27 July - Support London Clarets FC
We have a team representing us in the APFSCIL 5-a-side tournament, which takes place tomorrow at Norbury. The tournament begins at 11:00, so if you're at a loose end for something to do before the season starts, why not go and support us? Map
27 July - Help Wimbledon supporters in their fight against football franchising
Any of our members who are not able to get up to Burnley for our opening game of the season might like to consider attending Wimbledon's protest, as outlined here. Please don't let the lack of alcohol put you off!
27 July - Round-up
Another quiet week, really. After coming last in our group at the Isle of Man 'international football festival', we did at least manage to beat the hosts (5-0) in the wooden spoon play-off (scorers were Papadopoulos, Blake (2), Payton and Davis). The match may have come as a surprise to many people, as there seemed to be some confusion over the tournament's format. Initial reports (including the one on burnleyfootballclub.com) suggested that there would be a play-off within each group, but apparently the tournament's rules have changed - this season, the bottom team from one group plays the bottom team from the other group. Bearing in mind what happened a couple of seasons ago, we imagine there was some trepidation in the dressing room ahead of yesterday's game! Possibly the most worrying thing about the whole event, though, was Stan's statement after that last match: "I hope they invite us back again next year". No, Stan, not again! Please!
Away from the Isle of Man, there was news of two ex-Clarets who are hoping to get contracts elsewhere. Lennie Johnrose is having a trial at Blackpool, playing in their behind-closed-doors friendly against Derby County and also their 3-1 defeat at the hands of Scottish Premier League side Livingston. He always gave a hundred percent for Burnley, and we wish him well. Oh, and someone called Paul Gascoigne is apparently contemplating a move to American Major League Soccer side DC United. Enough said on that, we think.
20 July - Isle of Man tournament starts tomorrow
Yes, it's that time of year again: time for the International Football Festival. Before our first visit to the Isle of Man, we remember someone mentioning that the team was off to an international friendly tournament. Thoughts of an interesting trip to continental Europe immediately sprang to mind, and it was some time before we recovered from the disappointment of finding out that the location was to be somewhere so mundane, and the opposition, well - somewhat mundane too (and yes, we're sure the other teams thought the same about Burnley).
We now know that the Club will be taking two Marlons to the Steam Packet International Football Festival: Marlon Beresford and Marlon Broomes. Imagine the confusion in our penalty area! All we need now is to find a Marlon Moore from somewhere.
Anyway, to more serious matters. The full 21-man squad for the tournament is as follows: Michopoulos, West, Davis, Armstrong, Little, Cook, Taylor, Payton, Grant, Cox, Branch, Ian Moore, Briscoe, Maylett, McGregor (remember him?), Gnohere, Blake, Alan Moore (whom of course we first glimpsed at last year's tournament), Papadopoulos (allegedly), Beresford, Broomes.
Burnley will be up against Wrexham and Luton in Group A, with Group B consisting of the Isle of Man, Rochdale and Darlington. We will play two group games, and then the final if we finish top of the group or a play-off if we finish second or third. Our fixtures and times are as follows:
21st July 14:00 - Burnley v Wrexham
23rd July 14:00 - Luton v Burnley
26th July 14:00 - Group A Play-Off
27th July 14:00 - The Final
We're looking for match reporters for the following matches:
The Isle of Man play-off or final game on 26th or 27th July respectively.
Our away friendly against Bury on Saturday 3rd August.
If you can help (or you know someone who can), please get in touch. We won't expect anything in writing - we'll call you after the game and get your views and opinions, so all you have to do is enjoy the opportunity to talk about Burnley! Plus, your contribution will be published online and attributed to you. How can you resist?
There's bugger all happening with on-the-pitch stuff right now. The team has started training - and one Marlon Broomes is currently training with us. Wasn't he supposed to always be a Bastard? Hmm, it's difficult when things like this happen. At least the speculation has started flowing again, although at the same time a number of alleged 'long-term targets' have found Bosman homes at other clubs. You can only hope that Stan is playing his cards close to his chest.
In the TV arena, Sky announced their first month of games this week. Fortunately, Burnley don't feature in the list, although we probably won't escape for the entire season.
Otherwise, it's all off-the-pitch stuff. There are some big things happening, including the Wimbledon / Milton Keynes issue, Carlton and Granada protests, and the new Sky deal. And, of course, don't forget the Millwall ban. Read about all these things elsewhere on the site, and come to our AGM to talk about them!
