Champion Claret Ray Pointer dies aged 79

Clarets legend Ray Pointer, a key member of the Burnley Football Club team crowned champions of England in 1960, has died.
GOLDEN GOALS: Former Claret Ray Pointer and wife Marilyn on their Golden Wedding anniversary (S)GOLDEN GOALS: Former Claret Ray Pointer and wife Marilyn on their Golden Wedding anniversary (S)
GOLDEN GOALS: Former Claret Ray Pointer and wife Marilyn on their Golden Wedding anniversary (S)

The centre-forward, known affectionately as the “blond bomber”, played at Turf Moor from 1957 to 1964, and was the second top goal-scorer with 19 goals in that memorable 1959-60 season.

The 79-year-old died in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday) at a care home in Blackpool. His wife Marilyn died several years ago.

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The couple were married at St Stephen’s Church, Burnley Wood, and honeymooned in Jersey.

They had three children, Stephen, Ann-Marie and Jonathan, and six grandchildren.

Born in Northumberland, Pointer made 223 appearances for the Clarets scoring 118 goals, and later played for Bury, Coventry City and Portsmouth. He also won three England caps, scoring two international goals in 1961.