Former Celtic left-back Lee Naylor has taken a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the unforgettable years he spent at Celtic Park. His time at the Hoops, especially during the 2007-2008 season, remains one of his fondest memories in football. Naylor’s reflections on his time under Gordon Strachan and the late Tommy Burns offer an insight into the unique team spirit that defined that era at Celtic.
Gordon Strachan’s Team Spirit
Naylor’s admiration for Gordon Strachan’s influence on the team is clear. Speaking about Strachan’s management, Naylor highlighted how Strachan’s ability to bring a strong sense of unity within the squad was a key factor in their success. “It was Gordon’s team spirit,” Naylor said: (The Celtic Way). Strachan’s approach helped galvanise the squad during the crucial final games of the 2008 title race. Naylor, like his teammates, was confident in their ability to pull through. “Even when we knew we had to beat Rangers twice at Celtic Park in the space of a few days, we knew we could. We did it for Tommy,” he added, showing just how much Burns’ legacy had impacted them all.#
Manager Gordon Strachan – Celtic
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew Boyers
Tommy Burns: A True Celtic Legend
Tommy Burns’ passing in 2008 is something Naylor will never forget. Burns’ dedication to Celtic Football Club was unparalleled, and his influence on the players, particularly the young players, was so important in their development into the first-team. “What a great man Tommy was. He absolutely adored Celtic. He bled green and white, and he was a top, top man,” Naylor reflected. Burns had a special relationship with the younger players at Celtic, including Darren O’Dea and Aiden McGeady, helping them find their feet in the first team.
Burns’ charisma wasn’t limited to his coaching ability; he also brought humour to the training ground. Naylor recalled with fondness one of Burns’ favourite one-liners, often shouted during training when a player wasn’t performing up to scratch: “We can get a man from down the pub to do that!” It was a remark that, though critical, always lightened the mood and kept the atmosphere at training positive and lively. “That line was one of his favourites, and it always raised a laugh,” Naylor said, smiling as he remembered the legendary coach’s infectious sense of humour.
Legacy of Teamwork and Love for Celtic
As Naylor looks back on his time at Celtic, it’s clear that both Gordon Strachan’s leadership and Tommy Burns’ passion for the club had a lasting impact on him. The 2007-2008 season, where Celtic triumphed in the Scottish Premier League title race against Rangers, was a testament to the bond between manager and players, and the spirit of those who wore the green and white jersey. For Naylor, it was a time he will always cherish, not only for the success on the pitch but also for the memories of the men who made it all possible.
