Tributes to popular Clarets matchday host Mike King

Mike was a familiar and popular face at Turf Moor where for many years he hosted corporate entertainment on match days, as well as being a prolific compere at sportsman's dinners across the region where he introduced the great of the good of the sports world.

Born in Preston, Mike settled in Higham before moving back to Fullwood with partner Barbara in his later years where he died peacefully at home on Monday aged 83.

His only child Ian said: "Dad actually started his career in the police force and worked in the Burnley and Padiham areas where he met my mum. He later worked at Smith and Nephew in Brierfield as a PR manager.

"He was the life and soul of the party, and very kind, so I think that suited the line of work he became most well-known for - hosting sportsman's dinners and Clarets matchdays.

"Dad was actually the chief executive for a time at Colne Dynamoes Football Club, but when the club out of business he started to move into the speaking circuit. He went on to host lots of dinners, including a lot at Manchester United where he sat alongside the likes of club legends Sir Alex Ferguson and Nobby Stiles.

"He also hosted a lot of testimonial dinnners and the Challenge Cup final at Wembley."

Mike actually played as a professional as a youth at Preston North End and in later years became very good friends with Preston legend Sir Tom Finney.

Ever the entertainer, he was also an accomplished drummer, touring the continent and the USA, before turning his hand to comedy, gaining many radio and TV credits.

Ian added: "Dad was very humourous and enjoyed doing accents. He was still speaking well into his 70s. Dad was very well-known and will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him."

A Burnley Football Club tribute read: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike King, a good friend of the club. Mike, a hugely popular entertainer, was a former matchday host at Turf Moor and a regular at many dinners. RIP."

A date for Mike's funeral has not yet been set.