A PLAYER who had a key role in Barrow AFC winning promotion to the then Third Division of the Football League 53 years ago has died at the age of 86.

Brian Pilkington, who gained Football League and England B playing honours in his time with Burnley, was signed by Barrow manager Don McEvoy from Bury on a free transfer in1965.

The left winger made 14 appearances for Barrow that season when the club had to apply for re-election to the Fourth Division.

The following season he made 37 appearances and scored twice on the route to the Lancashire Senior Cup Final when 7,158 saw Barrow lose 0-4 to a Burnley side with a good sprinkling of First Division players.

Then in 1966-67, as Barrow finished third in the table and gained automatic promotion, Brian made 35 appearances and scored four goals before announcing his retirement “from big time football” at the end of the season.

Brian’s professional career started with Burnley in 1951 and when he made his debut as a 19-year-old at Tottenham he was marked by Alf Ramsey who went on to lead England to World Cup honours.

In his ten seasons with Burnley he gained Football League honours, was capped against Ireland in in 1954 and was a member of their League Championship winning side in 1960.

After ten seasons, 340 appearances and 77 goals, he moved to Bolton Wanderers. In three years at Burnden Park he scored 11 goals in 82 League games before a 12 month spell and with Bury.

“I didn’t know quite what I was letting myself in for when I agreed to move to Barrow,“ he said on his retirement, “but I’ve certainly enjoyed it here. I’ve got as big a kick out of helping Barrow gain promotion as I did in helping Burnley finish as champions.”

Before getting a professional ticket he once scored nine goals for Leyland Motors in an 11-0 win.

Brian had his own estate agency and his playing career was ended by injury after a brief spell with Chorley, where he has appointed club president.