Brendan Rodgers dubbed Tommy Callaghan a “real Celtic legend” as he led tributes to the former Hoops hero following his death at 78.
Callaghan won six league titles in eight years at Parkhead after signing in 1968 and was part of Jock Stein’s iconic side that clinched nine-in-a-row in 1974. Stein signed the elegant midfielder twice – the only player ever to lay claim to that honour – having first taken him to Dunfermline as a teenager in 1962 before then luring him to Celtic Park six years later.
The Fifer was to become a key figure for both clubs as he racked up the half dozen of league titles at Celtic Park to add to two League Cup triumphs and four Scottish Cup winners’ gongs, the first of which was landed with the Pars. He was renowned for his powerful let foot and long, surging runs. And paying tribute, Rodgers said: “I had a message this morning from young Tommy, his son, to say his dad had passed away so all our thoughts and condolences are with Tommy.
“Any player who’s been signed twice by Jock Stein, well that tells you how good a player he was. It’s sad. I bumped into Tommy a few weeks only back. So yeah, it’s a sad day. He was a real legend of the club and all our thoughts are with his family.”
Callaghan played alongside his big brother Willie for Dunfermline before moving onto Celtic, gaining the Pars a record transfer fee of £35,000 in the process. In total he pulled on the Hoops more than 250 times and scored 34 goals before joining Clydebank and latterly Galways Rovers in Ireland.
But it was always Celtic who were closest to his heart and after retiring from playing he remained a regular at Parkhead often working as a match day host. The club paid tribute saying: “We are saddened to hear that former player, Tommy Callaghan passed away early this morning at the age of 78.
“Tommy made an immediate impact on his debut by scoring against Partick Thistle at Firhill. That was the first of 34 goals in 264 games he played for Celtic between then and joining Clydebank in 1976.
“Over Tommy’s time in the Hoops, Celtic lifted six titles, five Scottish Cups and three League Cups The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic FC are with his friends and family at this sad time. Rest in peace, Tommy,”
Dunfermline will wear black armbands for this afternoon’s Championship clash with Falkirk and are planning a full tribute ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Livingston. A statement from East End Park said: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was hugely saddened to learn of the passing of a true club great, Tommy Callaghan.
“Signed by Jock Stein from Lochore Welfare in 1962, Tom was initially considered to be a winger when he first came into the squad, but soon found himself playing at wing half. Along side his brother Willie the pair became regulars in the side. Tom’s influence on the side grew, particularly in European matches. He was a player who seemed suited to these games, as his record of five goals in fourteen European ties shows.
“Tommy was also famously part of the 1968 Scottish Cup winning side, immortalising himself among the greats of the club. Everyone at the club shares their condolences with the family, friends and team mates of Tommy at this difficult time.
“Our players will wear black armbands at tomorrow’s match against Falkirk and a full tribute will be released ahead of our match with Livingston on Tuesday evening.”
A Clydebank statement said: “Tommy joined us from Celtic in 1976 and was part of the side who gained promotion to the old Premier Division, scoring five goals in 42 appearances. Our thoughts are with Tommy’s family and friends.”