Jim Burns

Today at Central Park, we received the very sad news of the passing of former Cowdenbeath FC captain Jim Burns at the age of 81. We offer sincere condolences to all Jim’s family and friends from everyone connected with Cowdenbeath FC. Our thanks go to Jim for all the grand service he gave to our club and the immortal football memories he left with us.

Jim hailed from Stirling and was signed by Harry Colville for Cowden from Dunipace in 1962. He was very much a modern type of midfield man - a hard grafting, box to box style player. He was strong in the tackle and that, allied to his fine passing abilities, quickly established him as a Cowden key man – he also blossomed under the tutelage of Archie Robertson. Jim was an absolute model of consistency, and he set a club record of 144 consecutive appearances in League matches. Early in 1968, he followed his old boss Archie Robertson to Clyde with £6,000 changing hands. He then gave the Shawfield club 8 years of exceptional service in a variety of roles before ending his career in 1981 with 5 years at Stirling Albion. He also was virtually an ever present as well in his time with Clyde – making 189 consecutive appearances for them between 1968 and 1972. He won a 2nd Division championship medal with Clyde in 1973. He repeated that feat with Stirling Albion in 1977 – another campaign where he didn’t miss a match.

His playing career at Central Park encompassed 211 games for us in which Jim scored 25 goals. His overall record in senior football in Scotland saw him make 624 appearances and register 47 goals. After his playing days were over, Jim aided Stirling Albion on the coaching side albeit he was Cowden’s assistant manager for a short time in 1984. A joiner to trade, Jim continued to live in Stirling all his days. And we still warmly recall his days in the sun at Cowdenbeath.

Picture shows Jim (front centre) as a member of the Cowdenbeath side which won the Hawick 5-a-sides in 1966. At back are Andy Kinnell and Dusty Miller. At front Jim is flanked by Andy Rolland and Roger Sugden.