A CLARETS fan died during the final minutes of the Carling Cup semi-final thinking that his beloved team were on their way to Wembley.

Life-long Burnley fan Kenneth Hartley suffered a suspected heart attack at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

Police said the 68-year-old collapsed at 10.09pm when the Clarets were 3-0 up during their second leg clash with Tottenham.

At the time the team seemed destined for the final against Manchester United, but two late goals meant the Clarets lost 6-4 on aggregate.

As soon as Mr Hartley collapsed in the Bob Lord Stand, St John's Ambulance volunteers and the match doctor went to his aid and paramedics were called.

But he died a short time later.

The semi-retired engineer’s family today paid tribute to a “loving, kind and thoughtful” man.

Granddaughter Lauren Hardman, 24, who had also been watching the match, said she met up with Mr Hartley during half time.

She said: “I was at the match with my other grandad but I was in the same stand.

“We met up during half time, as we always did, and he seemed fine. It would have made his day to see them go to Wembley.”

His wife of 43 years, Joyce Hartley, said that she was informed of the tragic news when a policeman knocked at her door.

She said: “It's hard to believe that he has gone.

“He wasn't unwell. He was a man who enjoyed life and loved his family dearly”.

His only daughter Karen Hardman said: “He was such a wonderful dad.

"He was kind, generous and very supportive. We would like to thank everyone who tried to help at the match.”

A spokesman for Burnley Football Club said: “Obviously the events off the pitch bring sharply into perspective that football is only a game, and the club are deeply saddened at what happened.

“Our sincere condolences go out to Mr Hartley’s family.”

Chief inspector Jeff Brown, match commander, said: "There was an immediate response from St John's Ambulance and the doctor we have on stand-by.

"The ambulance was also at the ground and attempts were made to revive the casualty at the scene.”