Clarets supremo Jimmy Mullen-Out yesterday moved
swiftly to silence his critics by signing a top class supporter, writes Lee Edward.
I can exclusively reveal that a tactical masterstroke has seen Mr Mullen-Out securing the
services of `Mad' Jock McTavish from Scottish minnows Stenhousemuir. Following the recent
revelation from the Burnley board that it is supporters, rather than players, who win or
lose matches, it was only a matter of time before Mr Mullen-Out axed his previous transfer
strategy to concentrate on signing more upbeat fans for the club.
Smashing
I spoke to a clearly jubilant Mullen-Out
yesterday. "It's a great step forward for the club," he said. "Jock's a
smashing lad, one for the future, and he's already become very much part of the set up
here at Turf Moor." So what had impressed Jimmy most? "His versatility,"
enthused Mullen-Out, "Jock is a very flexible supporter, having the ability to either
sit or stand as required. He can support from a variety of positions around the ground,
including down the flanks and right behind the goal. As well as that, he's got experience.
His repertoire of football chants is terrific. He knows all the words to No, Nay,
Never, and he's currently being trained on popular set pieces such as Jimmy
Mullen's Claret and Blue Army, Up the Football League We Go and that old
favourite, There's Only One Frank Teasdale. The lad's got a great attitude. He
keeps going till the final whistle, supports in all weathers and asks no more than the
honour of buying a half time pie in return. He always gives 100%."
Complicated
The Turf Moor board have maintained their
customary modesty over the exact terms of the deal, but I understand that the services of
Jock were not obtained without a price. The sale of the entire Burnley first team (with
the exception of David Eyres) netted a figure in the region of £2,000,000. Deducting an
administrative fee entirely unrelated to the ground redevelopment would, I'd hazard a
guess, have left the Clarets boss with as much as £10,000 to fork out for the new
supporter. The deal was finally clinched with a part-exchange clause which sees 3,000
Clarets supporters move in the other direction.
Toady
And there's been backroom changes to boot.
Following the mysterious disappearance of former number two Clive Middlemass-Out, Jimmy's
new deputy, Mr Leonard Lion, spoke to me. "Well basically, supporters win games. In
future we intend to field a new first team composed mainly of free transfers from clubs
like Telford, Stevenage and Wigan. After all, that's what Shrewsbury put out against us,
and they won 3-0."
Heavy Drinking
So Clarets fans should expect a few changes when
the team runs out on Saturday. One familiar face, however, will be Alan Harper, whose move
to Marine fell through. And I understand there's a new role for David Eyres, with the
ever-popular utility man now expected to line up in goal. Mullen-Out explained,
"Yeah, David came to me, and said, 'Jimmy, I want to play in goals,' so I'm going to
give him a chance. The lad's earned it." The chairman, Frank Teasdale-Out, was
unfortunately unavailable for comment.
Firmo
December-January 1995-96
