A permanent tribute to John Clark, a member of Celtic FC's legendary Lisbon Lions, is in the works in the Monklands village he called home. Clark, who passed away last June at age 84, played 182 times for the Hoops and was part of the team that beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the 1967 European Cup final.
Plans for the Statue
Airdrie South councillor Michael Coyle is leading a community committee under North Lanarkshire Council to bring the bronze statue to the village. The committee includes Gabe Smith of Chapelhall tenants' and residents' association, councillors Michael McBride and Sandy Watson, and other contributors. The statue, designed by London-based sculptor Douglas Jennings, will feature Clark lifting the European Cup and will sit on a marble plinth.
Councillor Coyle said: "It's an honour to head up this committee as John is a true Chapelhall and footballing legend." The council has made a financial contribution, and support comes from businessmen James Mortimer and Mark Guidi. Fundraising events have been run by Joe Meechan at the White House Bar in Holytown.
Fundraising Event
A key fundraiser will be held on September 27 at the White House Bar, featuring former Celtic player and manager Neil Lennon as special guest. Motherwell comedian Tam Cowan will host the event, which includes musical entertainment and starts at 3pm. Tickets are priced at £35, available only from the bar on a first-come, first-served basis, with 60 seats available.
Community Support
Coyle added: "The aim is to have the statue in place some time next year and we are hoping to place it alongside the 'Welcome to Chapelhall' sign; it will be a real highlight in the village. The community are over the moon and can't wait for the statue to be erected. John was a very popular guy in Chapelhall, and ran several local businesses, so is very deserving of this permanent tribute."
Clark was born in Chapelhall in 1941 and ran several businesses there before moving to Holytown. He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
