Fans' grief as Keith Newton dies at 56

And Blackburn Rovers legend Ronnie Clayton called for the England World Cup team in France to pay tribute to the former Blackburn and Burnley star.

Newton, who played for Blackburn Rovers, Everton, Burnley and England, died in Blackburn Hospice following a long battle against cancer. He would have been 57 next week.

Newton, who played for England in the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, lived in Knowsley Road West, Wilpshire. He leaves a wife Barbara and son Craig.

Born in Manchester, he attended Didsbury Technical School before training as an engineer.

He retired from professional football in 1977 after chalking up 500 league appearances and 27 England caps. He was once described by Sir Alf Ramsey as the best left back in the world. The full-back later managed Clitheroe FC and ran a newsagent's shop in Sudell Cross, Blackburn.

He was a former fleet and commercial sales executive at Perrys Peugeot dealership in Whalley New Road, Blackburn, and also worked at Lookers, Blackburn.

Ronnie Clayton, his former team mate and Blackburn Rovers and England captain, said: "It would be nice if the England team could pay some sort of tribute to Keith Newton during the World Cup. Perhaps they could wear arm bands in his honour.

"I knew Keith most of my life and he came to Blackburn as a junior when he was 15 or 16 years old.

"I saw him establish himself in the first team and go on to play for England in the World Cup and he was a great lad"

"Keith was a very fit lad who had everything. He was very fast and strong and was a good tackler. He was a very talented player.

"We knew he was ill for some time but the end came very suddenly and was something of a shock. His family are all devastated and he will be badly missed."

Peter Noble, one of Newton's closest friends during his days at Turf Moor, said: "Keith and I roomed together during our days at Burnley and he was a great friend.

"He was an absolutely superb player who made defending look easy. We played in a Burnley side which had a lot of young players and Keith's experience and guidance contributed to some of them becoming big names.

"Burnley fans will remember the partnership struck up between him and Leighton James down the flanks.

"Personally I have lost a smashing pal and together we had had lots of great times."

Rovers assistant manager Tony Parkes said: "Keith was one of the new generation of very talented footballing full-backs who could play on either wing and his game wasn't just about being big and strong.

"He is a legend in the area and it's a tragedy to lose him." Burnley and former Blackburn secretary John Howarth said: "We were all very upset when we heard the news about Keith. He was a very nice gentleman, very well thought of and I've never heard anyone say a bad word about him.

"On the pitch he was an all-round class act and he was something of an idol to me and many others.

"We'd like to send our condolences to Keith's wife and family. He was a great man and will be sadly missed."

Blackburn Rovers chairman Robert Coar said Newton graced the world stage with England but stayed faithful to his East Lancashire roots.

He said: "Keith came through the ranks at Blackburn and although he moved on to other clubs he always lived in the area and obviously his family was well known to most people in Blackburn.

"Our thoughts are with Barbara and Craig."

An English FA spokesman said: "We extend our deepest sympathy to Mr Newton's family and friends and everyone connected with him."

A unique talent, a genuine star

A tribute by soccer writer PETER WHITE

KEITH Newton was, in a sense, unique.

For the former England full back managed something few others have achieved; he united the bitter rivals of Blackburn and Burnley - in admiration of his footballing ability.

Newton, who yesterday died of cancer, was an outstanding player in a professional career which began with Blackburn Rovers and ended at Turf Moor with a successful spell at Everton in between.

It also took him to international heights, making 27 appearances for England between the World Cup triumph of 1966 and the finals in Mexico four years later.

He was acknowledged as one of the finest full backs of his generation and, even though his international career ended after the 1970 World Cup, Newton still had eight years of League football left in him - six of them spent with Burnley.

Born in Manchester in June, 1941, Newton joined Rovers in April, 1958 as a non-contract player. Six months later, he signed as a professional.

In his younger days, he played inside forward, wing half and, in the Rovers team which claimed the FA Youth Cup in 1959, centre half.

But it was as a full back - and he could play either side - that he made his mark.

Tall and strong, he had all the qualities needed by a top-class defender but also possessed the ability to counter-attack at speed. Perhaps his earlier experience of other positions was a help in that, as he quickly proved himself the complete all-rounder.

Newton made a total of 357 League, FA Cup and League Cup appearances for Rovers, scoring 10 goals.

Having begun at left back, he switched to the right flank, won England under-23 recognition and was unlucky to miss out on selection for the 1966 World Cup-winning squad.

Although Rovers dropped into the Second Division that year, Newton's qualities ensured he became a regular international choice.

But he was unsettled and, eventually, moved to Everton in December, 1969 for £80,000.

The move perhaps ensured he went to Mexico for the 1970 World Cup and it was in that ill-fated 3-2 quarter-final defeat by West Germany at Leon that England's defence of the trophy ended and Newton won the last of his 27 international caps.

Nevertheless, the 1969-70 domestic season had ended with Newton boasting a championship medal as part of an outstanding Goodison team. His Everton career involved almost 50 League appearances, with one goal.

In June, 1972, he stepped back down to Division Two by joining Burnley on a free transfer but it wasn't long before he was in the top flight again.

Newton, excelling at full back, was an ever-present as Burnley won the Second Division championship and stayed up until 1976.

He was just as popular and effective a player at Turf Moor as he had been at Ewood and made a total of 252 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring seven goals. In 1978, Newton dropped out of the full-time game and had a brief spell in non-League football, joining Morecambe.

Newton proved his durability as a footballer by playing more than 550 League matches alone for his three main clubs.

And his star quality was underlined by his success.

At Ewood he developed into the best right back in the country. At Goodison he was part of a title-winning team and, at Turf Moor, he helped Burnley climb back into the First Division where he proved he had lost none of his ability.

Full backs have long since been the unsung heroes in the football world. They do not fill glamorous positions.

But Keith Newton was a star, of that there is little doubt.

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