Kenny Burns

Kenny Burns the former Scotland international footballer, was most famous for his time with Nottingham Forest, where he played a vital role in their European Cup successes. Burns started his career with Rangers as an apprentice but left for Birmingham City aged 17, in 1971. While with the Blues he was primarily a striker, and he earned the first of his 20 caps in that role in 1974. However, after joining Nottingham Forest for £150,000 in 1977, he was converted into a central defender by Brian Clough and Peter Taylor. Burns proved a great success in his new role and was voted FWA Footballer of the Year in 1977-78, as Forest won the First Division title. He was an influential figure in the side's European Cup campaigns over the next three seasons, his defensive partnership with Larry Lloyd instrumental to Forest's victory in the 1979 and 1980 tournaments. At one time he was renowned for his 'wild man' image and while maintaining an aggressive nature, he also possessed a shrewd football brain and was always likely to score vital goals. Burns left the City Ground in 1981 when Forest accepted a £400,000 offer from Leeds United for him. He stayed with the Yorkshire side until 1984 and he would also play with Derby County, Notts County (on loan), Barnsley and Elfsborg in the latter stages of his career