John Clark pictured in 2014 with the European Cup 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 15 major honours, including six league titles. However his greatest achievement came in 1967, when Celtic defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon to become the first British team to lift the 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." Clark, who made his Celtic debut in 1959, returned to the club after his playing career to work in the youth set up, before becoming assistant to Billy McNeil at Aberdeen then at Celtic. He also managed Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde, but again went back to Celtic, serving as kit man for almost 20 years. "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," added Rodgers. "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." Peter Lawwell, Celtic's chairman, described Clark as 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," Lawwell added. "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."
Celtic legend Clark dies aged 84
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"Celtic Football Club Mourns the Passing of Lisbon Lion John Clark at 84"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
John Clark, a celebrated figure in Celtic Football Club's history, has passed away at the age of 84. He is best known for his pivotal role as part of the legendary 'Lisbon Lions', the team that made history in 1967 by becoming the first British club to win the European Cup after defeating Inter Milan in the final. Throughout his career at Celtic, which spanned over 300 matches, Clark contributed significantly to the club's success, winning a total of 15 major honors, including six league titles. His legacy is profoundly acknowledged by current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who stated that Clark's contributions to the club are forever etched in its proud history. Rodgers emphasized that Clark's greatness is not just a term but a fitting tribute to a man who was instrumental in delivering what is regarded as Celtic’s greatest day ever.
After retiring as a player, John Clark continued to serve Celtic in various capacities, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the club. He returned to work in the youth setup before taking on roles as assistant manager at Aberdeen and later at Celtic. Clark also had managerial stints at Cowdenbeath, Stranraer, and Clyde, but he remained closely associated with Celtic, serving as the kit man for nearly two decades. Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell fondly remembered Clark as a dear friend and a hero, noting that his contributions have inspired countless players and staff over the years. Lawwell highlighted that the historic victory in Lisbon, which Clark was a crucial part of, changed the trajectory of the club forever. He acknowledged that every player who has since joined Celtic stands on the shoulders of giants, with John Clark being one of those giants, embodying grace and humility throughout his remarkable journey with the club.
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