Burnley FC goal scorer dies (82)

Bill Holden, who played centre-forward for the club from 1948 to 1955, made his name at Turf Moor where he made 199 appearances scoring 75 goals.

Born in Bolton, he arrived in Burnley as a 21-year-old where he met his first wife Irene. Bill later played for Sunderland, Stockport County, Bury and Halifax Town before retiring from the game in 1963.

He then moved to Morecambe where he opened a guest house before embarking on several careers, including working as a driving instructor and running restaurants and coffee bars.

His second wife Doreen passed away in November.

Karen Gardner, Bill’s daughter from his first marriage, said: “Although dad played for several clubs, Burnley was always his first love and he always kept an eye on their results after he retired. He was a cheerful man who also enjoyed golf and amateur dramatics. He was also a very good singer.”

A spokesman for Burnley Football Club said: “It is always a sad day when Burnley Football Club loses one of the family.

“Bill, who was a valuable member of the squad in the early 1950s, will be sadly missed and the club wishes to offer its sincere condolences to all of Bill’s family and friends.”

Karen added that her father will be wearing a claret pullover, shirt and Burnley Football Club tie during the funeral at Lancaster and Morecambe Crematorium on Thursday at 1-15 p.m.

Bill also leaves three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Donations for the Former Burnley Players’ Association have been requested in lieu of flowers. To make a donation call Veronica Simpson on 07974 310099.