Celtic legend John Clark has passed away at the age of 84.
Clark, a Lisbon Lion, made more than 300 appearances for the club and played a pivotal role in the 1967 European Cup triumph – a moment that etched his name permanently in Celtic folklore.
With Celtic, he won four league titles, four League Cups, three Scottish Cups and one European Cup.
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers paid a heartfelt tribute to the Hoops legend on the Celtic website, saying:
“‘Greatness’ is a word people throw around, but for John Clark it is a very fitting tribute.
“John was instrumental in delivering our greatest day ever and his achievement is forever etched in Celtic’s proud history.
“John’s continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an absolute inspiration to so many players, managers and staff, including myself very much.
“To have him with us, as part of the club for so long has been a tremendous privilege for us all, it meant so much to us. Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club.”
“I know John was loved so dearly by his family, by everyone at the club and our supporters. We will all miss him so much.”
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton echoed those sentiments, writing on social media: “Really upsetting to hear of John Clark’s passing. A true Celtic great. A legend on the field and an absolute gentleman off it. Thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family”
Peter Lawwell then took time to speak after his “very dear friend’s” passing was confirmed:
“John’s passing represents a massive loss to his own family and of course a huge loss to the wider Celtic family.
“A very dear friend and colleague, John was actually a hero to me and so many others, 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.
“That famous day in Lisbon, which John was such an integral part of, changed our club forever. Ever since, each player who has passed through our club has stood on the shoulders of giants and John was certainly one of those giants.”
“John gave his life to Celtic both as a player and on our staff in a variety of his roles and his contribution to our great club over so many decades is immeasurable”.
“John was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. Such a warm, gentle, and unassuming man. It was an absolute privilege to have known John. Rightly he will forever be regarded as one of Celtics greatest ever servants.
“He will be someone we will all miss so dearly and we send all our love, our thoughts and prayers to John’s family.”
John Hartson, who worked closely with Clark during his time at Celtic, added on X: “Very sad news to hear my old kit man and Celtic great John Clark has passed away.. his partnership with Billy McNeill was immense.”
Clark’s humble nature and lifelong devotion to the club earned him immense respect. Whether as a player, coach or kit man, his impact was felt throughout Celtic Park.
Tonight, a silence sets over Parkhead. His name will be talked about for the rest of Celtic’s history. He led an inspirational life and lived the dream – winning the European Cup with Celtic.
Tributes have been pouring in throughout the day and will continue. John Clark was a man loved by all, and it’s a privilege to call him a Celtic Legend.
