Burnley FC has announced that its former chairman Frank Teasdale has passed away.

Mr Teasdale, who was in his 80s and lived in Clayton-le-Moors, held the role at the club from 1985 until relinquishing the role to Barry Kilby in late 1998.

In a statement this lunchtime, the Clarets said: “Burnley Football Club is deeply saddened to hear that former chairman Frank Teasdale has passed away.

“He was chairman during Burnley’s darkest times during the bleak mid-to-late 1980s, culminating in the club defeating Orient at Turf Moor on the final day of the 1986/87 season to retain their Football League status.

“Mr Teasdale initially joined the Board of Directors early in 1985, and was appointed Chairman just four months later, replacing John Jackson.

“There was, at that time, a constant battle to juggle finances to keep the club in business, and within a year he had called an extraordinary general meeting to emphasise the desperate cash plight facing the club.”

Frank Teasdale, former Burnley chairman tribute following his death, pictured right, with Barry Kilby, Jimmy McIlroy and former CEO Andrew Watson

Mr Teasdale was behind a shares issue that aimed to raise the capital from £8,000 to £50,000; then cited as the only option for the club to avoid liquidation.

In 1987, that came even closer to reality, but within a year Mr Teasdale was at the helm as Burnley ran out at Wembley in front of 80,000 supporters at the Sherpa Van Trophy Final against fellow Fourth Division side Wolves.

Burnley’s fortunes were on the up and following the appointment of Jimmy Mullen in 1991, Mr Teasdale and the Clarets would enjoy two promotions in three years under his stewardship, in 1992 and 1994.

The club statement added: “Fittingly, the last of his eight managerial appointments also provided a catalyst for better days, as Stan Ternent, brought to the club in the summer of 1998, would guide the Clarets into the Championship two years later.

“By then, Mr Teasdale had left the Board of Directors, bur he continued his affiliation with the club and was still a regular face in the Directors’ Box at Turf Moor until his death. “Everyone at Burnley Football Club would like to express our deep sympathy to all Mr Teasdale’s friends.”