Burns in Cancer Battle

floody · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:07 pm

Quote:

Celtic first-team coach Tommy Burns is facing a fresh battle against cancer, the club has confirmed.

The 51-year-old was diagnosed as suffering from a melanoma in March 2006 and had responded well to treatment.

But a spokesperson for Celtic said: "Celtic today confirm that first-team coach Tommy Burns is to receive continued cancer treatment.

"Tommy intends to continue as first-team coach and head of the youth academy during this treatment."

The spokesperson added: "Clearly, Celtic requests that the privacy of Tommy and his family is respected at this time."

Burns began playing for Celtic in 1974 and also won eight Scotland caps in a distinguished career which ended as player/manager of Kilmarnock.

He went on to manage Celtic, the club he supported as a boy, and steered the club to a Scottish Cup win over Airdrie in 1995.

Speaking after being first diagnosed with skin cancer two years ago, Burns told BBC Sport: "This happens to a lot of people, so it's just a question of taking each day as it comes.

"Through this, I've not been alone. I have my faith, which is fantastic, and I've had lots of messages of goodwill."

Can't say I'm hugely fond of the man, due to his woeful stint here but all the best to him.

CFCBhoy · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:03 pm

All the best to him. Celtic legend and always good to have a die-hard fan in the dugout

floody · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:04 pm

Wish he'd never entered our dugout.

CFCBhoy · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:07 pm

I didn't even know he managed Reading. Take it he was poor then?

paul · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:04 pm

floody wrote:

Wish he'd never entered our dugout.

what a harsh time to say that

floody · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:37 pm

It's true at whatever time.

Yes Rone, he was our manager between 98 and 99.

G_Man · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:27 pm

Sad news. All the best to him.