Celtic and Kilmarnock fans will celebrate the life of Tommy Burns when the two clubs meet at Rugby Park tomorrow.
A 51st minute tribute, the age that Burns died at, is planned for tomorrow’s match in honour of the man that switched from the east end of Glasgow to Ayrshire in 1989.
I’m reading this morning that the @KilmarnockFC & @CelticFC fans may pay tribute to #TommyBurns tomorrow during the 51st minute of the game. Let’s do it! It would be a beautiful thing. In tears just thinking about it. I’ll be applauding a special man & his wonderful family.
— Margot McCuaig (@MargotMcCuaig) September 22, 2018
How fitting is it that on the weekend Kilmarnock v Celtic The Tommy Burns Documentary went out on TV. Let’s hear his name Tomorrow folks both sets of fans sing it in the 51st. Tommy twists tommy turns
A gentleman & A legend for both clubs ????????????????@KilmarnockFC @CelticFC— spike ???????????????????????????? (@spike_66) September 22, 2018
To all you Killie & Celtic supporters who are going to Sunday’s game. Killie fans would like the Celtic fans to join in the chant of “ Tommy Burns” in the 51st minute in honour, respect and remembrance of the great man. ????????Thank you.
— Iain McEwan (@iain_57) September 22, 2018
Brilliant that @KilmarnockFC and @CelticFC fans are organising a minute’s applause in the 51st minute of tomorrow’s game at Rugby Park to remember Tommy Burns. Killie meant a lot to Tommy also. Nice touch. #tommyburns
— Alex O’Henley (@OHenleyAlex) September 22, 2018
Burns spent 15 years as a player at Celtic before accepting an offer to move to Kilmarnock as player coach.
In time he took over as manager, leading Kilmarnock back into the top flight in 1993 and consolidating their place before moving to Celtic to replace Lou Macari.
Although Celtic only won one trophy, the 1995 Scottish Cup, Burns completely transformed the club with players like Jorge Cadete and Pierre van Hooijdonk bringing the fans back in their droves to the new look Celtic Park.
Burns left Celtic in 1997 but returned to the club while Kenny Dalglish was caretaker and became first team coach in 2005 under Gordon Strachan.