Tributes are being paid to former Carlisle United goalkeeper Martin Burleigh, who has died.

He was 70.

Burleigh spent two seasons with the Cumbrians in the 1970s.

He joined from Darlington in 1975 following United's relegation from the First Division.

Although often understudy to the great Allan Ross, he made 26 league appearances for the Brunton Park club.

Willington-born Burleigh started out at Newcastle in 1968 and spent six years at St James' Park, making 15 first-team appearances and deputising for Willie McFaul.

He moved on to Darlington in 1974 before switching to Carlisle under Alan Ashman a year later.

After his spell with the Blues, he went on to play for Hartlepool and in total clocked up more than 200 Football League appearances.

He later returned to non-league football and worked as a painter and decorator in Ferryhill, County Durham. 

Carlisle said they were "deeply saddened" by the news, and chairman Andrew Jenkins has paid tribute to Burleigh on the club's behalf.

He said: “Martin was a big character who was a pleasure to have around. He was tall and strong in stature and very stylish in the way he kept goal.

“We used to talk about how he very much had the manner of how the goalkeepers in Europe used to do things, with flair and a bit of theatre.

“I remember that Alan Ashman was really keen to get him signed and over here to join us.

"When he was speaking to the board about him he said that the fans would be queuing along Warwick Road to watch him - he felt he was that good.

“We are all very sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts are with his loved ones.”

"The club extends its condolences to Martin's family and friends at this sad time," added Newcastle in a statement.