4/11 This weekend the Real IRA reminded us we are still fighting terrorism at home. Fortunately, their bomb, placed near New Street Station in Birmingham, failed to explode fully. But on a Sunday afternoon of cold showers Burnley put the past week’s sadness to one side as they disposed of the demoralised Blades 2-0. Davis was ruled out because of a knock sustained in training, but West, Gnohere, Cox and Briscoe did us proud. Shaking off his recent doldrums, Taylor set us on our way when, in the 30th minute, he scored with an unstoppable diving header from Cook’s perfect cross. Sheffield’s Michael Brown might have equalised immediately, after exploiting some sloppy defending, but his left foot shot struck the base of the post with NTG beaten. Three minutes later Cook rubbed salt into the visitor’s sores (they haven’t scored away from home in over ten hours of play). His drive took a wicked deflection off United defender Doane and looped over keeper Tracey to put the Clarets firmly in control. Little was in superlative form, setting up Cook for his decisive cross and twice going close for Burnley’s third, but we seemed generally content to sit on our lead. It was an important victory, which restored us to sixth position. Stan said, "I’m really happy for the players, who have shown a lot of qualities with regards to what we’ve been through in the last few days." United boss Neil Warnock said, "It’s the widest open First Division for ten years. Burnley are solid. They don’t rip up any trees but they’ve got that extra bit of quality in Glen Little. Trust our luck that he returned to fitness today. The sooner he’s sold the better." Burnley: NTG, West, Cox, Gnohere, Briscoe, Little (Maylett 89), Weller, Grant, Cook (Johnrose 75), I Moore (Papa 87), Taylor. Subs not used: Cennamo and Payton. Our match report.
The Burnley youth team lost their third consecutive Youth Alliance Group game on Saturday morning, as they lost 2-1 to Blackpool at Squires Gate. A very youthful side, including three schoolboys, failed to do themselves justice.
8/11 Graham Branch played for 90 minutes without ill effect as the reserves drew 1-1 at Sheffield United last night, despite having keeper Luigi Cennamo sent off in the 75th minute for handling. The Clarets started slowly, but took the lead in the 10th minute with a clinical counter attack. Mark Rasmussen slid a square ball into the area for John Williamson to slot in at the far post. After the break the Blades applied considerable pressure and deservedly equalised with just four minutes remaining. Ronnie Jepson was generally critical of the quality of his team’s passing but complimented them on their ‘doggedness’ (a Ronnie trademark).
As for the rumour of Chris Waddle’s next career move, it seems as if the Oldham connection has been discounted and replaced by speculation linking him with Unibond-bound Scarborough. Like everything else rumours have a way of finding their correct level.
9/11 99% of PFA members have voted to strike for a more equitable distribution of TV revenue. This time the figure is not misleading, as over 90% of PFA members cast their vote. In other words, only 22 out of approximately 2,500 PFA members voted against Gordon Taylor’s call for action. It is an unprecedented level of support for an industrial dispute in Britain. TV games played after the 23rd November (including those that are part of a highlights package) could now be affected. Stan remarked, "I always thought that the players would back the strike. I just hope that common sense prevails and it doesn’t get to a silly stage. I now hope that a solution can be found that is satisfactory for all parties." Peter Ridsdale, Leeds Chairman, responded in a bullish mood to news of the PFA ballot, issuing the warning that an industrial action might prove to be the catalyst for TV to pull away from football. Football’s TV currency is thought to have peaked, as illustrated by the disappointing viewing and commercial response to ITV digital coverage. Ridsdale reckons that players already receive enough via TV revenue. Presumably he believes that the PFA should look to its more prosperous members to enhance its welfare funds? As it happens, Glen Hoddle and Matt Holland favour sliding scale contributions, although Taylor doesn’t. Taylor believes the TV funding can and should meet the PFA welfare bill especially with TV revenue rising from £7.5m to £1.5bn per year. On the other hand, with 90% of the TV revenue destined for the top players’ pockets, it could be argued that the elite should contribute more. A standard PFA subscription of only £75 per year seems a paltry sum for a Premiership player to pay. Is this yet another case in which individual rights appear to have precedence over collective responsibilities? But surely it is bizarre that a trade union should assume responsibility for compensating former employees for industrial injuries. In other walks of life, this is an employer responsibility. Admittedly the scope of the PFA’s responsibilities is wider, including financing re-training opportunities for ‘failed’ players. But isn’t there a case here for re-examining the respective responsibilities of employer, employee and union? Anyway, Ridsdale continued in an apocalyptic vein, pointing out that once TV income starts to recede so the exodus of our stars would begin, resulting in a downward spiral of declining interest, commercial withdrawal and increasing insolvency. BBC boss Greg Dyke agrees. Certainly, US Baseball clubs have struggled to recover from a damaging players’ strike. Given that Burnley’s business plan depends upon receiving an increasing share of TV money, this is a chilly analysis.
Stan is taking a more positive long-term view, though. Speaking at the recent AGM, he expressed his satisfaction with the calibre of youth players Burnley are now able to attract, with the club having risen so far in recent years. As evidence of this, four youth team players, Earl Davis, Joel Pilkington, Andrew Waine and Matt O'Neill, have played a regular part in the reserve team this season. Recalling the glorious fifties and sixties, Stan said that he wanted Burnley to become one of the top youth academies in the country once more. Referring to the Claret’s recent signing of a Welsh schoolboy international, Rhys Carpenter, in the face of opposition from Fulham and Liverpool, he felt that we were now on the right track.
Continuing with this positive theme, Glen Little and Dean West were selected in the Nationwide Division One’s ‘Team of the Week’. For Little such an award is almost a formality, but it is good to see Dean West gain recognition for his sound defensive play and his clever interchanges with Glen. Well done, Dean!
10/11 On a grey, dank afternoon, Burnley drew 1-1 at home to Portsmouth. It was a game of patchy quality and few chances, apparently (although London Clarets present considered Burnley to have played well), but one in which Burnley’s greater possession possibly merited more than a point. Grant was inventive and Little, Moore, Cook and Taylor all went close, but generally, Pompey’s well-drilled defence kept us bay. We thought we had done enough when, after 69 minutes, Taylor headed home Paul Cook’s superb cross. However, just three minutes later former Clarets’ target Peter Crouch fortuitously intercepted David Waterman’s long-range effort, and after steadying himself, fired home from twelve yards. In fact, had NTG not been on top of his game we might have lost. He made a brilliant one-handed stop to deny the largely anonymous Robert Prosinecki and made two other splendid saves from Crouch and Mills, the latter shortly before the close. The Independent’s judgement was, "The division’s front-runners can sleep easy if this is all the pretenders can muster." Brilliant! We always do better on the back of dismissive assessments. Although Davis and Branch were expected to return, neither made the final squad. Burnley: NTG, West, Cox, Gnohere, Briscoe, Little, Weller, Grant, Cook (Johnrose 86), Taylor, I Moore (Payton 81). Subs not used: Cennamo, Maylett, Ball. Attendance: 14,123. We’re back in 5th spot and avoided further bookings! Perhaps Stan has threatened beating them with a carnation if they get cautioned. Our match report.
Finally, it was revealed today that bin Laden is a fanatical Gooner, and was a regular Clock Ender when he was staying in London during the 90s. He even bought a replica shirt for his eldest son. So let’s understand this. Bin Laden, in Pol Potty ‘Year Zero’ mode, upholds an Islamic Fundamentalism, which denounces modernity and corrupt and exploiting western materialism. Clearly, he learnt a lot from George Graham. Anyway, just to be on the safe side, Arsenal have banned bin Laden from Highbury. I bet ‘sin bin’ Laden is now kicking lumps out of his cave in frustration.
13/11 One day after yet another appalling New York aircraft tragedy, Burnley overpowered a lacklustre Watford at Turf Moor, putting themselves level on points with Wolves at the top of the Division. Glen Little's second-minute strike proved decisive. Watford left-back Paul Robinson failed to clear, allowing Paul Weller to slip the ball into the path of Little ten yards out. Super Glen jinked neatly inside Ramon Vega, before curling a low left foot shot past keeper Chamberlain, finding goal off the far post. Watford should have drawn level just before the half-hour mark, but Heidar Helguson blazed over from just three yards out. Moore and Taylor might have added to Burnley’s lead, but despite conceding greater possession to Watford after the break, the Clarets were generally well in control. Glen Little was outstanding, and yet Tony Grant was the sponsor’s ‘man-of-the match’ despite collecting his fourth caution this season. Burnley now have six players on four yellow cards. Burnley: NTG, West, Cox, Gnohere, Briscoe, Little, Weller (Ball), Grant, Cook (Johnrose), I Moore, Taylor. Subs not used: Cennamo, Payton, Branch. Attendance: 13,162. Our match report.
14/11 Alan Moore returned to action tonight in the reserves’ 6-0 thrashing of an inexperienced Port Vale side. Having missed the last ten games because of a hernia injury, Alan was anxious to make up for lost time. First, he chested the ball down and finished well from the edge of the box to give Burnley the lead, and then he crossed for Williamson to head in the second. Having made his mark he retired at half time to be replaced by Rasmussen. Branchy stayed the course, though, which is good news, given Briscoe’s impending suspension. Payton (2), Williamson again and Johnrose completed the rout. Burnley reserves: Cennamo, McGregor, Branch, E Davis, Williamson, Pilkington, Maylett, Johnrose, Payton (O'Neill), Ellis (Shandran), Moore (Rasmussen). Subs not used: Waine, Salisbury.
It is rumoured that Hull City are interested in Kevin Ball following his relegation to the bench. Having dutifully reported the rumour, I will not comment further.
Much more tangibly, Burnley were nominated for a Prince's Trust Football Excellence Award. The award is made in recognition of work undertaken as part of the Prince's Trust Volunteers Programme, which enables employed and unemployed 16-25 year-olds to work together to develop their confidence, motivation and skills through teamwork in their local community. Andrew Watson said, "We are proud to be one of seven out of the 92 clubs to be nominated for these prestigious awards. It is a reflection of the club's superb work in the community. There should also be a special mention to Kevin Ball because of his good work with the group throughout the year. [Well done Kevin!] Most important is the role that the club has played in developing the skills of the group." The ceremony took place on Monday at Villa Park, and former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell presented the awards. Burnley were nominated as one of seven ‘high achievers’, along with Leicester City (winner), Leeds United (runner up), Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Crewe Alexandra and Wimbledon.
Continuing with the upbeat theme, BFC have managed three selections for this week’s Nationwide Team: NTG (for his three brilliant saves), Ian Cox (I guess Arthur should have been included, too) and Gareth Taylor. Obviously, the decimated fixture list helped here, but well done to all three.
17/11 Results, like songs, stick to other experiences. I have no doubt that today’s brilliant result at Highfield Road will be forever associated with a returning car journey swathed in sumptuous sunlight. Quite fittingly, Tenterden’s bells were ringing in celebration as Gareth Taylor’s header thumped us into a ten-minute lead from Paul Weller’s left-wing corner. Twenty minutes later, and emerging from another hazy hollow, the Spurs v Arsenal ‘Five Live’ commentary was interrupted once more. I was told that Burnley had struck again. Coventry’s Barry Quinn had been penalised for a foul on striker Ian Moore, and when teammate Davenport kicked the ball away the free kick was moved forward ten yards into the Coventry area. Although the home side packed their penalty area, Paul Cook found a soft opening, playing the ball to the right for Glen Little to sidefoot home. Peter Slater reported that a furious inquest had then taken place in the Coventry defence, which ended in Richard Shaw pushing goalkeeper Hedman. With Coventry deprived of five first team notables, including Lee Hughes, this sounded most agreeable. Apparently Coventry failed to make any real impression, as strikers Jay Bothroyd and Jairo Martinez were well marshalled by the Burnley defence, which was again without Steve Davis. With dusk draining the sky of its pastel crimson wash, the radio coverage remained resolutely at White Hart Lane. My attention flicked between the road and the dashboard clock, counting down the minutes. The second half was a drab affair, apparently. That is until Coventry teenage debutant Lee Fowler was introduced with ten minutes left. He livened things up, setting up chances for Martinez and Gary McSheffrey. But it was too little, too late, thankfully. We had knocked over a promotion rival and were back on top! Stan said, "It feels good to be top of the League. All credit to the players and it was a good team performance. There were good individual performances and we were worthy winners today. We are enjoying it at the moment, but there is a long way to go yet." Ternent revealed that the free kick took him by surprise. "The free kick was nothing to do with me. Paul Cook has played it into Glen and he's slotted it away nicely." Ternent was also pleased with the performance of his defence, who protected Nik Michopoulos very well. "I thought we defended resolutely today and Nik didn't have a shot to save. Ian Moore and Gareth Taylor worked very hard up front and Tony Grant protected the two centre halves very well. It was a really good team performance today." Lee Briscoe was taken off in the first half with a head injury and Ternent said, "Lee Briscoe has gone away with a fat eye and he was feeling his hamstring. But he couldn't see out of his left eye. Kevin Ball came on and did a good job at the back and he is reliable." Burnley: Michopoulos, West, Cox, Gnohere, Briscoe (Ball 46), Little, Grant, Weller, Cook (A Moore 77), Taylor, I Moore. Subs not used: Cennamo, Payton, Johnrose. Our match report.
To cap a terrific day, our youth team thrashed Carlisle 6-1, with Andrew Waine netting two.
23/11 On a damp, murky night, over 18,000 Clarets were enticed to Turf Moor by the reduced entrance fee of £5. Evidently the prospect of watching table-topping Burnley has not been enough, for this season’s gates have been rather disappointing. Nevertheless, Burnley consolidated their position tonight thanks to Gareth Taylor’s 3rd minute header, his eighth goal of the season (all headers), and the visitors’ slack marking. Lowly Grimsby battled throughout, and despite creating few chances might have snatched a late equaliser. Fortunately, Boulding shot tamely at NTG after dispossessing him in a goal area scramble and then a little later Jeavon’s drive was deflected just wide. Even as late as the final minute, our keeper had to recover quickly to make a goal-line catch after a looped effort appeared to have eluded him. But really Burnley should not have made life so difficult for themselves. In the first half, they were well on top, with Cook and Grant prompting some scintillating moves. Taylor might have added a second goal in the 9th minute, but headed West’s excellent centre just wide of the far post. Moore also forced a terrific save from Coyne after a scything counter attack had torn Grimsby apart. The second half was messier but Burnley had further opportunities to score. Branch fired wide with only Coyne to beat, and Moore was denied a penalty when Broomes upended him as our striker burst into the box. Glen Little, who had a fitful game, might have spared our nerves, too, but alas, his crisp drive smacked against the bar. So we had to settle for Taylor’s solitary effort from Cook’s pacy free kick. Burnley: NTG, West, Cox, Gnohere, Branch, Little, Weller (Ball), Grant, Cook (A Moore), Taylor, I Moore (Payton). Subs not used: Cennamo and Johnrose. Our match report.
With the PFA dispute also settled today, this result was an uplifting conclusion. Although Burnley’s five-point cushion was later eroded by Wolves’ fortuitous victory at Wimbledon, Preston did us a favour by coming from behind to defeat manager-less Palace.
The one disconcerting item of news concerned the proposed radical shake-up of football in England and Scotland. The Daily Mail claimed that Celtic and Rangers could be playing in England next season under a revolutionary new league codenamed the 'Phoenix League'. It would mean the Old Firm joining existing Premiership clubs and the ‘cream of Nationwide teams’ in two new, 18-team divisions. The report suggested that six Division One clubs (Burnley were not mentioned) were prepared to quit the Football League next month - to be eligible for the new set-up. It also claimed that the plan had been drafted in consultation with Premier League chairman David Richards and chief executive Richard Scudamore. But Dan Johnson, press and communications executive for the Premier League, has dismissed this. He said, "This story seems to keep coming round again and again. The Premier League has been consistent in its view throughout. It is complete nonsense."
27/11 Tranmere crushed our youth team again, this time in the Lancashire Youth Club. In fact had keeper James Salisbury not been in top form, last night’s 0-5 deficit could have been worse. It doesn’t bode well for the coming FA Youth Cup game against Man City.
Wolves also knocked our first team off the top after beating Barnsley 4-1. However, Steve Davis might be fit for Saturday’s tough match at Palace, although Stan thinks this might be a game too soon. Armstrong and Thomas are almost back to full fitness, also, which is good news, given our disciplinary record and the prospect of further suspensions.
The daftest rumour of the day has to be Burnley’s alleged interest in David Ginola. Mind you, just hours after David O’Leary’s vehement denial of any interest in Robbie Fowler, Robbie signs for Leeds.
30/11 ‘Phoenix’ remains in the ashes, accompanied by a good measure of sackcloth, too. In an often ill-tempered meeting in Nottingham yesterday, attended by all 72 Football League clubs, representatives from Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham, Bradford, Wolves and Man City were told unequivocally that any plans for restructuring English football must be channelled through the League. You had to feel for the chairmen of these stricken ‘giants’. There they are staked out in the scorching financial desert of Nationwide football and pleading for vintage wines and nobody seems to give a stuff. Apparently, the sick six went as far as forming a company to meet the legal costs and bills resulting from their meetings. They proposed the creation of a 36-team, two-tier Premier League, comprising the current 20 Premiership clubs plus 14 First Division sides and Celtic and Rangers. Whilst these plans could be described as shooting the breeze, the League acted quickly to head off any breakaway by announcing an immediate and wide-ranging review into the financing of English football, which would explore issues such as regionalisation of the leagues. David Burns, the League chief executive, thought that it was highly unlikely that there would be any restructuring before the current TV deal ran out in the summer of 2004. Also any radical restructuring in English football would require the consent of the 20 Premiership clubs who would have to share (declining?) TV spoils with a wider pool. Whilst Premiership stragglers might feel this to be a fair exchange for better financial protection in the event of relegation, it remains to be seen whether Man U, Liverpool, Chelsea, Leeds or Arsenal will see things the same way. Geoffrey Richmond, Bradford’s chairman, may well claim that it is a question of when rather than if a Premiership second division is created, but the complications are colossal. The current negotiations over the future government of Afghanistan are probably much more straightforward. As for Burnley’s position, Barry Kilby is committed to maintaining a football meritocracy, but understandably wants to ensure that our club is included in a Premiership division two, if and when it is created. Our future financial prospects depend upon this. Our current form might well have secured inclusion had the restructuring taken place immediately. In three years’ time, will our position be so advantageous? Therein lies the huge ambivalence about this initiative. Yes, it must be a restructuring based on footballing success, but yes, we must be included come what may. When a commitment to principles of fairness can carry a substantial financial burden, it was good to see that Fifa recognised Paolo Di Canio’s splendid example of sportsmanship.
Surprisingly, Paul Cook has been loaned out to Wigan. So, is an incoming move on the cards? Also, it was rumoured that Davis was in line for a move to Man City for £1.5m, given Keegan’s desperation to plug his leaky defence, and given that Davis’ current contract is running out. But that seems fanciful.