BURNLEY FC stalwart Arthur Bellamy has died, aged 71.

Bellamy spent 14 years with the club as a player, after arriving as a 15-year-old from the north east.

He signed a professional contract a year later and broke into the side in 1963 following the departure of Jimmy McIlroy.

Bellamy, an inside-forward, made his First Division debut at Maine Road in a 5-2 win over Manchester City, topping the occasion off with the Clarets’ fifth goal.

After 10 seasons in the first team, and 250 appearances, Bellamy joined Third Division Chesterfield in 1971, and was an almost ever-present during his time with the Spireites.

Bellamy returned to Burnley following his release in 1976, which marked the end of his football career.

He bought a milk round in the town, and later a chip shop, before returning to the Turf Moor staff as ‘B’ team coach in 1979.

He continued to serve the club until retirement, having a spell as Brian Miller’s assistant manager before going on to become head groundsman. Bellamy passed away peacefully at Pendleside Hospice this morning.