A FORMER Clarets full back who played in the same team as Jimmy McIlroy has died, aged 88.

Clarets legend McIlroy paid tribute to Harold Rudman, who joined Burnley in 1942.

Whitworth-born Rudman was a regular at Turf Moor in the Wartime Leagues, operating in both wing half positions.

He stayed at the club for 15 years.

McIlroy said: “He was an excellent fella.

“He was somebody you wanted on your side and he helped make Burnley the successful team they were.

“When he made the team regularly it was the start of the great run that Burnley had and Harold was an important part of the team.

“He played a lot in the Central Leagues but he was a very reliable and consistent player for the first team.

“Off the pitch he was a really nice bloke. I never had an argument or a fight with him. He was one of those players that you couldn’t fall out with. He was just too nice.”

Rudman earned a place in the Clarets Second Division promotion side of 1946/47, replacing Harold Spender, but his place came under threat following the arrival of Reg Attwell in October that season and he played his last of nine games that season against Bury on November 2.

Rudman, a wartime guest for Blackburn Rovers, played only seven further league games for Burnley over the next six season before claiming a regular place at right back in 1954.

At 32, and Burnley’s senior professional, he was transferred to then Third Division North side Rochdale for a small fee in July 1957.