John Clark

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Clark was part of the Celtic team that won the European Cup in 1967, defeating Inter Milan 2–1 in Lisbon. With this triumph, the Lisbon Lions became the first European Treble winners and the only Quadruple winners to date. He was one of just two Lisbon Lions, alongside Tommy Gemmell, to appear in all 59 matches in major competitions. As a player, he won three league championships, three Scottish Cups, four League Cups, and the European Cup.

In Their Own Story

After retiring from playing at Morton in 1973, Clark returned to Celtic's coaching staff in 1973 with the reserve team. He served as assistant manager under Billy McNeill at Aberdeen (1977) and again at Celtic (1978–1983), during which time the club won three league championships, a Scottish Cup, and a League Cup. Following managerial spells at Cowdenbeath, Stranraer, Clyde, and Shotts Bon Accord in the 1980s and early 90s, he became Celtic's kit manager in 1997, holding the post for over twenty years.

Reader's Guide

Born in Chapelhall, Lanarkshire, Clark earned four international caps for Scotland, all during his time with Celtic. He left Celtic to join Morton in 1971 and retired from playing two years later. His son Martin became a professional footballer in the 1990s, playing for Clyde, Nottingham Forest, and Partick Thistle. Inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2017, Clark died on 23 June 2025 at age 84. His 50-year tenure makes him the second-longest serving Celtic man ever, after Willie Maley.

Did You Know?

• Clark earned the nickname 'The Brush' for his role as Celtic's sweeper.
• He was one of only two Lisbon Lions to play in all 59 major competition matches, the other being Tommy Gemmell.
• Before joining Celtic at age 17, Clark worked in a mine at age 15.
• He held the position of Celtic's kit manager for over twenty years starting in 1997.