Burnley are mourning the loss of their “greatest ever player” after announcing the death of Jimmy McIlroy at the age of 86.

The Northern Ireland international, a key figure in the Clarets side which won the 1960 first division title and reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup during the following season, made 497 appearances for the club and scored 131 goals during a 13-year stay at Turf Moor.

In a statement posted on its official Twitter account, the club said: “The club is deeply saddened to learn of the death of our greatest ever player. A giant of a man.

“The thoughts of everyone connected with the club are with his family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace, Jimmy.”

Lambeg-born McIlroy joined Burnley from Glentoran in 1950 after they beat Tottenham and Rangers to the punch and became a mainstay of the side which secured top-seven finishes every season between 1956 and 1963.

They claimed the title at the end of the 1959-60 campaign by a point from Wolves, qualifying for Europe in the process, only to fall at the last eight after a 4-1 second leg defeat in Hamburg.

McIlroy left the club for Stoke in 1963, much to the disappointment of the fans, and finished his playing days at Oldham, where he later had a brief spell as manager, a role he also fulfilled with Bolton.

A skilful inside forward, he won 55 caps for his country and helped them reach the quarter-finals at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden.

Such was his talent that McIlroy had offers to play abroad, but decided to stay in England and kept his home in Burnley until his death.

One of the stands at Turf Moor is named in his honour and he was given the freedom of the town in 2008.

He was awarded an MBE in the 2011 New Year’s Honours for his services to football and charity, and has been inducted into both the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association and England’s National Football Museum’s halls of fame.

Jimmy McIlroy 1931 – 2018

Jimmy McIlroy 1931 – 2018"We show our loyalty by giving 100% effort on the field…"

Posted by Burnley Football Club on Monday, August 20, 2018

Burnley chairman Mike Garlick led the tributes to the club president.

He told the Clarets’ official website: “It’s a different time, we all know that, but Jimmy came from an era that defines us as a club.

“Even today over 50 years on, the stadium proudly bears his name on a stand and he is someone who was, and is, idolised by fans of every generation, who know what he meant to Burnley Football Club.

“It’s truly a sad day and all the thoughts of people connected with the club go out to his family.”

Burnley manager Sean Dyche has paid tribute to club president Jimmy McIlroy following his death
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has paid tribute to club president Jimmy McIlroy following his death (Dave Howarth/PA)

Former team-mate Alex Elder added: “The word legend is used very lightly, but he was a true legend and I’m sure everyone in Burnley will remember him with the highest regard.”

Current Burnley boss Sean Dyche did not know McIlroy, but is well aware of his contribution to the club.

Dyche said: “I have learned from many people that he was a top, top player from a fantastic generation in our history.

“It’s always a sad day when we lose someone so closely associated with the club and our thoughts go out to everyone who was close to Jimmy. A true great in Burnley’s history.”