark it is a very suitable tribute.
“John played an important role in delivering our biggest day ever and his performance is forever etched in the proud history of Celtic.”
Clark, who made his Celtic debut in 1959, returned to the club after his playing career to work in the youth arrangement, before he became an assistant to Billy McNeil in Aberdeen then at Celtic.
He also managed Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde, but went back to Celtic and served as a kitman for almost 20 years.
“John’s constant presence in Celtic for so many decades that I know served as an absolute inspiration for so many players, managers and employees, including myself,” said Rodgers.
“In order to have him with us for so long, as part of the club, it has been a huge privilege for all of us. It meant so much to us. Because of his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club.”
Peter Lawwell, chairman of Celtic, described Clark as a “very dear friend and colleague”.
“John was actually a hero for me and so many others – someone who achieved the greatest achievement of all in club football, but that, together with his great teammates, did that with so much grace and humility,” Lawwell added.
“That famous day in Lisbon, of which John was such an integral part, changed our club forever. Since then, every player who has passed our club has stood on the shoulders of giants and John was certainly one of those giants.”
