There are people in life who pursue fame and adulation, even if their efforts and abilities don’t really guarantee it. And there are some outstanding figures who, while their achievements are certainly worthy of celebration, shun the spotlight…
Celtic faced Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final. Celtic line up ahead of beating Inter Milan to win the Champions League. Back row, left to right: Jim Craig; Tommy Gemmell; Ronnie Simpson; Billy McNeil; Bobby Murdock; and John Clark. Front left to right: Stevie Chalmers; Willie Wallace, Jimmy Johnstone; Bobby Lennox; and Bertie Auld. May 25, 1967. Portugal Photos: Top Foto
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A Celtic who fell into the latter category – a true club hero who preferred to avoid public acclaim – was born 85 years ago today. John Clark was the Lisbon Lion and a man who truly lived the “Celtic Life”. He played many important roles for the Boy family over the decades.
This is his story.
John Clark from Celtic Football Club, May 1967. Inter Milan vs Celtic ahead of the European Cup final in Lisbon Photos United Archives – Imago (Celtic Star)
John Clark, a Lanarkshire native, was born in Bell Hill on March 13, 1941. He grew up in nearby Church Hall and Holytown. Clark has known adversity from a young age. When he was a child, his father was killed in a railway accident in England.
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As well as having a strong work ethic, Clark developed into an outstanding footballer and was well known throughout Lanarkshire. He played for Larkhall Thistle and from here caught the attention of scouts including Birmingham City. However, his destination was Celtic Park.
On October 8, 1958, Clark, who was only 17 years old, signed with the Celtics. He described it as feeling like he had “won the pool” and later emerged as a trialist. Less than a year later, on 3 October 1959, he made his debut in a 5–0 win against Arbroath.
Clark quickly established himself as a reliable and capable player. However, he was not initially part of a Celtics team accustomed to winning. That all changed in 1965 when Jock Stein joined Celtic. At that point, the Bois had not won a major trophy for eight years.
1964 Celtics back row: Young, Thomas Gemmel, John Fallon, John Clark, Billy McNeill, Kennedy. Front row: Jimmy Johnstone. Bobby Murdoch, Stevie Chalmers, Gallagher, Hughes. photo top photo
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Within weeks Celtic were celebrating another major victory as the Boyles beat Dunfermline to claim the Scottish Cup. John Clark was as cheered as the rest of the players as he played the full 90 minutes despite suffering a serious injury.
With that success coming, life was about to change for Celtic and John Clark. Stein redeployed him from winger to sweeper. In this role, he quickly earned the nickname “The Brush” – Clark was a man who swept away danger before it reached the Celtic defence.
The John Clark tribute continues on the next page…
John Clarke’s rise coincided with the most successful era in Celtic’s history. From 1965 to 1967, during the Celtics’ most dominant period, he played an extraordinary 140 consecutive games in major competitions. This is not only a testament to his fitness, but also his importance to the team.
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Celtic and Clark’s greatest day came on a sunny afternoon in Lisbon. Clark and his team-mates went down in history as the Lisbon Lions as Celtic beat Inter Milan to claim the European Cup. John, along with Tommy Gemmell, played in all of the Boy’s games that season.
John Clark, week before Lisbon… Photo Imago, Celtic Star
Although he was a quiet man, one of his famous moments on the field in 1967 was the opposite of that. During the so-called Battle of Montevideo, when Celtic faced Athletic Club in the Intercontinental Cup, Clark became enraged at a foul committed by an Argentinian player and challenged him with a fist-raised fist.
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Surprisingly, although Bobby Lennox was sent off, Clark was not sent off at this time. The referee seemed to have confused the two players.
John Clark’s stellar performance isn’t just limited to Celtic’s green and white colours. He also made four appearances for Scotland, making his debut in a 1-1 draw with Brazil in 1966. This allowed him to face legends such as Pelé and Jairzinho.
Clark also played against Wales, Northern Ireland and the Soviet Union, the latter being his only loss in a dark blue jersey.
Celtic players Jim Craig (left) and John Clark (right) are about to receive the ball from Partick Thistle forward Tommy Ray during a Scottish League One match on Saturday. The Celtics once again performed well and defeated their opponents 5-1. October 16, 1967 Photo TopFoto IMAGO
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By 1971, John Clark’s days in green and white were coming to an end. Injuries have long plagued him and he has struggled to compete with many of the young “quality street gang” players on the Celtics squad.
John Clark’s final game at Celtic was a notable one for the entire club. On 1 May 1971, the Boy Brothers played against Clyde at Celtic Park, which was undergoing major renovations.
John Clark in Lisbon for the 1967 European Cup final, Celtic 2-1 Inter Milan. Photo Celtic Wiki
It was the last game for the Lisbon Lions XI to come out of the park, although Ronnie Simpson was injured and did not play. Celtic won 6-1 to officially confirm their sixth consecutive title, which was a farewell game for Clark, Bertie Olde and Stevie Chalmers.
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The John Clark tribute continues on the next page…
In 13 years at Celtic, Clark made 316 appearances for the first team, scoring three goals. His record with the Celtics is impressive. He is one of the club’s most decorated players, having won:
• 6 Scottish League Championships • 3 Scottish Cups • 5 League Cups • 1 European Cup
Leaving Celtic Park does not mark the end of John’s playing career. He traveled west to Greenock, where he found Morton. His time there included another goal for Celtic – although unfortunately for Clark it was an own goal!
He played two seasons at Capillo, eventually retiring as a player. The Celtics once hoped to re-sign him, but ultimately failed. However, he still has a chance to play for the Celtics again.
Billy McNeil, Jock Stein and John Clark outside Celtic Park in the summer of 1978, when Billy was appointed Celtic manager and John was appointed assistant manager. PhotoThe Celtic Wiki
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After retiring, his first destination was a familiar place. Clark returned to Celtic as coach, working with the reserves and youth teams. His deep understanding of the game and ability to develop young talent make him a trustworthy figure.
Afterwards, Aberdeen called. In 1977 he became assistant coach at Pittodrie alongside his old defensive partner Billy McNeil. The pair enjoyed a successful spell which resulted in Aberdeen finishing as league runners-up.
However, it soon came time to head once again to his true home: Celtic Park. In 1978, John Clark returned to the Boyley team as an assistant coach and helped Celtic win 3 league championships, 1 Scottish Cup championship and 1 League Cup championship. These included the dramatic Ten Men Win League success in 1979.
After leaving Celtic, John continued his coaching journey. He was in hot demand everywhere during the 1980s and 1990s, working for Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde and youth club Shotts Bon Accord.
Scottish Youth Cup Final. 2015. Celtic vs. Rangers. Scott Brown and Lisbon Lion John Clark. Photo Vagilis Chogariou
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However, by 1997, Clark returned home again. He assumed the role of Celtic’s first-team equipment man and held that position for over twenty years. In this role, Clark helps prepare the team for games and provides advice to younger players.
Many players and coaches – including Martin O’Neill – later spoke of how Clark’s story helped them at Celtic. This was publicly recognized in 2004. At the Celtic Player of the Year Awards, Martin O’Neill presented John Clark with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution to Celtic. He deserves it, although he still has many years of work to do.
Former team-mates Bertie Auld and John Clark pay tribute to Billy McNeil at the Billy McNeil statue outside Celtic Park on April 23, 2019. Former Celtic captain Billy McNeil, the first Englishman to lift the European Cup, has died aged 79. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)
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Outside of football, Clark was a devoted family man. He married his wife Eileen and became the father of their children. His son Martin followed in his footsteps into professional football, playing for clubs including Clyde, Nottingham Forest and Partick Thistle.
The John Clark tribute continues on the next page…
John Clark’s life ended on June 23, 2025, at the age of 84. Tributes have since poured in from Celtic and the football world to Clark. Boyce’s then manager Brendan Rodgers said Clark’s contribution would be “forever etched in Celtic’s proud history”.
John Clark reminded everyone of the scoreline of the 1967 European Cup final in Lisbon. PhotoIMAGO
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The funeral mass was held at St Mary’s Church in Glasgow, where it all began for Celtic. A priest who attended the service described him as a “joyful and quiet man” known for his “genuine kindness”. The send-off procession traveled along the Celtic Way to pay tribute to a man who had given so much to the club.
Although Clark was part of the greatest team in Celtics history, he was always uncomfortable with the public attention. He is the only player of the Lisbon Lions who has not written a book about his football career, despite many requests for it.
Many years ago, another Celtic great, Paddy Crerand, said of Clark: “John Clark is a player’s player because he always looks out for the team and never for himself. If he gets the job, he will do it effortlessly.”
August 1, 2015. Scottish Premier League. Celtic v Ross County. John Clark waves to Celtic supporters on Flag Day. Photo Vagilis Chogariou
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John Clark spent decades with Celtic in a variety of roles, meaning he is second only to the great Willie Marley in terms of Celtic longevity. It’s a true sign of his legendary status at the club, whether or not he’s satisfied with such an honour.
Clark’s time at Celtic led many to dub him “Mr Celtic” – a nod to not only his achievements but also his lifelong commitment.
It’s a completely fitting tribute to the great John Clark.
Matthew Marr
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