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Celtic legend and Lisbon Lions hero John Clark dies aged 84 as tributes pour in for club's second-longest serving figure

Celtic legend and Lisbon Lions hero John Clark dies aged 84 as tributes pour in for club's second-longest serving figure

Scottish Sun4 hours ago

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CELTIC legend John Clark has died at the age of 84.
The Parkhead club announced the Lisbon Lion's passing this afternoon with an emotional statement on social media.
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John Clark won the European Cup with Celtic
Credit: SNS
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Clark playing against Rangers in 1966
Credit: Scottish News and Sport
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Clark (right) with Billy McNeill and Jock Stein
Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow
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Clark and Bertie Auld display the European Cup in front of Celtic fans
Credit: PA
A statement from Celtic read: "Everyone at #CelticFC is deeply saddened at the news that legendary Lisbon Lion, John Clark has passed away at the age of 84.
"The whole Celtic family will mourn John's loss together, supporters and colleagues alike.
"Rest in Peace John, You'll Never Walk Alone 🦁"
Clark won three league titles, three Scottish Cups, four League Cups and of course played a key role in the iconic European Cup victory over Inter Milan in 1967.
Clark was one of just two players to feature in all 59 matches in the famous Quadruple season in 1966/67, with Tommy Gemmell the only other Lisbon Lion to replicate the feat.
Between April 1965 and September 1967, he played in 140 consecutive matches.
Clark went on to become Celtic's second-longest serving figure after Willie Maley as he held various roles within the club across eight decades.
He spent over 45 years with the Hoops both as a player and coach and kit man.
He was Celtic's lead kit man for over 20 years after taking on the role in 1997.
Clark was given the nickname Mr Celtic for his long-lasting service to the Glasgow club.
He joined Celtic at the age of 17 in 1958 and spent 13 years in the East End of Glasgow before heading to Morton for two years between 1971 to 1973.
The legend was capped four times for Scotland and made two appearances for the Scottish League XI in the late 60s.
In total he made 318 appearances for Celtic, scoring three goals.
The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up
Clark returned to Celtic as reserve team coach then teamed up with Billy McNeill as assistant manager at Aberdeen then Celtic.
He had a managerial career with Cowdenbeath, Stranraer, Clyde and Shotts Bon Accord.
In May 2004 Martin O'Neill presented Clark with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his services to Celtic.
Clark's son Martin was a footballer, playing for Clyde, Nottingham Forest and Partick Thistle in the 1990s before spells as assistant manager at Morton and East Stirling.
Clark's passing means Bobby Lennox, Jim Craig and Willie Wallace are the only surviving Lisbon Lions.
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Legendary Celtic player and Lisbon Lion died aged 84
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Lisbon Lion John Clark dies aged 84
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