Willie Burns returned to the Crown Oil Arena last Saturday for the Rochdale v Barrow match after an absence of thirty two years as guest of the Dale Exiles.
Willie was a stalwart of the Dale defence 1989-91 making seventy two appearances, scoring two goals.
In an entertaining question and answer session, he covered Dale’s run to the FA Cup 5th Round where they lost narrowly to the eventual finalists, Crystal Palace and a remarkable match at Turf Moor when he and Steve O’Shaughnessy were both dismissed leaving Dale to hold on to a 1-0 victory despite finishing the game with nine men.
Willie got back to his Hamilton home on Sunday and said “I had a great time yesterday. It was lovely seeing the ground again in person after all this time and there have been lots of improvements. The day confirmed how passionate the fans are and this was so evident amongst the exiles and I felt privileged to be part of it.”
After the event a Director from Willie’s time at the Club, one of the ‘Overcoat Men’ Graham Morris, drove Willie back to his hotel. Willie adds “It was great to catch up with Graham and his wife as the Board at the time were really supportive. Graham’s role in saving the club is well known and the passion and commitment I saw today from the current board and fans tells me that the future of the club is in good hands”
Willie is one of numerous ex-players who have been invited to Rochdale AFC for home matches providing hospitality diners with stories from their time at the Dale, some giving really interesting insight about life in professional football.
Willie pictured with Scott Goulding and Ian Wright, Dale Trust Board members
