Former Rovers favourite Billy Wilson has passed away at the age of 71.

Wilson spent eight years as a Rovers player between 1964 and 1972 and made almost 250 league appearances having arrived in East Lancashire from New Hartley Juniors in his native north east. 

He moved to Portsmouth in January 1972 for around £15,000 where he would go on to be inducted in to the Hall of Fame at Fratton Park.

He never scored for Rovers in his time at Ewood Park, despite being an attack-minded full-back, but found the net six times for Pompey.

Wilson passed away on Thursday, with the news of his death announced by Pompey where he spent the rest of his career.

Born in Seaton Delaval, Northumberland, Wilson made his debut as a 23-year-old for Rovers.

Rovers were a mid-table Division One outfit at the time, but were to be relegated in the 1965/66 campaign.

They spent the next five years in Division Two, Wilson being an ever present in the 1967/68 and 1969/70 campaigns, with Rovers relegated to the third tier in 1970/71.

Wilson was to move on just six months in to Rovers' Division Three  campaign of 1971/72. In January 1972 he moved to the south coast where he played 216 times for Pompey.

Wilson hung up his boots in 1978 with Portsmouth having slipped from Division Two to Division Four, with the club in financial difficulties.

He worked in the pub trade in his retirement.

A statement released on Portsmouth’s website read: “Everyone at Portsmouth Football Club would like to pass on their deepest condolences to all of Billy’s family and friends.”