What has been said about Burnley FC
As one of the oldest league clubs in the
country, it is natural that Burnley FC should have attracted comment, both favourable and
otherwise, from time to time. Here are just a few examples:
"It has excited the wonder of footballdom,
many a time and oft, where in the world Burnley have got all their men from, and where
their failures go to."
The Rise of the Leaguers – a History of the Football League, 1897
"From the time the club joined the league,
the Burnley Directorate have devoted considerable attention to the improvement of their
ground at Turf Moor, and it is now one of the best equipped enclosures in
Lancashire."
The Book of Football, 1905-06
"The King’s First Cup Final: the Great
Association Event."
Illustrated London News, 2nd May 1914
"…and though they have not commenced
so well as other clubs Burnley are not without hopes of carrying off the honours this
season."
Tottenham Hotspur programme for the match vs. Burnley, 23rd October
1920
"The ground at Turf Moor is scarcely up to
First Division standard."
Football Favourite Magazine, 1926
"Burnley have dropped their famous Claret
and Blue colours, and changed to all white jerseys. In white Burnley got to the semi-final
of the Cup two years ago. In white they beat Aston Villa at Villa Park two Saturdays ago.
Seems to be lucky for them!"
Topical Times, January 1937
"Judging from the expressions on the faces
of the Burnley players, Arsenal are in for a hot time when they meet at Burnley on
Saturday week."
Caption to a team photo in Topical Times, 20th February 1937
Burnley lost 7-1, the highest home defeat ever as late as the fifth round of the
Cup.
"Ten comedians and amateur Peter
Kippax."
Henry Rose, Daily Express, 10th September 1946
After Burnley beat Newport County 3-2. Little did he know that the comedians (and
Kippax) were to achieve promotion and reach the Cup Final.
"The player had become complacent."
Bob Lord, as an ‘explanation’ for putting Jimmy McIlroy on the
transfer list, January 1963
And if you believe that, you’ll believe anything!
"This team is quite capable of winning
further honours."
Bob Lord, at a Civic Reception to celebrate the winning of the Second Division
Championship in 1973
That was before he ‘butchered’ it!
And there I must end.
Derek Jenkins
September 2000
