James McIlroy, born Lamberg, Northern Ireland, October 25, 1931. Jimmy McIlroy was a player who not only possessed extraordinary technical ability but also had the intelligence and leadership qualities to guide his team through some of their most memorable moments.
Growing up in County Antrim, football was a family affair for young Jimmy McIlroy. His father, Harry McIlroy, played for Lisburn Distillery, while his uncle, Willie McIlroy, represented Portadown. With such strong football influences in his family, McIlroy’s pathway to the sport seemed almost destined. After leaving school, McIlroy began his professional footballing career with Glentoran, one of Northern Ireland’s most historic clubs. At Glentoran, McIlroy quickly gained recognition for his skill and footballing intelligence, prompting English scouts to take notice. In March 1950, Burnley swooped in with a £7,000 transfer offer to secure the young midfielder’s services. It was a significant investment at the time, and it would soon prove to be a bargain for the Lancashire club. McIlroy made his debut for Burnley as a fresh-faced 18-year-old. Almost immediately, he displayed the attributes that would make him a fan favorite at Turf Moor. He had an exceptional football brain, always thinking one step ahead of his opponents and teammates alike. His passing was not only accurate but purposeful, as he would only release the ball when he was certain it would find a teammate in a better position.
During his time at Burnley, McIlroy became the lynchpin of the team, orchestrating play from midfield and contributing goals in crucial moments. His partnership with fellow Burnley stars, including Ray Pointer and John Connelly, made the Clarets one of the most formidable teams in England during the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the 1959-60 season, Burnley clinched the First Division title, with McIlroy at the heart of their success. His ability to control games with his intelligent passing and vision ensured Burnley remained competitive throughout the campaign. In addition to his domestic league success, McIlroy also helped Burnley reach the FA Cup Final in 1962, although they were defeated 3-1 by a strong Tottenham Hotspur side. Despite the disappointment of losing in the FA Cup final, McIlroy’s performances continued to be exceptional, and he remained the focal point of Burnley’s midfield. Over 13 years at the club, he played a remarkable 497 matches and scored 131 goals, a tally that speaks volumes about his versatility and consistency.
In a move that shocked the Burnley faithful, Jimmy McIlroy was sold to Stoke City in 1963 for a modest fee of £25,000. Burnley chairman Bob Lord’s decision to let McIlroy leave the club sparked outrage among the fans, who were left bewildered at the departure of one of their greatest players. Lord was branded “insane” by many supporters for allowing such a vital figure to leave the club for such a low price. Nevertheless, McIlroy made the switch to Stoke City, where he linked up with legendary footballers such as Stanley Matthews and Dennis Viollet. His debut for the Potters was less than ideal, as Stoke suffered a 6-0 defeat at the hands of Norwich City. However, McIlroy’s class soon shone through, and he played a key role in Stoke’s promotion to the First Division at the end of the 1962-63 season. In the following years, McIlroy continued to be a pivotal figure for Stoke City, helping the club establish themselves in the top flight. He even played in the 1964 League Cup final, where Stoke narrowly lost 4-3 to Leicester City in a thrilling encounter. McIlroy’s time at Stoke cemented his status as one of the most intelligent and composed inside forwards of his era.
Following his stay at Stoke, McIlroy moved into management, taking over as player-manager of Oldham Athletic in January 1966. The club was struggling at the foot of the Third Division, and McIlroy was tasked with steadying the ship. Although he brought in several of his former Stoke City teammates to bolster the squad, management proved to be a difficult challenge for McIlroy. He resigned in 1968 after a tough start to the season, feeling the pressures of management were not suited to him. He later had a brief stint as assistant manager at Stoke City, working under his former manager Tony Waddington. He also had a short spell as caretaker manager at Bolton Wanderers, although his tenure lasted just 18 days before he stepped down due to disagreements with the board over player sales. After his managerial career, Jimmy McIlroy settled in Burnley, where he became a beloved figure in the community. He regularly attended Burnley matches at Turf Moor, maintaining a close connection with the club that had defined his footballing career. In recognition of his contributions to football and the Burnley area, McIlroy was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Burnley in 2008. The club also honored him with a testimonial match in 2009, showcasing the deep respect and admiration the Burnley fans held for their former star. In 2011, McIlroy was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to football and charity. Fittingly, he received the honor at Burnley’s Turf Moor ground, rather than Buckingham Palace, further highlighting his enduring bond with the club. The eastern stand at Turf Moor was named the “Jimmy McIlroy Stand” in his honor, a permanent reminder of his extraordinary contribution to Burnley Football Club. Jimmy McIlroy passed away on August 20, 2018, but his legacy lives on through the memories of his incredible career, his lasting influence on the game, and the affection of Burnley and Northern Ireland supporters alike.
Alongside his club career, Jimmy McIlroy was a key player for the Northern Ireland national team, earning 55 caps and becoming one of their most celebrated players. Known for his technical excellence, his visionary football brain, and his leadership on the field, McIlroy’s contributions to Northern Ireland’s footballing history are undeniable. McIlroy’s journey with the Northern Ireland national team began in 1951, during a period when the team was still struggling to establish itself on the international scene. McIlroy, then a burgeoning talent with Burnley, was called upon to bolster a Northern Ireland side in need of creative spark and ingenuity. It was clear from the outset that McIlroy was not an ordinary player. His technical abilities, quick thinking, and ability to read the game allowed him to stand out among his peers, and he quickly became a crucial cog in the national setup. Perhaps one of the most celebrated aspects of McIlroy’s international career was his partnership with Danny Blanchflower, the Tottenham Hotspur star who captained Northern Ireland during their golden years. Together, McIlroy and Blanchflower formed a midfield duo that was as creative as it was industrious. While Blanchflower was known for his commanding presence and leadership, McIlroy complemented him perfectly with his understated brilliance, his pinpoint passing, and his ability to unlock defences with his vision.
One of the standout moments in McIlroy’s international career came during the qualifying stages for the 1958 World Cup. Northern Ireland found themselves in a difficult group, facing formidable opposition, including the might of Italy. However, McIlroy rose to the occasion, delivering a sensational performance against the Italians that would forever cement his place in Northern Irish football folklore. In particular, McIlroy’s goal against Italy in a crucial qualifier was nothing short of extraordinary. With the pressure mounting and the stakes at their highest, McIlroy struck a sublime goal that not only secured a famous victory for Northern Ireland but also propelled them towards World Cup qualification. That moment epitomized everything that made McIlroy such a special player — his composure under pressure, his ability to deliver when it mattered most, and his unerring skill in front of goal.
McIlroy was instrumental in Northern Ireland’s success during the 1958 World Cup, where they defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals. Under the management of Peter Doherty, McIlroy’s leadership and vision were essential in guiding the team to their best-ever performance at a World Cup. The 1958 World Cup in Sweden will forever be remembered as one of Northern Ireland’s finest moments in international football, and at the heart of it all was Jimmy McIlroy. Northern Ireland’s journey to the quarter-finals was nothing short of miraculous, and McIlroy played a pivotal role in their historic run. Throughout the tournament, McIlroy showcased his immense footballing intelligence, his composure on the ball, and his ability to control matches from midfield. He was not the flashiest player on the pitch, but his influence was undeniable. McIlroy’s calmness under pressure, combined with his exceptional passing ability, made him one of Northern Ireland’s most important players during the World Cup. Moreover, McIlroy’s leadership qualities shone through during the tournament. Although Blanchflower was the team’s captain, McIlroy was a leader in his own right, setting the tone for his teammates with his work ethic, tactical awareness, and unselfish play. As a result, Northern Ireland were able to progress to the quarter-finals, a remarkable achievement for a nation of its size. His contribution to Northern Irish football was not forgotten, and he remains a revered figure in his home country. In 2015, McIlroy was prominently featured in the documentary Spirit of ’58, which chronicled Northern Ireland’s remarkable journey through the 1950s, culminating in their World Cup success.