A GALAXY of great names from Burnley's past turned out to say farewell to legendary Clarets skipper Jimmy Adamson this afternoon.

Jimmy McIlroy, Leighton James and Martin Dobson were just three of the stars who gathered at Burnley Crematorium.

But it’s a sign of the esteem in which Jimmy was held that all-time great Sir Bobby Charlton and Leeds United legend Eddie Gray also wanted to make the journey for someone who was respected across the football world.

Earlier, rapturous applause broke out from lines of supporters along Harry Potts Way as the funeral cortege set off.

Around 200 fans, many wearing their claret and blue scarves, bowed their heads in respect as the man who captained Burnley to the league title in 1960 was taken on his final journey past Turf Moor.

As well as fans, young and old, club officials, including chairman Barry Kilby, came onto the pavement to say goodbye to the only Claret to ever win the Footballer of the Year award.

Jimmy, who played 486 games for Burnley and spent 29 years at the club between 1947 and 1976, died last Tuesday at the age of 82.

The service was a private affair, attended by friends and family, including his five grandchildren, Jenny, Katie, Sarah, James and Sam.

His former players including current chief executive Paul Fletcher, Stan Ternent, Colin Waldron, Peter Noble and Leeds United’s Eddie Gray also attended the service.

In total around 70 people attended the service, which lasted around an hour.

The first hymn sung was Jerusalem, before the Rev Roger Parker, of St Catherine’s Church, led the tributes to Jimmy.

He said: “We come here today to say thank you to almighty God for someone who was literally a legend in their own lifetime.

“We also come to say thank you to God for someone who was a private man and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

“Jimmy was somebody who enriched countless lives.”

Martin Dobson and Paul Fletcher then paid tribute to their former manager.

Mr Dobson, who was appointed captain whem Jimmy took over as manager in 1970, said: “Jimmy was one of Burnley’s greatest ever servants, he instilled in us what it meant to play for Burnley.

“It is a pity I can’t thank him one more time for everything he did for me, but I am sure he is already organising a five-a-side game up there.”

Mr Fletcher, who was Jimmy’s record signing when he arrived from Bolton in 1971, said: “I visited Jimmy on Christmas Eve in 1976 and have visited him every Christmas Eve for the past 35 years and we would talk about the same things every year.

“Over the years he became quite bitter about Burnley, he didn’t seem to realise the supporters held him in such high esteem.

“I am forever grateful to Jimmy, he was a wonderful manager and a wonderful man, and I hope his grandchildren realise what a significant part he played in the history of this town.

“For me he is in the top five people who have made a difference to this town.”

Fans echoed the feelings of the former Clarets greats by calling Jimmy a 'true legend'.

Phil Gibson, 29, said: “I wanted to come to pay my last respects to a true legend. I never saw him play but you hear stories about how great he was and what a great man he was.”

Tony Dickinson, 61, said: “It is a shame it took him so long to get back to the club after he left, but he realised that day how much he was loved here.”

John Withington, who painted his face and head in the Claret colours with the text 1929-2011 in honour of Jimmy, said: “Everybody at Burnley loves him, he was a magnificent servant to the club. He will never be forgotten.”

Roy Holtom, 65, said: “He was the most wonderful footballer that this club has ever known.

“You can’t overestimate the influence he had on Burnley.

"The term legend is bandied aboud too often these days, but Jimmy Adamson is definitely a Burnley legend.

“He was a magnificent man and it is a privilege to be able to pay respects to somebody who did so much for this club.”

Sheila Rogers, 67, said: “He was the best centre-back we have ever had and one of the best players we have ever had.

“Not only that but he was also a gentleman.”

Gordon Rogers, 69, said: “He was a great servant and a great ambassador for Burnley, that is why is so many people turned up to say one final goodbye.

“It was a shame he never really came back for so many years. I don’t think he ever wanted to leave Burnley, his heart was here.”

As mourners left the crematorium the Geordie folk song Blaydon Races played out, considered the unofficial anthem of Jimmy’s beloved Tyneside and an iconic football chant.

A fitting way to say goodbye to a man who will never be forgotten at Turf Moor.