NORTH EAST goalkeeper Martin Burleigh has died at the age of 70. 

Willington-born, Burleigh joined Newcastle United in 1968 and went on to play for Darlington and Hartlepool in the 1970s and 80s. 

He was at St. James’ Park for six years, making only 15 appearances, during which time he largely deputised for Willie McFaul. 

Burleigh signed for Darlington in 1974 in Division Four, a year later moving up two divisions to join Carlisle United with whom he stayed for two years before returning to Feethams for a second spell with Quakers

Across his two spells between the sticks with Darlington, Burleigh made 112 appearances with one of them being away to Everton in a League Cup tie in 78-79. 

He moved to Hartlepool in 1979 and played 96 times before dropping into non-league and beginning work as a painter and decorator in Ferryhill, County Durham.