lit a candle 7h agoFound a clip of the Battle of Naples years ago while I was going down a European football history rabbit hole and never forgot it. My grandad used to talk about Burnley's run in 66-67 like it was yesterday, he was so proud of that side. 83 years old. Rest easy Les.
Their story
Les Latcham, born Leslie Arnold Latcham, was an English professional footballer who spent eleven years with Burnley as a full-back and defender. He was a regular in the side during one of the most celebrated periods in the club's history, its 1966-67 run to the quarter-finals of the Inter-Cities Fairs…
Les Latcham, born Leslie Arnold Latcham, was an English professional footballer who spent eleven years with Burnley as a full-back and defender. He was a regular in the side during one of the most celebrated periods in the club's history, its 1966-67 run to the quarter-finals of the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
He was born in Crook, County Durham, on 22 December 1942. As a teenager playing for Crook Juniors he was spotted by Jack Hixon, the scout who sent a stream of young players from the North East to Turf Moor, and he signed professional terms with Burnley in June 1960.
Latcham made his first team debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford on 13 February 1965, and a week later he was back at Old Trafford to face the same opponents in the FA Cup. He soon became an important member of a Burnley side that had been league champions only a few seasons earlier and was still competing near the top of the First Division. His best remembered night came in the away leg against Napoli in the Fairs Cup, a match Burnley supporters call the Battle of Naples. After a heavy clash with the Italian forward Jose Altafini he suffered a serious head injury, and photographs of him bloodied and heavily bandaged were carried by newspapers across Britain. Burnley held on for an aggregate victory.
He was valued for his versatility and his willingness to play wherever the team needed him. On the opening day of the 1969-70 season he went in goal against Derby County. According to the club he made 184 appearances and scored 12 goals for Burnley; other records list 178 league and cup appearances. After Burnley were relegated in 1971 he joined Plymouth Argyle for a fee of 15,000 pounds, later played for Bradford City, and finished his playing days in local non-league football with Great Harwood.
Les Latcham died on 8 October 2026, aged 83. Burnley Football Club announced his death the next day, describing him as a dependable, committed and skilful full-back who always put the team first, and saying his place in the story of the Clarets would not be forgotten. He was survived by his wife Pam and his daughters Emma and Gaynor.
Biography adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), Burnley Football Club and news reports. Wikipedia ↗
Photos
1by People Forever
that Naples match is still wild to watch, Altafini clattering into him and he just got up