GENTLEMAN

Tommy Burns was a much-loved figure among the Celtic supporters and they paid tribute to him this morning.

Peter Rafferty, of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters' Clubs, said: "I knew Tommy very well both as a friend and obviously through his connections with Celtic. I got to know him over many years.

"He was a true gentleman and a big family man. I would just like to pass my condolences on to Rosemary and his family on behalf of the Celtic supporters.

"Celtic was a big part of his life but the biggest part of his life was his family. He became a grandfather a few weeks ago and that is the biggest tragedy.

"Legend is a word that is used quite a lot these days but he was. He was a great player with Celtic first and foremost.

"He was a manager who played football the way Celtic supporters like to see it.

"All these things pale into insignificance this morning. He was a very nice person, a very religious person.

"If you needed anything, Tommy Burns would always be there for you."