Fansided

The best player of all time for each Premier League team

By Thomas Wheaton

LONDON - NOVEMBER 13: Thierry Henry celebrates a goal during the Barclays Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on November 13, 2004 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)
LONDON - NOVEMBER 13: Thierry Henry celebrates a goal during the Barclays Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at White Hart Lane on November 13, 2004 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy McIlroy, Burnley, pictured as few days before the FA Cup final. (Photo by B. Thomas/PA Images via Getty Images)
Jimmy McIlroy, Burnley, pictured as few days before the FA Cup final. (Photo by B. Thomas/PA Images via Getty Images) /

Burnley: Jimmy McIlroy

Players who spend a lot of time at one club, especially a smaller club like Burnley, typically make a name for themselves. Such is the case with Jimmy McIlroy, who spent 13 seasons with Burnley to start his career. He ended up playing for Stoke, helping them earn promotion to the Premier League in 1963, but he’ll be remembered first and foremost as a Claret.

His dedication and consistency were vital for the longevity of his playing days. He played in at least 22 games each season he spent at Burnley, proving the type of player he was. McIlroy was able to stay healthy and play consistently, tremendously boosting his claim to be Burnley’s best player of all time

While some players from the Clarets’ current squad deserve recognition for their part in helping Burnley return to the top flight, McIlroy still holds the top spot. This is in a large part due to the amount of time he spent at Turf Moor. Thirteen seasons is a long time to spend with one club, especially compared to recent players and their two to three year stops at various clubs

McIlroy’s time with Burnley was the greatest period in club history. They won the old First Division in 1959-60 and were FA Cup runners-up in 1962. In total, McIlroy made 439 appearances for Burnley, scoring 131 goals.

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