Billy Ingham

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Footballer | 1952 - 2009

Burnley midfielder known as ‘Ginger Pele’ for wonder strike

Burnley cult hero Billy Ingham died on 7 November, 2009, aged 57.

He earned himself the nickname the ‘Ginger Pele’ for a stunning goal against Chelsea in 1977, though he had already been at the club for eight years by then.

He was born in Stakeford in Northumberland, but moved to Burnley at the age of 15 and joined the local side as an apprentice.

He made his first team debut in 1972 at the age of 20 and went on to make 265 appearances for the club. He scored 31 goals from midfield.

During his time with the club, the Clarets won promotion to the First Division and also reached the FA Cup semi-final, but by the time he left in 1980 they had slipped all the way down to the Third.

He transferred to Bradford for £30,000 and played two seasons, culminating in the team winning promotion to the Third Division in 1982, but sadly an injury that season ended his career at 29.

After retirement he represented Accrington Stanley and worked as a bus driver. He continued to live in Burnley with his wife Diane.

Billy Ingham

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