Hard to believe that it's six years today since Jimmy Mac passed away

One of the most difficult articles I think I've ever written

https://www.uptheclarets.com/burnley-in ... -jimmy-mac

Another outstanding footballer before my time and a gentleman...

A lovely, modest man and a player deserving of the term great.
Skilful, shrewd organiser of the 1960s champions side with a goal in him who could regularly serve up the goods on the mudhill known as Turf Moor.

I feel blessed that I was able to see him play for us even though it was only in his last couple of years. Lovely man too.

ClaretTony wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 20, 2024 10:57 am

I feel blessed that I was able to see him play for us even though it was only in his last couple of years. Lovely man too.

Only the very best.

Probably the best player I ever saw play at Burnley for us and I have seen many fantastic players since the late fifties

Only have vague memories when I was a child of watching Jimmy play, but got to know him when he was a sports reporter for the local paper and I was the scorer for Burnley CC. A nicer man you couldn't possibly meet, even if his knowledge of cricket wasn't the best

an absolute genius. Never ever forget him coming on in the second half against WBA with his right arm strapped to his side after we had been down to 10men 0-1 at half time and he made both our goals getting along the by-line and putting the ball on a plate for Robbo and Pilky (According to Tony's results talbles)

mdd2 wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 20, 2024 11:39 am

an absolute genius. Never ever forget him coming on in the second half against WBA with his right arm strapped to his side after we had been down to 10men 0-1 at half time and he made both our goals getting along the by-line and putting the ball on a plate for Robbo and Pilky (According to Tony's results talbles)

Here you go

https://www.uptheclarets.com/another-wi ... h-of-smith

A real legend. The best Burnley player I have ever seen and much admired by two other greats from that era…Danny Blanchflower and Tom FInney.

Fabulous player, and a true gentleman.

Suratclaret wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 21, 2024 2:00 am

A real legend. The best Burnley player I have ever seen and much admired by two other greats from that era…Danny Blanchflower and Tom FInney.

Bobby Charlton once described him as a bloody pest because they couldn't get the better of him.

Back in 1986, we organised a dinner with Saint & Greavesy as the guests. Jimmy Greaves was talking to us before the start and suddenly said we would have to excuse him because someone he knew had just walked in. He dashed over and threw his arms round Jimmy Mac. When he came back, he just simply said that he was the best player he ever played either with or against.

ClaretTony wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 21, 2024 9:34 am

Bobby Charlton once described him as a bloody pest because they couldn't get the better of him.

Back in 1986, we organised a dinner with Saint & Greavesy as the guests. Jimmy Greaves was talking to us before the start and suddenly said we would have to excuse him because someone he knew had just walked in. He dashed over and threw his arms round Jimmy Mac. When he came back, he just simply said that he was the best player he ever played either with or against.

Bobby Charlton attended his funeral, I believe. Respect amongst gentlemen.

Some great memories, not watching him play (well before my time), but sat with my grandad as a kid listening to him tell me stories about Jimmy Mac (and other greats from that era).

I remember Jimmy Mac coming to Burnley and the sale of Harry Potts. It was thought that he could never replace Harry but what a player he turned out to be. Certainly the best player I have ever seen playing for the Clarets during my 72 years of supporting them.

Poulton-le-Claret wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 21, 2024 12:35 pm

Some great memories, not watching him play (well before my time), but sat with my grandad as a kid listening to him tell me stories about Jimmy Mac (and other greats from that era).

And sometimes listening to the stories are the best

ClaretTony wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 21, 2024 1:20 pm

And sometimes listening to the stories are the best

Very true. I don't remember much of the details of what was said, but the feeling of how he spoke about Jimmy Mac always stuck with me.

I am lucky enough to have this hanging above the desk in my office, always a great reminder of those times

Poulton-le-Claret wrote: ↑

Wed Aug 21, 2024 1:28 pm

Very true. I don't remember much of the details of what was said, but the feeling of how he spoke about Jimmy Mac always stuck with me.

I am lucky enough to have this hanging above the desk in my office, always a great reminder of those times

That's brilliant and signed by the great man himself, always Jim rather than Jimmy.

I will always remember him calling me an idiot for spending so much money on the charity auction for his signed shirt at one of our ClaretsMad dinners.

Ironically, the price I paid was the same price as the current Man Utd shirt.

Foshiznik wrote: ↑

Thu Aug 22, 2024 9:42 am

I will always remember him calling me an idiot for spending so much money on the charity auction for his signed shirt at one of our ClaretsMad dinners.

Ironically, the price I paid was the same price as the current Man Utd shirt.

And for whatever you paid, you got something very special.