WILLIE IRVINE: 1943-2025

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2025-07-27T09:39:15.977Z

WILLIE IRVINE: 1943-2025

2025-07-27T09:39:15.977Z

Burnley Football Club are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Burnley and Northern Ireland International, Willie Irvine.

The Carrickfergus-born, centre-forward, joined the Clarets in 1958 as an amateur. After impressive displays with the junior sides, he signed a professional contract with the Club in July 1960. During the 1961/62 season he netted a total of 41 goals for the ‘A’ team and scored a hat-trick on his debut for the Reserves.

In April 1963 he won his first full international cap for Northern Ireland in a game against Wales in Belfast. Weeks later he made his first team debut for the Club against Arsenal at Highbury and scored. The following game he netted a hat-trick against Birmingham City here at Turf Moor.

His real breakthrough season was during the 1964/65 when he formed a formidable partnership with Andy Lochhead. The pairing reaped 43 league goals, with Irvine netting on 22 occasions.

The following season he scored an incredible 37 goals in all competitions, equalling Jimmy Robson’s overall record set five years earlier.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED FOR WILLIE IRVINE

During the 1966/67 season he continued to find the back of the net, until he broke his leg in an FA Cup tie against Everton at Goodison Park. He marked his return to the team the following season, scoring against Coventry City.

In March 1968 he was sold to Preston North End for £45,000, later joining Brighton. Irvine made 17 appearances for Northern Ireland whilst with the Clarets and went on to win 23 caps for his country. In total he made 148 appearances for the Club, scoring a remarkable 97 goals.

Willie Irvine will always hold a special place here at Turf Moor. A centre-forward who not only mesmerised defences but also enthralled the fans who came to witness one of the greatest goalscorers the Club has ever had.