FORMER Clarets player William 'Billy' Marshall has died after a short illness at the age of 70.

Mr Marshall, the reserve team captain during Burnley's halcyon days of the late 1950s and early 1960's, made just nine first team appearances in his nine years with the club.

But he did make a contribution to the great Clarets team that lifted the First Division championship, appearing in a crucial 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in April 1960 as the club closed in on its second title.

Belfast-born Mr Marshall deputised for both John Angus and Alex Elder the following season and earned two Northern Ireland B Caps between 1958-1960.

Before his Turf Moor spell ended in August 1962, he won one Central League championship medal and two Lancashire Senior Cup medals.

Mr Marshall later joined Oldham and Hartlepool before leaving the game in the mid-1960s.

He died on Friday, April 20, following a short illness and his funeral takes place in Hartlepool on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Burnley FC said: "Burnley Football Club is saddened to learn of the death of William Marshall.

"Heartfelt condolences go out to all his family and friends from everyone at Turf Moor."