Linfield team-mates pay tribute to Ken Barclay

Barclay, a Larne man, made 238 appearances for the Blues and passed away on Friday at the age of 70 years old.

Legendary club captain Peter Rafferty told the official Linfield website: “I was so sad when I heard yesterday that our former goalkeeper, Ken Barclay had passed away.

“Ken and I played together in a very successful Linfield side in the mid-to-late 1970s.

“A great character and a very humble and very decent friend and team-mate.

“I am so shocked and saddened by his passing.

“My condolences are extended to his family and may he Rest in Peace.”

Alan Fraser considered Barclay “a lovely big gentleman who will be greatly missed by players across the entire league from the 1970s era”.

“I was so sad when I heard the news of Ken’s passing and I just want his family to know that they are in all our thoughts at this really difficult time for them all,” continued Fraser on the club website. “Ken was a very fine goalkeeper in a Linfield team that achieved a lot of success during his time at the club.”

Long-serving sports therapist Terry Hayes said: “Ken was a giant of a man in our dressing room in the late 70s.

“As young players, we all respected him so much for his kindness and willingness to give guidance on what was expected to be a Linfield player at that time.

“A lovely character to be around and will be greatly missed by the Linfield family.”

He joined Linfield in 1972 and, in his career at Windsor Park, won two league winner’s medals, one Irish Cup medal, three Ulster Cup, one Co Antrim Shield and one Steel and Sons Cup.

“He was a distinctive figure in the Irish League for most of a decade,” said club chairman Roy McGivern on the club website. “Ken was an integral part of a very good Linfield side in the late 1970s and as a club we extend condolences to his family at this difficult time.”

Linfield honorary vice-president Billy Kennedy said: “his death will be mourned by Linfield team colleagues from that era and by club fans.”

Barclay also played for Glentoran, with the club’s official website paying the following tribute: “Everyone at Glentoran is saddened by the passing of our former goalkeeper Ken Barclay.

“While Ken will largely be remembered for his long and distinguished service to our rivals Linfield, he answered Ronnie McFall’s call to help Glentoran in January 1982 when Alan Paterson had picked up a serious injury at Bangor.

“At the time Ken was a free agent prior to his imminent emigration to Australia.

“As well as seven games in the league and Irish Cup, Ken was in goal for the Glens in a hastily arranged friendly with Arsenal.

“On his departure for Australia, Ken commented that he considered it an honour to have played for the two biggest and best sides in Northern Ireland.

“He was presented with a gift by the Amalgamation of Glentoran Supporters Clubs at the end of his final game.

“Deepest condolences to Ken’s family circle on their very sad loss.”