SWINDON Town League Cup-winning legend Frank Burrows has died at the age of 77.

The Scottish-born defender was a key part of Town’s team in the late 1960s to mid-1970s – where he played over 350 games – and will forever be known as a key member of the side that beat Division One Arsenal 3-1 in the 1969 League Cup final.

Prior to his spell at Town, Burrows joined Raith Rovers in Scotland and then Scunthorpe United where he made a combined 182 appearances.

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After retiring, Burrows was a successful manager with Portsmouth, Cardiff City, and Swansea City and won multiple promotions as well as the 1994 Football League Trophy with the Swans.

In his later years, Burrows regularly attended games at the County Ground alongside former teammates Don Rogers and John Trollope.

In a statement from Swindon Town, the club said it was “incredibly saddened” to learn of Burrows’ death and said: “the thoughts, prayers and condolences of everyone at Swindon Town are with Frank’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

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The statement continued: “After impressing for The Iron in 106 appearances, Burrows signed for Town in 1968 and immediately became a key cog at the heart of the defence alongside Club Captain, Stan Harland. Together, the formidable duo allowed just 35 goals in 46 league matches, which is an incredible feat in any era.

Town went on to say: “A hard-as-nails defender, Burrows was dominant at the back and was a master of his craft, as well as being hugely respected by his teammates and fans.

“Post playing career, Burrows went into coaching and after a stint as player-coach at The County Ground, he went on to carve out a lengthy and successful career as a coach, including spells with the likes of West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United.”

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In responses to Town’s statement on Twitter, fans mourned the loss of one of their heroes.

One fan tweeted: “Sad news. What a great player he was, he took no prisoners whoever he was playing against. A regular at my parents’ restaurant in Old Town and always had the time to talk to me as a young kid - condolences to his family.”

Meanwhile, Dan Johnson tweeted: “Sad to hear about the passing of Frank Burrows, a true Town great, was honoured to meet him a couple of years ago at a League Cup winners TrustSTFC event.

“The image of him in his flat cap managing West Bromwich Albion against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea was a wonderful contrast between two different eras.”