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Celtic legend Burns loses skin cancer battle

15/05/2008

Former Celtic player and manager Tommy Burns has died at the age of 51 after losing his long-running battle with skin cancer.

Burns first received treatment for the disease in March 2006 and suffered another scare two months ago before being taken seriously ill this month.

The talented midfielder played for the Parkhead outfit for 14 seasons between 1975 and 1989, making more than 350 league appearances, before moving to Kilmarnock towards the end of his playing career.

Capped eight times by Scotland during the 1980s, Burns later returned to the Bhoys as manager in 1994, having served his apprenticeship as a player-manager during his time at Rugby Park and winning promotion to the Premier League with Killie.

Although Burns' managerial career at Celtic never scaled the heights of his playing days, the Glasgow native led the side to the Scottish Cup title in 1995 during a period of dominance for crosstown rivals Rangers.

Always regarded as a flair player in his day, Burns was renowned for encouraging the same attacking style as a manager.

After being sacked by Celtic in 1997 he went on to work under Kenny Dalglish at Newcastle United and had a brief return to full management with Reading between 1998 and 1999.

In 2002, Burns was appointed assistant manager to new Scotland boss Bertie Vogts, a position he retained under Walter Smith and combined with a role on the Celtic coaching staff.

A brief statement on the Celtic website reads: "It is with great sadness that Celtic Football Club confirmed this morning that Tommy Burns has passed away.

"Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man, will be sadly missed by us all.

"Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Tommy's wife Rosemary and his family at this extremely difficult time."