Scottish football mourns John Clark

Celtic have paid tribute to ‘Lisbon Lion’ John Clark, who has died at the age of 84. In over 300 games for the club, Clark won 12 major honours, including four Scottish league titles. However, his greatest achievement came in 1967 when Celtic defeated Inter Milan 2-1 in Lisbon to become the first British team to lift the UEFA European Cup.

"'Greatness' is a word people throw around, but for John Clark, it is a very fitting tribute,” said Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. “John was instrumental in delivering our greatest day ever and his achievement is forever etched in Celtic's proud history."

‘A hero to me and so many others’

Clark, who made his Celtic debut in 1959, returned to the club after his playing career to work in the youth set up. He then became assistant to Billy McNeil, his defensive partner during the quadruple-winning 1966-67 season, at Aberdeen and then Celtic. He also managed Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde but again went back to Celtic, serving as kit man for almost 20 years. In total he served the club for over four decades.

"A very dear friend and colleague, John was actually a hero to me and so many others," said Celtic non-executive chairmain Peter Lawwell. "Someone who achieved the greatest feat of all in club football, but did so along with his great team mates, with such grace and humility."

Clark was capped four times for Scotland and made his international debut against Brazil at Hampden Park in 1966.