THE widow of former Burnley chairman Bob Lord has died at the age of 98.

Hilda Lord, who had been widowed for 25 years, died on Friday night.

Today Burnley Football Club and former players paid tribute to the woman behind the legendary club chairman.

Clarets legend Jimmy McIlroy, now 74, who was part of the championship winning team of 1960 said Hilda was involved in the Clarets' glory years of the late 50s and 60s.

The Northern Ireland international, who made 497 appearances for the Clarets, said: "She is someone I associate with Turf Moor and my playing days.

"Like her husband, who has gone, this is the end of another chapter of the great days at Turf Moor.

"She was always prominent during that spell and it is sad someone who has experienced everything I experienced has gone.

"She was always polite and would always speak to me. Burnley Football Club meant a lot to her."

Former Burnley striker Andy Lochhead, 65, who scored 128 goals in 266 games, said Hilda always attended matches at Turf Moor.

He added: "I remember her sitting in the directors' box in the old Brunshaw Road stand.

"She liked her football very much and she was a passionate supporter.

"When you walked off the pitch at half-time and full-time she would be there. She was a lovely person.

"She was a terrific woman and a keen Burnley supporter all through her life."

Bob Lord, who died in 1981, was chairman of the club for 25 years during Burnley's golden era in the top flight.

Hilda was a resident of Abiden Rest Home, Rosehill Road, Burnley, until three years ago, when she moved to Whalley.

In recent years she returned to Turf Moor when the club launched the When We Were Kings and the Rhapsody in Claret and Blue videos.

She was also present in 1999 at the officially opening of the Jimmy McIlroy stand.

Burnley chief executive Dave Edmundson said his thoughts were with Hilda's family.

He said: "Obviously she was very much the wife of probably the biggest influence on Burnley Football Club in its history.

"Bob Lord is remembered by Burnley and I am sure everyone will be extremely sad to know a real link with Burnley's greatest time in the late 50s and 60s has gone.

"The club is mourning for a link with its wonderful past that is no longer with us."

Hilda leaves two daughters, Barbara and Margaret.