Clarets legend Jimmy McIlroy will receive his MBE at the first game of the new season at Turf Moor.

Instead of a trip to Buckingham Police to pick up the prestigious gong, the man known as Jimmy Mac will receive the honour at Turf Moor on the first day of the season.

The 79-year-old was awarded the honour for services to football and charity in the Queen's New Year's Honours list in January.

Peter Pike, chairman of the Clarets Trust, said: “The Clarets Trust gave him two Whisky glasses to celebrate this award earlier this year.

“It was a great recognition of what he has done and to pick it up in front of the fans is the most appropriate place to receive his MBE.

“Having known him personally for many, many years I am delighted and I’m sure there will be a really big crowd to appreciate this honour.”

Jimmy and his family will be VIP guests of the club as the Clarets legend receives the award on the pitch at around 2.45pm, ahead of the opening day Championship game against Watford on Saturday, August 6.

Lord Shuttleworth, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, will perform the investiture and Burnley Football Club hopes that all supporters will take their seats early to join in the celebrations.

Jimmy has achieved legendary status at Turf Moor following his spell with the club between 1950-1963.

After starting his career with Glentoran, McIlroy joined Burnley in 1950 and gave over a decade of outstanding service, becoming a key member of the 1959/60 First Division Championship winning team and also playing in the 1962 FA Cup final.

He remains the most capped Burnley player in history, with 51 of his 55 full international caps for Northern Ireland coming during his time at Turf Moor.