Name: Willie Burns
DOB: 10th December 1969
Dale debut: Scunthorpe United – 26th August 1989
Last game: Darlington – 11th May 1991
Also played for: Manchester City, East Fife, Cowdenbeath.
Time at Dale: I made my debut in August 1989 against Scunthorpe United, I think we won 2-0. My last game was in May 1991 against Darlington losing 0-2, think I gave away a penalty resulting in Darlington being promoted. Rochdale AFC Who’s Who 1973-1999 quotes “The nephew of Francis Burns (Manchester United and Scotland) Willie won Under 16’s and Youth Caps for Scotland and would have made his debut for Manchester City at the end of the 1987-88 but broke his leg in training. Originally used by Dale in a spare defender or sweeper role, he played most of his first season at left back missing only two game due to suspension following a sending off in the infamous win at Burnley finishing with only nine men. In his second season, when Dale finished in the top half of Division Four, he was used as one of three central defenders or at right back proving his versatility”
Favourite memories of playing for Dale: My most memorable time was the FA Cup run that took us to the 5th Round before losing 0-1 to Crystal Palace and the exposure the Club got at the time, I believe we were very unlucky not to get a replay, especially with their goalkeeper making a decent save late in the match. I also remember scoring probably the best goal I’ve ever scored against Bolton in the League Cup, unfortunately it was in a 1-5 defeat
What are you doing since leaving Dale?: When I left Rochdale I returned back home to Scotland and played a further seven years for East Fife and then Cowdenbeath, where I started to coach as I was having issues with an ankle injury. As a result I have had an ankle, hip and recently due a knee replacement, so my playing days have taken its toll. I retired from football at 28 and took up some coaching roles at non league level, then with Motherwell FC Academy. I had to give this up as I was caring for my father who suffered from Parkinsons and he sadly passed away three years ago. I have worked in banking for the last 25 years as a senior mortgage advisor. Of all the clubs I played for Manchester City prior to coming to Rochdale, I can honestly say my time at the Club was the most enjoyable I had and I put this down to the players, staff and the supporters.
