Clarets-crazy Shirley Roberts was still shedding the tears today after her football idol David Eyres quit Turf Moor.

Shirley, 34, used up a box of tissues after weeping when she heard the skipper was leaving Burnley for Preston North End.

The season ticket holder was off work from Barclays Bank, Burnley, with the flu but was returning today "to take her mind off things."

Shirley regularly talked to Eyres, 33, when she waited for him at home and away matches as he got on and off the team coach.

As well as sponsoring his boots at £58 a season, she also has FOUR signed pictures of her favourite soccer star in her living room, which is a shrine to the club she has supported since 1980.

Shirley, of Barden Lane, Burnley, said: "I was completely devastated when I heard the news and I've not stopped crying. I've already got through one box of tissues and I'm sure I'll get through more. "I admired David as a player when he was at Blackpool and I'll follow what he does now he's gone.

"He's been a great captain but he's had to do what's right for him and his family.

"To be offered something better at his age is something he could not turn down and I can't blame him for that

"But I don't like the way the club appear to have just let him go without any fight. It's disappointing."

Shirley's husband Deric, a technician with Michelin Tyre, Burnley, is also a Clarets supporter but is not as upset as his wife.

Shirley added: "He's told me that David was getting too old anyway and he's nowhere near as upset as I am.

"He doesn't mind the way I've supported David, or if he does he hasn't said anything!

"It's a very sad day for me.

"I'm gutted."

Eyres broke the news of his transfer to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph yesterday and thanked Burnley fans for their support.

"They were always brilliant with me and I just hope they will welcome me when we meet again and not give me the sort of stick Blackpool fans have always given me when I've played against them," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.