Clarets legend John Connelly has got two "bionic" knees, replacing the old ones that were ruined by a life in football.

The first operation, five years ago, was funded by the Professional Footballers' Association but, when the pain from the other knee was so great he needed a second one, the PFA could not help.

"They told me that they did not have enough funds and so I had to go on a waiting list before the operation in March," he said.

"There is no doubt they could use more money to help ex-players."

So Connelly was delighted when the strike was finally settled on Friday with the Professional Footballers' Association receiving £52.5million over the next three years, backdated to July 1.

But despite that, Connelly was not happy with the prospect of a players' strike, something that was considered when he was playing at Burnley in the 1960s.

"It never came to a strike but it was talked about when we were looking at abolishing the maximum wage," he said. "Everything has gone the other way and there is no doubt it is the television money that pays players their massive wages.

"It is hard for me to say if I would strike now, the game is so different, but I am that everything has been sorted out. I am not really in favour of people striking.

"It is important that everyone keeps negotiating, get around the table and find some sort of solution.

"There is no doubt the PFA does a good job and they can't keep helping clubs out with paying wages. That is okay if there is one club in trouble but what if there are six or seven. I can see that happening soon.

On a happier note Connelly is looking forward to seeing the "When We Were Kings - Burnley In Europe" video that is about to be launched by the club.

He played in all four of the club's European Cup games after being crowned champions of England in 1960, scoring in the second leg against Reims in France.

Unfortunately he wasn't able to join the parade of legends from that era at Turf Moor ahead of Friday night's clash with Grimsby because he was on duty in his Brierfield chip shop.

"I am looking forward to seeing the video, there will be some great memories," he said.

And following the two knee operations, the 63-year-old Connelly can also look forward to life without pain.

"It is wonderful, I feel great," he said.

"I was not sleeping before I had the second op but everything is fine now."

That news will delight the many Clarets fans who remember the contribution Connelly made to the club in his eight years at Turf Moor, scoring 105 goals in 265 games.