Fed up with the same old rumours following Jimmy
Mullen’s departure, Dave McCluggage decided it was about time he got it from the
horse’s mouth, and the favourite at that...
"Good morning, Swallow Hotel Bexleyheath, Julie speaking, how may I help
you?"
"Good morning, I wonder could you put me through to Adrian Heath? He’ll be
with the party from Sheffield."
"Just putting you through."
"Hello."
"Is that Adrian Heath?"
"Yes it is."
"Hello, my name’s Dave McCluggage from the Burnley London Supporters Club.
I’d just like to wish you all the best for the game this afternoon."
"Thanks very much."
"Will you be playing today?"
"No, not even on the bench. I’ve got a niggling little injury. Hope to be
available the week after next."
"How’s things going in general?"
"Not too bad now."
"Yes, you had a good win in midweek."
"That’s right, we played very well. I think we’ve turned the corner
now."
"Well you’re starting to sound like a manager anyway."
(Laughs.) "That’s the idea."
"I wondered, as the London Clarets magazine comes out next week, if I could get a
couple of quotes from you. Obviously the situation with Jimmy Mullen and the alleged
assault on his wife made the national headlines."
"Yes, like everyone else I’m shocked that this sort of thing can happen.
People outside of the game don’t fully understand the problems facing managers.
Everyone has a right to make their feelings known, you know, by shouting at the game and
all that..."
"I don’t think Jimmy was too pleased with the story, at least in the Mirror.
He claims he never actually spoke to them."
"Yes, it also reflects badly on the people of Burnley and the fans, which is very
unfair. I know they’re not like that."
"The other burning question has got to be about the vacancy. Will you be
applying?"
"I’ve said all along that I would like the job if it was offered."
"What about Sheffield United?"
"Well, as I say, if I was offered the chance then they wouldn’t stand in my
way, I’m sure they wouldn’t."
"Being offered the job is different from actually applying though, isn’t
it?"
"Yes."
"Do you think the Burnley Board are the type to contact you, put you on a
shortlist or whatever?"
"I can’t comment on the Board or what they’ll do really."
"So you’ll be waiting by the phone then."
(Laughs again.) "That’s right, I’m very flattered that the Burnley
public have shown such an interest."
"Well you’re certainly favourite at the moment."
"Well I always felt I had a good rapport with the fans at Burnley, and if you can
do a good job as well, all the better."
"Okay, well thanks for your time. I can appreciate you’ll have things to do
now. Once again all the best for this afternoon."
"No problem, goodbye."
Well then, applications in by 26 February by all accounts. Interviews 27th-29th
(Walker, Flynn, James, Laws, Middlemass etc), with the announcement on Friday 1st March.
Then the first game in charge against Blackpool. Big game, big crowd, new stand open...
one nil defeat?
You never know, that point against high flyers York, which has after all inched us a
point nearer second division safety, won’t do Clive’s case any harm.
The dawn of a new era?
