COLIN MCDONALD 1930-2026

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2026-01-05T10:32:43.260Z

COLIN MCDONALD 1930-2026

2026-01-05T10:32:43.260Z

Burnley Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Burnley and England international goalkeeper Colin McDonald at the age of 95.

The Tottington-born player signed for the Clarets as an amateur in July 1948. He spent the first couple of seasons playing for the Reserve team before he was called up for National Service in 1950. During his time with the RAF, he played for Headington United, prior to returning to Turf Moor after he had completed his time with the armed forces.

In 1952 he signed a professional contract with the club, however, he had to bide his time before making his debut for the first team in April 1954. He established himself as Burnley’s number one and for the next couple of seasons, he was more or less ever-present.

Unfortunately, he broke his ankle in a game against Chelsea in December 1956. On his return from injury, he continued to excel for the Clarets and was selected to play for England in Moscow, prior to the 1958 World Cup tournament in Sweden. McDonald played in all four England games during the tournament and was deemed by many, as the best goalkeeper.

He was selected to play for the Football League against the Irish League in Dublin in March 1959 and suffered a broken leg. Unfortunately, complications and pneumonia hampered his recovery back to full fitness.

Sadly, in May 1961 he retired as a professional footballer and departed the club. He held various coaching and administrative posts within the game and even had a brief spell back in the green shirt for Altrincham in 1965.