Burnley pay tribute to their former great and England goalkeeper Colin McDonald
Burnley Football Club have paid tribute to their former goalkeeper Colin McDonald following his sad death at the age of 95.
The Tottington-born player made 201 appearances for the Clarets between 1952 and 1961.
McDonald first signed for Burnley as an amateur in 1948, initially playing for the reserves before being called up for national service in 1950.
During his time in the RAF, McDonald 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 Clarets, but had to bide his time before making his first-team debut in 1954. But he soon established himself as Burnley’s number one and was more or less an ever-present over the next couple of seasons.
During his time at Turf Moor, he was called up to the England squad and earned eight caps for his country – including four appearances at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.
McDonald cruelly had to call time on his career after suffering a broken leg playing for the Football League against the Irish League in Dublin in 1959.
He did briefly return to the game in 1965 when he turned out for Altrincham.
In 2018, McDonald was invited to Gawthorpe to meet with Sean Dyche as well as Tom Heaton, Nick Pope and Joe Hart – three other goalkeepers that would of course also represent the Three Lions.
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Burnley’s statement in full
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.
Our thoughts are with all Colin’s family and friends during this sad time.
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