MIKE Ferguson, who represented both Rovers and Stanley, has died at the age of 76.

His name was written in to Stanley folklore, being the last player to score a Football League goal for the club before their return to the EFL in 2006.

Burnley-born Ferguson is believed to be the only player transferred from the Football League to a club as, having been under contract when Stanley resigned from the league in 1962.

The midfielder was transferred to Rovers following Stanley’s demise, with the fee suggested to be £750, and he would go on to make 289 appearances and score 36 goals during his six seasons at Ewood Park.

Across his career, he made over 500 appearances, having started out at Plymouth Argyle, and was said to be one of the most gifted players of his generations.

A team-mate of Rovers legends Bryan Douglas and Ronnie Clayton, Ferguson was a natural crowd pleaser, and was converted by manager Jack Marshall into an outside right having previously been an inside forward.

Having joined in 1962, Ferguson made the move to Aston Villa in 1968, before taking in spells with Queens Park Rangers, Cambridge United, Los Angeles Aztecs and Rochdale, where he would later return as manager.

He made his Stanley debut in 1960 as a 17-year-old in the old Third Division against Gillingham in September 1960.

His first and only goal for the club came against Doncaster Rovers in a 1-1 draw in February, four days before Stanley’s final game of the fateful 1961/62 season – a 4-0 defeat against Crewe.

The Doncaster goal was the last Stanley would score before their return to the Football League some 44 years later.

In a tribute on their website, Rovers said: The thoughts of everyone at Rovers are with Mike's family and friends at this very difficult time,” with Stanley adding: “Everyone's thoughts at Accrington Stanley are with Mike's family and friends at this sad time.”