 Burleigh was an International youth cup winner in 1969 Newcastle defeating Arsenal in the final of the tournament which was held in Rotterdam having already won the Northern Intermediate league and cup double that same season.He played with a Newcastle first XI in Barrie Thomas's testimonial match on 26 November 1968.He made his first-team debut on 26 December 1970, in a 3–0 defeat away to Leeds United in the First Division.