Lisbon Lion retires

Last updated : 15 May 2006 By GWG
Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion, John Clark is set for retirement this year. The Celtic kit man who was known as The Quiet Assassin due to his quiet and methodical style of play,
was an immense influence in the Jock Stein.era. John joined Celtic from Larkhall Thistle in 1958 and made his first team appearance against Arbroath on October 3rd 1959 playing at left half. John scored the winning goal against Hibs in a Scottish Cup
replay at Easter Road in 1961, and when Jock Stein became manager he quickly realised that John's style of intelligent play was more suited to the sweeper role he was looking to
fill. He played that position excellently alongside Billy McNeill throughout the 60s and became known as a player's player.

He played for Greenock Morton in the early 70s then became assistant manager at Aberdeen before returning to Celtic as Billy McNeill's number two from 1978-83. He has
also managed Cowdenbeith, Stranraer, and Clyde. John became Celtic's "Kit Man" under Martin O'Neil, but that role hid his true position as O'Neil's "Rock" advising Martin in all
things Celtic and indeed anything to do with football such is his knowledge of the game,
even now his standing is such that manager Gordon Strachan insists he is in the dug out at every game. His behind the scenes organisation is legendary and his latest mission was to
represent the club at the presentation of Henrik Larsson's MBE

As well as the European Cup medal in 1967, John's honours include
3 League Championships
3 Scottish Cups
4 League Cups
He also has 4 Scotland International Caps & 2 Scottish League Caps