8 October 1997
By Tom Kelly
STAR Mayo goalkeeper Peter Burke is being linked with a possible move to West Ham United. Speculation has been rife since the All-Ireland senior football final of a proposed move by the Kiltimagh player to a professional football club in England.
Burke's stunning performance against Kerry caught the eye of a number of scouts representing cross-channel clubs. A direct approach was not made to the 21-years-old carpenter after the game.
But, it is understood, tentative soundings were made to establish whether he was interested in travelling to Upton Park in London for a trial.
Burke, who is 5'10" tall, is no stranger to the soccer world, having played for a number of seasons with Knock United in the Mayo Association Football League.
He has enjoyed a remarkable rise to stardom since making his debut for Mayo in the preliminary round of the Connaught senior football championship against Galway last May.
His composure under pressure, quick reflexes and ability to kick the ball long and accurately set him apart as a player with a bright future in the sport.
His uncle, former Mayo goalkeeper Eugene Lavin, said he had heard a lot of rumours after the All-Ireland final about an English football club being interested in Burke, but he was unaware of any official approach being made by West Ham United or any other club.
Pa McNicholas, his club manager at Kiltimagh, said a move to professional soccer would be a natural progression for a player of Burke's potential.
But there was nothing definite on the cards as far as he was aware.
