The 11th of May was a momentous
day. Ike refused to apologise for the U2 incident. The Soviets claimed that they shot down
Francis Gary Powers’ high altitude aircraft because it was spying within Soviet
airspace. Khrushchev was hopping mad about it all, and stormed out of the Paris Summit.
But this did not make the slightest impact on Burnley’s elation. After all, this was
the day of their victory celebrations.
On a bright, warm day they set off from Turf Moor, slowly wending
their way through the local boroughs in their open top coach. Everywhere cheering crowds
bedecked in claret and blue greeted them. Finally they reached the town hall, where the
trophy was triumphantly displayed from the balcony. They had went to Maine Road as
challengers and returned as champions, now they could really enjoy their magnificent
achievement.
Earlier, they had attended a civic luncheon at the Keirby Hotel. It
was originally arranged to mark their selection for the International Soccer League, which
was to be held in the US that summer. Now it was inevitably swept up in the euphoria of
their League triumph. Fifty guests were present, including Alan Hardaker and Joe Richards
on behalf of the Football League. Both had forsaken Wembley where they should have been
for the friendly international game with Yugoslavia (3-3). In making the formal
presentation of the Championship trophy, Richards congratulated Burnley on going to the US
as worthy champions and expressed his confidence that they would give a good account of
themselves. Bob Lord answered that being chosen to represent England was as much an honour
as winning the Championship. He said that they would do their best and were hopeful of
success.
On the morning of the 17th May a party of sixteen –
several others with international commitments would catch them up later – departed
for Southampton where they boarded the SS United States for the four day sailing to the
New World. In those days a North Atlantic liner still offered a competitive alternative to
air travel, although its days were numbered. At least the voyage gave the team some time
to unwind after the exertions of a long English football season. They would need this
brief period of relaxation, given what was in front of them.
A New York summer endures sweltering heat and stifling humidity.
Natives try to escape but Burnley sailed right on in. Recognised and lauded wherever they
went in the Old World, in the throng and bustle of downtown Brooklyn, they were as
anonymous as any other visitors. A further complication was the inadequacy of their hotel,
which they quit after just a few hours. Sponsor Bill Cox needed all his diplomatic skills
to find fresh accommodation further afield on Seventh Avenue. Jimmy McIlroy recalls,
"It was a very excited team that gazed at the famous Statue of Liberty and sailed up
the Hudson River into New York’s magnificent harbour. We thought we should soon be
seeing the bright lights of Manhattan, but instead we found ourselves in a dingy hotel in
Brooklyn. We kicked up a fuss about it. Luckily we were soon moved to a better
hotel."
The International Soccer League was one of several attempts that had
been made to introduce the sport to Americans. The preliminary stage of the tournament was
organised on a league basis. Twelve clubs, mainly European, were to compete in two
sections played alternatively over a period of two months. The winners of each section
would appear in the final on the 6th August. Burnley’s section included
Bayern Munich, Kilmarnock, Glenavon and Nice.
Burnley would meet Bayern, their first opponents on the 28th
May, in the huge Polo Grounds Stadium, former home of the New York Giants baseball team.
The competition was sponsored by the Shaefer beer company and arrangements had been made
for matches to be broadcast live on the local primetime network. Much had been done to
package an unfamiliar product to a US audience. Over 11,000 curious locals turned up for
that first game. An international contingent from the UN assembly joined them. Despite
Burnley’s footballing reputation, the US press still dubbed them as the
"Cinderella team from Lancashire."
Burnley and Bayern put on a fine show even if the game lacked some
of the dash of the earlier contest between Bayern and Kilmarnock. The Germans opened
brightly, bringing Blacklaw into action four times. On one occasion he was beaten but
Cummings was on hand to foil right half, Giesemann. However that was the German's final
fling as Burnley gained control. The first half remained scoreless, though. In the second,
Burnley’s driving power began to pay off and Bayern’s Hungarian international
keeper Arpan Fazekas had to make a number of fine saves. Burnley’s play was pretty
but persistent, and in the 55th minute they took the lead through Pointer,
whose opportunist running won much praise. He received the ball from McIlroy and shot low
past the unsighted Fazekas. The Germans tired rapidly as the game wore on and Burnley were
quick to take advantage. In the 77th minute, Adamson’s free kick cleared
the Bayern defence for Pilkington to head home, although there was a suspicion of
handball. Two minutes later, Miller completed the scoring following a run by Pointer.
"Three tallies in the German cage," as the Americans put it.
Burnley’s second game against Kilmarnock was an even livelier
event, albeit for the wrong reasons. Burnley opened brilliantly, showing no ill effect of
their ultra long season. McIlroy recovered from a knock to play and put on a display of
subtle skills that the public had been promised. But Kilmarnock’s ruthless tackling
gradually interrupted Burnley’s flowing attacks. An ugly game developed in which
Kilmarnock’s constant tripping and fouling brought about the majority of the 35 free
kicks awarded. Burnley did well not to retaliate, although referee Dennis Howell (who was
later to become Jim Callaghan’s Minister for Drought) had to speak twice to Adamson.
He was also involved in a touchline altercation with Harry Potts and finally reported Bob
Lord to the FA after a heated argument over his handling of the game.
Bobby Kerr, who had an outstanding game at centre forward, opened
the scoring for Kilmarnock with a fine goal in the 19th minute. Having
collected a pass from the right, he turned Angus and Adamson to leave Blacklaw stranded.
Burnley then pressed hard. Miller hit the bar in the 41st minute and Meredith
headed against the post midway through the second half. It was to no avail. With virtually
the last kick, Wentzel added a second, thereby preserving Kilmarnock’s 100%
tournament record.
The more unpleasant episodes of the match captured the next
day’s headlines and having received Howell’s report, the FA demanded an
explanation. Burnley complained bitterly that they had been fouled from beginning to end.
Kilmarnock dismissed this as sour grapes. They said, "Should Burnley like another
game, they can have it anytime."
The third match against New York Americans was moved forward eleven
days so the venue could be made ready for Floyd Patterson’s bid at regaining the
world heavyweight championship from Swede Ingemar Johansson. A double bill was arranged.
Burnley played first, followed by Bayern Munich and Nice. The sponsors had much difficulty
in putting the American side together. The New York team included seven British players
and two other foreigners. They were rated as the weakest team taking part. Following their
opening 1-5 defeat by Glenavon, the team had been remodelled. Manager Willie Steubins
admitted they would concentrate on defence.
The post Kilmarnock storm still reverberated with accusations and
counter accusations flying freely. Harry Potts declined to comment further but said he
could not name his side as half of them had not recovered from their injuries! This was
the Americans' big night but they surprised everyone when Les Locke (QPR) gave them a
first minute lead. This surprise was doubled after only eleven minutes when Argentinean
Miguel Narg drifted past three defenders to net a second. The hard-working Pointer pulled
one back just before the interval, but Burnley did not get their game together until the
second half, when Robson made the score more respectable with goals in the 69th
and 79th minutes. However Vieja levelled four minutes later with a twenty yard
volley.
The crowd was well pleased with this entertaining game played at
great pace. They applauded enthusiastically as the two teams walked wearily off the field.
But for Burnley there was a further disappointment. Because of injury Pilkington was
unable to complete the final twenty minutes of play.
At this point Burnley briefly escaped the torrid heat of New York
for a week in Canada. It was a long pleasant coach ride in bright summer weather. They
passed the Niagara Falls and travelled up to Montreal through wild wooded countryside,
which brimmed with lakes of still blue water. But there was to be no respite from
football. For in Montreal they entered the North Atlantic Cup, taking on Cantalia in the
McGill Stadium.
Cantalia were largely made up of European unknowns, but as McIlroy
later reflected, they were on a par with an average First Division side. Russ Valentine
gave the Canadians the lead after 13 minutes and although Pointer equalised two minutes
later, outside right Trosta restored a winning margin in the 22nd minute.
Cantalia played the ball on the ground and at times were embarrassingly superior to a
lacklustre Burnley side. In fairness, there was some debatable refereeing, which resulted
in Burnley having two goals disallowed. Nevertheless those who turned up to see the
English champions must have been unimpressed.
Burnley then flew down to Toronto for the encounter with Hearts.
Toronto has a large Scottish population and the game attracted many ex pats. Despite the
obvious tiredness of both sides, it proved to be a sporting if slow paced game. Burnley
were kept at bay by a fine display by goalkeeper Gordon Marshall, who also saved a penalty
taken by McIlroy. But thanks to a brace of goals from Pointer, one in each half, Burnley
trudged off comfortable winners.
Back in New York, Adamson and McIlroy were rested for the game with
Glenavon. Five reserves were introduced with good effect as Burnley recorded their highest
score in the competition (6-2), giving their faded reputation a big lift.
Pointer turned in his usual fine effort and without getting on the
score sheet, was credited with three ‘assists’. He combined very effectively
with Pilkington, who completed a hat-trick. Miller (2) and Harris were the other Burnley
scorers, although Talbut managed an own goal. The Glenavon goalkeeper was a young Jack
McClelland.
Despite this crushing win, controversy continued to hound Burnley.
Reacting to criticisms of his club, Bob Lord turned on the Tournament’s organisers.
He maintained that there had been insufficient thought and care in the preparation. He
also claimed that whilst Burnley had remained faithful to the original agreement, the
sponsors had not. The $6.25 payments to meet the players’ and officials’
personal expenses were considered inadequate, especially in New York where prices were sky
high. He thought the referees, mostly American, were incompetent, allowing too much rough
play and intimidation. On the other hand, he felt Burnley had done a wonderful job,
pointing out that they were the biggest tournament crowd pullers.
Burnley’s last match took place in the splendid Roosevelt
Stadium in Jersey City, against Nice. On a day of bright sunshine Burnley finally came
good. It was a brilliant game, probably the best of the tournament. Miller and Adamson
took control of the midfield while McIlroy, in superb form, created numerous openings up
front. In the 31st minute, Pilkington headed in Meredith’s free kick taken
from just outside the area. The goalkeeper got a hand to the ball but could not keep it
out. Robson then turned his marker to create a scoring opportunity for Lawson. Lawson, who
had deputised for the injured Pointer, was on target again in the 68th minute.
Robson completed the scoring four minutes later with a shot from 15 yards. However, the
victory came too late. Kilmarnock proceeded to beat the New York Americans 3-1, thereby
winning the section.
Burnley had been clear favourites to win the tournament. Their 16
goal tally was the highest among the participating teams. Pointer and Pilkington were both
nominated for the award of player of the tournament. But these were small compensations
for their dented prestige.
Burnley did not linger long. In the early hours of the following
morning they departed from Idlewild to Toronto and then onto Prestwick. As the runners up
they received a $500 consolation prize. As for Kilmarnock, they returned for the final in
August. However, it was to end in disappointment for the Scots as Santos scored the goals,
which gave Bangu of Brazil victory.
Back home, manager Harry Potts felt obliged to comment on the
adverse criticism circulating. He took a positive line, claiming it had been a "great
experience", with an "invaluable" opportunity to watch and play against top
continental sides. Bob Lord added that the opening game against Bayern had been good for
football and proceeded to compliment the Germans. He hadn’t managed to get Kilmarnock
out of his system, though. Lord claimed that he hadn’t ever seen anything quite like
the Kilmarnock game. He quoted Willie Waddell, the Kilmarnock manager, as saying,
"Kilmarnock always get on with the game and play football afterwards." Lord
quipped, "I was always curious to know what they did while getting on with their
game. This was answered in the course of the match." Nevertheless, his final summary
was upbeat: "Speaking for the tour party, they had no complaints. Everyone enjoyed
himself. We went to America to uphold the dignity and honour of our club. We have not
failed."
Jimmy McIlroy was more scathing about the tour. He reported,
"As soon as the competition began we realised that it was almost impossible to take
the games seriously. The crowd had come to enjoy themselves and what the players were
doing was often of little interest to them. Before the games started an announcer would
tell them, 'Ladies and Gentlemen the ball game has started' and would proceed to give a
running commentary on the whole match. If the whistle sounded he would yell, 'It’s
hands, folks!' or, 'That means a corner shot for New York.' Often he would interpret the
referee’s decision quite wrongly but most of the crowd didn’t know any better so
they were quite happy about it. When a goal was scored he would announce, 'Scorer number
nine with an assist by number ten,' and in the final minutes of a game would produce a
count-down worthy of a space-rocket launching. All very amusing but hardly helpful for
playing soccer." Bernard Shaw once joked that Britain and the USA were two different
countries separated by the same language. Jimmy’s sniffy analysis seemed to arrive at
a similar conclusion.
