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Author Topic: Bill Burns RIP (FL 1988-2001)  (Read 256 times)

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Left Field

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Bill Burns RIP (FL 1988-2001)
« on: Tue 27 Aug 2019 18:29 »
Former FL ref Bill Burns of Scarborough died a few days ago. He was a long-serving official who refereed some play-off games, matches in the old Division 1 and the 2001 FL Trophy Final just before he retired:

https://www.thescarboroughnews.co.uk/sport/football/tributes-pour-in-for-former-football-league-referee-billy-burns-1-9955693

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Hendo

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Re: Bill Burns RIP (FL 1988-2001)
« Reply #1 on: Tue 27 Aug 2019 19:00 »
Sounds like he has been in I’ll health for some time; sadly 66 is no age.
I recall him as a good steady ref, no histrionics, no trying to grab the limelight, just someone who got on competently with the job in hand and let the players do their stuff. RIP Mr Burns.

Acme Thunderer

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Re: Bill Burns RIP (FL 1988-2001)
« Reply #2 on: Wed 28 Aug 2019 10:53 »
Sorry to hear this. I had heard through my connections in the area that Bill had needed at least one transplant since leaving the FL list. One correction, Bill's final game as a FL ref was at Blackpool in May 2001 rather than the Associate Members' Cup final at Cardiff. I recall listening to radio commentary on Blackburn's promotion decider a week or so earlier and the commentator saying how impressed he was with Bill's performance. He went on to express the hope that Bill would be seen at a higher level the following season. The commentator was obviously oblivious to the fact that Bill was refereeing one of his final games on the list, but a fitting tribute to a good ref nevertheless. RIP Bill.

Whistleblower

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Re: Bill Burns RIP (FL 1988-2001)
« Reply #3 on: Wed 28 Aug 2019 11:15 »
Bill Burns was one of the very best FL referees. His style was understated, he moved about the pitch with a steady pace and was invariably correct in his decisions. It was clear he enjoyed the respect of those among whom he officiated. His sort of refereeing is not the vogue today but my goodness it was effective and appreciated.
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