John Clark’s life ended on 23 June 2025, when aged 84. Following this, there were numerous tributes to Clark from across the Celtic and footballing world. The Bhoys’ then manager Brendan Rodgers said Clark’s contribution would “forever be etched in Celtic’s proud history.”
John Clark, reminding everyone of the score in the 1967 European Cup Final in Lisbon. Photo IMAGO
The funeral mass was held at St Mary’s Church in Glasgow, the place it all began for Celtic. A priest at this service described him as a “happy and quiet man” known for “authentic kindness.” The cortege travelled down the Celtic Way, honouring a man who had given so much to the club.
Despite being part of Celtic’s greatest ever team, Clark was never comfortable with public attention. Of the Lisbon Lions XI, he was the only player that did not write a book about his time in football, despite numerous requests to do so.
Many years beforehand, another great Celt, Paddy Crerand, once said of Clark that: “John Clark is a player’s player because he’s always thinking of the team and never plays for himself. If he’s given the job, he does it without any fuss or fancy stuff.”
01.08.2015. Scottish Premiership. Celtic versus Ross County. John Clark waves to the Celtic support on flag day. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
John Clark’s decades at Celtic – in a variety of roles – means that he stands as second only to the great Willie Maley in terms of Celtic longevity. This is a true mark of his legendary status at the club, whether or not he was comfortable with such an accolade.
The years that Clark spent at Celtic led many people to refer to him as “Mr Celtic” — a recognition not just of his achievements, but also his lifelong commitment.
It is an entirely fitting tribute to the great John Clark.
Matthew Marr
