The green giant – Tommy Burns

Tam, the wee lad from Maryhill
Joined the Bhoys in 73
A gallant and true servant was he
Not many would disagree

A silky, accomplished schemer
A bridge in the Old Firm divide
Blue and green gathered in union
Last respects paid side by side

Out of a mere 51 years
20 served the club he adored
As player, coach and gaffer
Tam was loath to cut the Hoops cord

Said Lisbon Lion Gemmell
'I don't think you will find on this earth
Anyone who will say a bad word'
A comic full of laughter and mirth

His greatest moment in football
Mac the knife sealing a double at Hampden
All in the great centenary year
Upstaging Rangers was extra golden

352 league games for the Bhoys
8 golden national caps
53 potent strikes
For this affable, golden haired chap

Assistant to ‘Allsort’ Bertie
A refined coach with Smithy
Star youth development at Parkhead
Maloney, Mc Manus, McGeady

Completed a rare football hat trick
Returning home as coach and trainer
Mentor to the latest starlets
A stroll for the seasoned campaigner

Alas a fatal blow was struck
By an old lurking assassin
The aged adversary struck
Diagnosed cancer of the skin

A Requiem Mass at St Mary's
Evoke with the chime of the bell
A true ambassador for Scotland
For Bonnie Tam a final farewell

Number 7
© Emdad Rahman
www.football-poems.com

A tragic loss of a wonderful man.
Coming so soon after the death of Phil O’Donnell, who he signed for Celtic.
Respect to Tommy Burns – A true Celtic great.