Mickey Burns

Michael Edward Burns (born 21 December 1946) is an English former professional footballer.

Career A former England amateur international, Burns was signed to Blackpool from the very successful amateur side Skelmersdale United in 1969 by Les Shannon. Burns gained a teaching degree from the De La Salle College of Education at Hopwood Hall in Middleton, Greater Manchester. He was a striker with pace and could score goals. Indeed, he was the Seasiders' top scorer in three of his five seasons at Bloomfield Road.

He scored on his league debut, on 9 August 1969, in a 2–1 home win over Portsmouth, and helped the Tangerines to win promotion back to Division One.

On 10 June 1972, Burns scored four goals in a Blackpool's 10–0 win over Lanerossi Vicenza in the Anglo-Italian Cup, en route to an unsuccessful defence of their title in the final against Roma. He had scored the extra-time winner in the previous year's final that brought the cup to his home county of Lancashire.

He was unpopular with a section of the home fans, who regarded his playing style as too individualistic, and in the summer of 1974, he asked for a transfer. Newcastle United came in for his services for a £166,000 fee. Organised by the Blackpool Supporters Association, Blackpool fans around the world voted on their all-time heroes. Five players from each decade are inducted; Burns is in the 1970s.

Post-retirement Upon retiring, Burns joined Middlesbrough's coaching staff. He later became the PFA's education officer, a post he left in 2003.

Honours Blackpool Football League Second Division promotion: 1969–70 Anglo-Italian Cup: 1971

Individual Newcastle United Player of the Year: 1976–77