Born on this day in Cumnock, Scotland is former Sunderland and Ipswich defender George Burley, who was part of Lawrie McMenemy's relegation to the Third Division...
Despite being from Scotland, Burley’s career began south of the border with Ipswich. That’s where he made a name for himself, racking up over 500 appearances in the span of 14 years with the Tractor Boys. On his debut, he was tested with man-marking George Best- an impossible task but Burley managed to contain the legendary winger.
In 1978, George was part of the Ipswich side that upset Arsenal with a 1-0 win, lifting the FA Cup final in their first ever match at Wembley. Burley could have gotten on the scoresheet himself from right back, with his header forcing a magnificent save from Arsenal keeper Pat Jennings.
Under the tutelage of Sir Bobby Robson, Ipswich became one of English football’s best sides and Burley was a key player from right back. He was a huge attacking threat, playing in a system that perhaps covered his defensive frailties.
Robson’s men reached European glory in ‘81, defeating Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Cup final. However, Burley didn’t feature due to injury although he still received a winner's medal. During his time in East Anglia, George helped Ipswich to nine top-six finishes.
He came to Wearside as a vastly experienced 29-year-old, as Lawrie McMenemy implemented his transfer policy of only signing experienced heads who were past their best. It worked at Southampton, but at Roker Park it wasn’t so successful.
Making his debut for Ipswich at 17, it was clear that Burley’s legs had gone. He was burnt out after playing so much football, and a defensive Sunderland side exposed his weaknesses. His quality on the ball was never in doubt- in possession, he looked very tidy and I’m sure for another team he could have gone on to do great things. But, like many at Sunderland at the time, it just wasn’t the right fit.
When McMenemy came in, he was heralded as a saviour. He turned out to be the exact opposite. We were relegated, and the gaffer left with his tail between his legs. In came Denis Smith, looking to rejuvenate the team with youthful exuberance to get out of Division Three at the first time of asking.
Burley was sent packing to Gillingham after making 66 appearances for the Lads. He would eventually retire at 38 years old after playing for the likes of Motherwell, Falkirk and finally Colchester.
George moved into management where he would have a long and successful career, including a stint at his former club Ipswich. During an eight-year spell in charge, Burley struggled and struggled but eventually got Ipswich promoted back to the Premier League. They’d reached the play-offs three times, losing in the semis each time, but finally beat Barnsley 4-2 at the fourth time of asking in the 2000 play-off final.
Ipswich qualified for Europe in Burley’s first season as a Premier League manager, finishing fifth and George earned Manager of the Season. However, they suffered relegation the following season and in 2002 his contract was terminated.
Burley managed Derby, Hearts and Southampton before a brief stint in charge of the Scottish National Team. His last club was in 2012, taking charge of Cypriot side Apollon Limassol.
He can look back at a lengthy playing career, followed by a lengthy managerial career spanning 39 years altogether. While he was a flop on Wearside, George won’t mind as he is remembered as an Ipswich legend- and rightly so.
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