RAY DEAKINRay Deakin, a former captain of Burnley, who helped save his side from demotion from the football league, died on Christmas Eve, 2008, aged 49.He captained the team during the famous game against Leyton Orient in May 1987 when the Clarets won 2-1 on the last day of the season to stay in the league.Born in Liverpool on 19 June, 1959, the defender began his career at Everton, signing his first professional contract in 1977. But he never played for the first team and was released in 1981.He then joined Port Vale in June 1981 and went on to make 27 appearances, scoring seven goals, in the 1981/82 season.Ex-Vale defender Phil Sproson, who made around 500 appearances for Vale himself, has fond memories of his former team-mate.Sproson said: “I remember Ray as a good left-back who could also played in midfield.“He was a really likeable lad, who was popular with everybody at the club.“But he was also a good footballer and although he wasn’t with the club that long he added to the squad.“He had a cultured left foot and could always pick out a pass, even over 40 or 50 yards. I’d like to pass on my condolences to his family.”Deakin made his Vale debut, playing at left-back, in the 0-0 home draw against Halifax Town on August 29, 1981.He was initially a regular in the team, but lost his place in October 1981 and struggled to break back into first-team contention thereafter.In May 1982, Deakin joined Bolton on a free transfer and went on to play around 100 times for the club during a three-year stint, before signing for Burnley in 1985.A year after helping the Clarets avoid dropping out of the Football League he captained them at Wembley as they lost to Wolves in the final of the Sherpa Van Trophy.He made more than 200 appearances for the Clarets between 1985-91.Stoke’s director of football John Rudge was part of manager John McGrath backroom set-up during Deakin’s time at Port Vale.He said: “Ray was a strong left-footed player. It is obviously a sad time for his family and I’d like to pass on my condolences to them.”Vale chairman Bill Bratt added: “It’s always a sad loss when one of our former players passes away.”He was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2008.Burnley FC chairman Barry Kilby said: "Ray was very much part of the family here at Turf Moor and as a former club captain he has a very special place in the hearts of all those who remember him as a great servant."He steered the club through a real time of crisis in the late 1980s and after captaining the side in the famous ‘Orient game’ he was again the inspirational captain as the club was re-born the following season."
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