Source: Team_Talk
Hoops confirm Burns tribute match
The game, which will see members of the current Hoops first team take on a Tommy Burns Select side - including a host of former Parkhead greats - will take place on Sunday, May 31 at 2pm.[LNB]Burns, who died aged 51 on May 15 last year, spent 14 years at Celtic as a player before returning to manage the club in 1994.[LNB]He had been working as a coach under current boss Gordon Strachan when he passed away.[LNB]Next month's game at Parkhead will benefit the Burns family, with donations also being made by the family to the Celtic Charity Fund and the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust, which has been established by Burns' daughters.[LNB]On the day of the match, Burns' widow Rosemary will also unveil a bronze sculpture of him at the entrance to Celtic Park.[LNB]The sculpture, depicting his life in football, will be mounted on the wall of the stadium as Burns becomes the inaugural inductee into a new hall of fame called Celtic Legends.[LNB]Strachan welcomed the announcement, saying: "Naturally, we still miss Tommy so much.[LNB]"His whole personality was something which lit up the club and he was a man who just gave so much to Celtic - a club he loved so dearly.[LNB]"There is still great sadness at Tommy's passing, but the wonderful memories of Tommy we will cherish forever.[LNB]"It was a great privilege to be able to call Tommy a friend and I know that I speak for all the players and backroom staff in saying that we are honoured to be taking part in this match in memory of such a tremendous man."[LNB]Rosemary Burns added: "Clearly, it has been a very difficult year for the whole family.[LNB]"However, throughout this period, we have been touched by the overwhelming support we have received from so many people.[LNB]"We are sure this match will be a great opportunity for people, supporters of all clubs to pay their respects to Thomas and I would like to thank in advance everyone who attends the match.[LNB]"I will also be delighted to unveil the sculpture of Thomas at Celtic Park."[LNB]Celtic chairman John Reid said: "Tommy will forever be remembered as one of Celtic's greatest sons, not only for his playing ability but also for his attributes as a man.[LNB]"He is one of the finest men ever to grace the famous green and white hoops and is someone certainly I was proud to have known.[LNB]"Tommy epitomised Celtic and represented all that is great about our club.[LNB]"Clearly, Tommy has been missed terribly by Rosemary and the family and everyone within the wider Celtic family - indeed the world of football as a whole.[LNB]"The match in honour of Tommy will be a fitting tribute to someone who made such a wonderful contribution to the club.[LNB]"We will also be delighted to unveil a wonderful piece of sculpture and ensure Tommy's place as the first member in our group of true Celtic Legends."[LNB][LNB]
