At Burnley Football Club, we are saddened to announce the passing of former player and Northern Ireland international Willie Irvine on 27th July 2025. Our condolences to his wife Rita, his sons Darren, Stephen and Jonathan and all of his family and friends at this very sad time.
Willie Irvine was a remarkable goal-scorer, but he was also a very special person who left a huge legacy for Turf Moor and all Burnley FC supporters worldwide.
Who Was Willie Irvine?
William John Irvine, known as Willie Irvine, was born on 18th June 1943 in Eden, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. After a trial with Burnley, he signed his first contract with Burnley FC as a 16-year-old and moved to Lancashire, England. He signed a professional contract at Burnley Football Club in July 1960.
Willie made his senior appearance for Burnley in May 1963 and went on to make a successful and prolific scoring impact at Burnley. He had an instinct to score and a work ethic that was exemplary, and became a critical player for Burnley FC during the 1960s at a time when Burnley was competing in the highest level of English football.
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Willie Irvine’s Stats, Record, and Performance for Burnley FC
Burnley FC signed Willie Irvine in 1960, and between 1960 and 1968, he played 148 league matches and scored 97 goals in league matches. His biggest achievement was being the top scorer in the First Division in the 1965-66 season, when he scored 29 league goals in one season, which is still one of the highest scoring records for Burnley FC.
Irvine had a true partnership with his fellow striker Andy Lochhead, which resulted in Burnley’s attacking threesome having spectators and supporters of Burnley jealous and exhilarated all at once, as Irvine and Lochhead were always on target and scoring. This consistent scoring ability earned him the love of fans and made him one of Burnley FC’s best forwards.
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Willie Irvine’s International Career
Aside from club football, Willie Irvine also played at the international level for Northern Ireland. Between 1963 and 1967, he earned 23 caps for Northern Ireland and scored 8 goals. His international performances for his country also gave love to the quality player and striker that he was, and he was also seen as paramount for the Northern Ireland national team at that stage.
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Conclusion
Willie Irvine’s death is a huge loss for Burnley Football Club and football in general. He will be remembered as one of Burnley’s biggest goal scorers and a dedicated footballer by supporters and historians alike. As Burnley FC memorialises Irvine, our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all of his family and friends.
Willie Irvine will be remembered as a footballer by Burnley FC and by Northern Ireland, too. His impact and history will inspire footballers for years to come. Turf Moor will always remember the striker who brought football joy, excitement, and pride to the fans and the club.
Again at 96 Online Game, we send our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Willie Irvine during this difficult time.
