Jimmy McIlroy Dies Aged 86

Former Burnley and Northern Ireland football legend Jimmy McIlroy has died at the age of 86.

He played a total of 497 games for the Clarets between 1950 and 1962.

Club chairman and life-long Burnley supporter Mike Garlick said: "I wasn't fortunate enough to see Jimmy play, but we all know of his impact on the club and town and there will never be another like him.

"It's a different time, we all know that, but Jimmy came from an era that defines us as a club.

"Even today, over 50 years on, the stadium proudly bears his name on a stand and he is someone who was, and is, idolised by fans of every generation, who know what he meant to Burnley Football Club.

"It’s truly a sad day and all the thoughts of people connected with the club go out to his family."

Defender Alex Elder was a team-mate of McIlroy with both Burnley and Northern Ireland and a member of Burnley's 1959/60 League Championship-winning team: "He was my idol when I was a kid. He came from a village about four miles away from me.

"I followed him to Burnley and I was in the same digs in Stoney Street with Mrs Hesketh that he was in 10 years before. My wife, Rona, and I then later baby-sat for his children.

"He was a mate, a colleague and a team-mate.

"The word legend is used very lightly but he was a true legend and I'm sure everyone in Burnley will remember him with the highest regard.

"He was a great ambassador for the club and the town and will be greatly missed.

"And with the Irish team had laughs all over the world together.

"His artistry and wizardry were something special. With Jimmy Adamson and Harry Potts, he was responsible for adapting Burnley's team to make us the side we were.

"Although we knew he had been poorly for some time, this is a sad day and both our hearts go out to his family.

"RIP Jimmy and safe journey."

(CD/CM)