retired_kaynar99

hmmmm I don't know if you are being sarcastic or not. But I'm a Newcastle fan and this is a story. So no I wont be going to Deepdale on Saturday. Keep tuned to the story though

Cheers Dave </BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry mate, I've got you mixed up with Gino the Burnley fan. Apologises!

retired_tonytranbg79

hmmmm I don't know if you are being sarcastic or not. But I'm a Newcastle fan and this is a story. So no I wont be going to Deepdale on Saturday. Keep tuned to the story though

Cheers Dave </BLOCKQUOTE>

Sorry mate, I've got you mixed up with Gino the Burnley fan. Apologises! </BLOCKQUOTE>

No worries

retired_tonytranbg79

Saturday had finally arrived and so had the new season, as they boarded the coach destined for Coventry Sam counted heads checking everybody was here. Once underway he got a chance to read the pre match report in the paper. It confirmed the loan signings of Steven Cooke from Aston Villa and Alexis Nicolas from Chelsea. Nicolas was a central defensive midfielder and Cooke a more attacking minded midfielder who could play anywhere in the middle of the park. Both would likely start on the bench, Sam agreed with the paper’s predicted line up.

GK: Danny Coyne - 30, Welsh: Former Grimsby and Tranmere keeper will be vying for the number 1 jersey with Jensen

DR: Michael Duff - 26, N.Irish: Signed from Cheltenham in the close season, a toss up between him and Roche as to who gets this position during the season

DL: Mo Camara - 29, Guinean: Ex Wolves full back, his pace gets him this spot ahead of others

DC: Frank Sinclair - 32, Jamaican: Experienced defender formerly of Chelsea and Leicester, his experience and skill will be invaluable.

DC: John McGreal - 32, English: Centre back played for Tranmere and Ipswich before Burnley. Is simply the best option to partner Sinclair.

MR: Graham Branch - 32, English: Been with the club a while but another who has played for Tranmere amongst others. His pace and dribbling skills earn him the nod.

ML: Jean-Louis Valois - 30, French: Played for a few clubs, his skill and experience put him ahead of other contenders.

MC: Micah Hyde - 29, Jamaican: Talented midfielder joined Burnley after spending many years at Watford.

MC: Richard Chaplow - 19, English: Very talented youngster with a bright future. His ability earns him his place.

SC: Robbie Blake - 28, English: Joined a while back from Bradford, useful forward.

SC: Ian Moore - 27, English: Another former Tranmere player, an important part of the Burnley squad

Sub GK: Brian Jensen - 29, Danish: Talented keeper signed from West Brom will be pushing Coyne for the number 1 spot.

Sub D: Lee Roche - 23, English: Man U youth product can play right back or central defence, decent player who will be pushing for a starting position

Sub M: Steven Cooke - 21, English: Loan from Villa will be supplementing the winger contingent at the club.

Sub M: Alexis Nicolas - 21, Cypriot: Loan from Chelsea will be useful to have to change the feel of the team. He will give a solid defensive feel to the centre of the park.

Sub SC: Rhys Carpenter - 18, Welsh: Young striker will be looking to earn some experience.

John was looking at the same paper, he and his team were already at Highfield Road. The journalist had predicted his team perfectly. Despite the fact they were away and the underdogs he wanted his men to be positive and look to attack. Believing that attacking down the wings was their best bet. He had confidence that his defence could cope with Coventry’s talented front line. The pace and fitness of his front two should give them the upper hand on the older central pair of Coventry.

They arrived in Coventry at about one o’clock, already having their lunch on the way down Sam and co set about finding a pub. There was about 30 or so of them, none of them were expecting trouble all they wanted was a quiet drink. In the city centre they found a pub and basically invaded it, 30 burley Lancashire men cramming through the doors of a small midlands pub. There were a few Coventry supporters in there looking on as the group ordered their drinks. When it was clear that was all they wanted they got back to what they were doing. At half two they all piled out of the pub right into the path of a large group of Coventry supporters. Both groups ground to a stop and just stared at each other, Sam came out last and saw what was going on. His presence was felt by both sides as he calmed the situation down as quickly as it started. It was if he was psychic as 10 seconds later a police van flew round the corner and 8 or so policemen got out and escorted the Burnley fans to the ground.

retired_tonytranbg79

Saturday - 07/09/04, Championship game 1

Coventry v Burnley
@Highfield Road

By 14:50 they were in the ground listening to the team line-ups over the PA system. He loved Turf Moore but Sam loved away days, the atmosphere of all the die hard supporters all in one area was electric. Today being the first game of the season it was extra special. When the teams emerged onto the pitch they went crazy, the players applauding the faithful followers. Robinson followed his men into the arena that was Highfield Road, he had done all he could do it was now down to them.

Both sides had a couple of early chances to take the lead but spurned them. It was a slightly edgy to and fro opening twenty minutes. Coventry scored first, a smart passing move saw McSheffrey completely unmarked in the box. After receiving the ball from Whing he turned and beat the keeper at his near post. Everything about the goal infuriated Robinson, the fact McSheffery wasn’t picked up and that he beat the keeper at his near post. The Burnley fans fell silent and were jeered by the home fans, Sam managed to get them singing again but they were a little subdued. Coventry really started to turn the screw and dominated the rest of the half.

The first half was a stop start affair, referee Lee Probert liked to blow his whistle. He had already booked two of John’s men, he had a sinking feeling it was going to be one of those days. Giving them hell over the goal he tried to get them ready for the second half. Hearing the cheer of the crowd Sam and friends finished their drinks and made thei way back to cheer on and inspire their team. They noticed Carpenter had come on for Blake, they assumed this was because of the knock he picked up in the first half. Coventry also had made a change during the break.

It was Coventry that were the dominant side in the opening exchanges of the second half. There was an awful few minutes for Frank Sinclair, firstly he was given a yellow card for nothing as the referee proved he was card happy. Then from a nothing cross he headed past his own keeper to give Coventry a 2-0 lead. Robinson just looked away in disgust, there was no need to do it he could have chested it down and walked it out. Coventry piled on the pressure and it was 25 minutes into the second half before Burnley had their first opportunity of the half. Then followed a disgraceful refereeing display as Branch picked up a yellow card for a nothing challenge. He then picked up a second a minute later for another nothing challenge. Robinson and his men went berserk and in the melee that followed Carpenter received a yellow card too. The Burnley supporters were furious and going crazy and the Coventry fans couldn’t believe what they were seeing. Many Coventry chances later Burnley managed to pull one back in the 89th minute. An incisive counter attack was finished by Hyde with a great finish.

It was one hell of a first game for Robinson, with a bit of luck it could have been a different story. Today was one of those days where nothing went their way. He just hoped the home game against Ipswich on Tuesday went their way. Sam was thinking exactly the same thing as he was waiting to be let out of the ground.

Coventry 2 v 1 Burnley

Goals: Coventry: McSheffrey 25, Sinclair 57og - Burnley: Hyde 89

Bookings: Coventry: Whing, Suffo - Burnley: Duff, Sinclair, Branch (x2 – Red), Moore, Carpenter

MoM: Wood (Coventry)
Att: 12,450
Ref: Lee Probert

retired_tonytranbg79

Tuesday - 10/08/04, Championship game 2

Burnley v Ipswich
@Turf Moor

First home game of the season, an evening tie against Ipswich who were hoping to gain promotion this season. This would be a tough test for Robinson’s men, they needed to bounce back from the defeat against Coventry. Sam and co emerged from the pub into a sea of claret and started to wind their way to the ground. Picking up a programme en route he read his managers comments on the opening fixture and his hopes for this evening. They got to their seats just in time to cheer with the rest of the Burnley fans as the team sheet was read out. The only change from Saturday was on loan Steven Cooke replaced Branch who was suspended.

Hearts sank is Ipswich scored a very early goal. After a good move it was a deflected shot from Westlake in the first minute that stunned the home crowd. Robinson couldn’t believe it, after everything he had said about a good solid start this happens. Burnley responded straight from the restart with a good move of their own. In the end a great shot from Cooke was tipped just over the bar. This was Sam’s cue to get the crowd behind the team as he stood up and rallied the crowd. From then on Burnley dominated the game earning five corners in the first 20 minutes, Ipswich only managing one attack during that period. They were playing good football too which made Robinson a bit happier it was just a shame they needed to concede to kick start them. It kept the fans optimistic they could see Ipswich were reduced to one or two shots from way outside the area. All Burnley needed was better composure in the area. Sam also noticed that Ipswich were playing a dangerous game in trying to play offside so high up the pitch. It was that dangerous game that allowed Burnley to equalise two minutes before the break. Duff heading to Blake slotted through the perfect ball for a perfectly timed run from Moore, who went on unopposed to slot it past the keeper.

The second half started where the first ended, all Robinson had to say at halftime was keep doing what you’re doing and don’t lose you’re concentration. It wasn’t long before they had the lead. A well worked move of their own saw Cooke send the ball to the far post dragging keeper and defenders with it, where Valois passed it into the middle for Blake to put it in the back of the net. The crowd went wild, it was what they deserved but it was also a relief, there was only going to be one winner now. Blake could have nabbed himself a couple more but in the end his goal was the winner as Burnley just dominated the game until the end.

Burnley 2 v 1 Ipswich

Goals: Burnley: Moore 43, Blake 50 - Ipswich: Westlake 2

Bookings: Burnley: Valois - Ipswich: Marney

MoM: Blake
Att: 14,044
Ref: Michael Ryan

retired_tonytranbg79

Saturday - 14/08/04, Championship game 3

Rotherham v Burnley
@Millmoor

Another away day for Sam, Phil and Rob as they made the short coach trip to Rotherham. This game could turn out to be crucial as Rotherham were potential relegation battlers. Burnley had been made favourites to win by the bookies but nobody connected to the club allowed themselves to be kidded into believing this was a guaranteed three points. After sinking a few pints the three made their way to the ground along with the other Burnley fans and a police escort. When they got into the away end Sam noticed a familiar face standing next to him, however it was a familiar face he had never met before. His name was Mike Webster with him were his close friends Jim and Pete. They had both noticed each other at games and both realised they were vociferous die hard Burnley fans but had never introduced themselves to one another. Today was that day, they were both so much alike both in character and in stature Sam being a little taller. Together they would prove a fearsome partnership along the Burnley ranks and be the orchestrators for getting the fans psyched.

There were two changes from the team that beat Ipswich on Tuesday, Branch replaced the injured Valois on the left wing. Nicolas came in for Hyde in the centre of the park to give it a more defensive feel. Robinson wanted to start cautiously and get a firm grip on the game before they got more adventurous. It was an edgy first ten minutes, Rotherham just putting pressure on the Burnley back four. Then from a nothing free kick the ball found its way to Barker who fired a superb shot past Coyne to make it 1-0. Robinson should be used to it by now, he just hoped his team could respond like they did against Ipswich. He almost got his wish as Moore led the charge but the deflected shot looped into the keepers grateful arms. From the keepers kick the ball found its way to Mullin 30 yards out on the left edge of the Burnley box, his swerving shot left everybody gobsmacked as it hit the back of the net. Coyne just watch it go past him nobody expected him to shoot. Robinson couldn’t believe it, neither could the fans 2-0 down after 15 minutes. After that it was an end to end half both teams having chances to score, Burnley arguably having the best ones.

At half time Robinson decided to change things round, young loanee Aaron Lennon came on for the non existent Branch. Hyde took over from Nicolas and resumed his normal role. Hopefully this would give them more attacking impetus. The game continued to be an end to end affair with plenty of chances for both sides. In the 67th minute a Sedgwick corner made its way to Gilchrist at the edge of the area and he fired a shot through a body of players after taking a slight deflection it ended up creeping in at the far post. The Rotherham started to taunt the Burnley fans, this Sam and Mike couldn’t take and they organised a mini riot. Bottles were flying and the Burnley fans were trying to get to the Rotherham fans but the police and stewards managed to stop them. The game was still going on, again there were clear chances for Burnley to score. Blake totally unmarked received the ball from a free kick, one on one he hit it straight at the keeper. This drove everyone crazy Robinson the already agitated fans and the players.

‘It would be unfair to Burnley to say Rotherham dominated anything more than the first 15 minutes. After that it was a free flowing end to end game of football. It could have turned out much differently but the luck was with them and not us. I didn’t take notice of the trouble I was concentrating on the game. I understand there was no arrests, so lets hope it wasn’t as bad as it was made out to be.’ These were the words of John Robinson that Sam and co were listening to on the radio as they were travelling back to Burnley.

Rotherham 3 v 0 Burnley

Goals: Rotherham: Barker 11, Mullin 15, Gilchrist 67

Bookings: Rotherham: Gilchrist - Burnley: Camara, Hyde

MoM: Pollitt (Rotherham)
Att: 9,777
Ref: Paul Taylor

retired_tonytranbg79

Tuesday - 17/08/04, Championship game 4

The Crown – pub

Rob: It’s gonna be a hard game today, they are top of the league

Sam: Hold on, just three games in though doesn’t mean anything

Phil: It means they are a damn sight higher than us

Sam: It’s to be expected though we’re battling to stay in the league, they are battling to escape it. Don’t start with they are the top of the league stuff already

Rob: Well they are unbeaten seven scored two conceded, we are what…one win two defeats three scored six conceded.

Sam: I never said it wasn’t going to be hard but don’t write them off just yet. The game we did win was at home, against may I add promotion hopefuls.

Phil: True but after the last game its bound to have an effect. 3-0 against a team we should be beating if we want to stay in the league. That will have had an effect on the lads. Morale will be down, confidence especially.

Rob: I wouldn’t be surprised if he changes things round a bit, brings Yatesy and Grant in, a bit of experience and guile.

Mike: Well there will definitely be changes as Hyde and Sinclair are in the Jamaica squad and have flown out.

Sam: Mike where the bloody hell did you come from. What are you doing here, this aint your local?

Mike: My local got torched the other night police think Tommy the landlord did it for insurance money. Wouldn’t surprise me if he did he was an odd bloke but friendly enough. Anyway enough doom and gloom I have a feeling about today lads, we are going to be ok.

Phil: If you say so.

Burnley v Leicester
@Turf Moor

The group of fans made their way to their beloved ground in the hope their team would pull off the unexpected. Sam, Phil and Rob sat in the same end as Mike, Jim and Pete but at different sides. Unsurprisingly that end was always the loudest and most fearsome. As they took their seats the teams were being read out. There were a few changes Jensen replaced Coyne in goal, this was for morale reasons. Coyne was very disappointed with the last game and it hit him hard, Robinson needed players to be on their top form today. Roche came in for Sinclair who was on international duty. Yates did the same for Hyde, he was preferred to Nicolas both for morale and experience reasons. Valois regained his place on the left wing and Lennon got his first start. He was preferred over Branch and Cooke as he was still confident in his ability.

As the first half kicked off everybody expected an early goal from the visitors such was the confidence in the team. 30 seconds in the ball made its way to Scowcroft inside the Burnley area, fortunately his shot was well wide. You could hear the whole crowd breathe a breath of relief. The first few minutes was all Leicester, then a good move ended up with Lennon chipping a delightful ball to Blake who forced the save. McGreal headed over the resulting corner. Jensen found Valois with a precise goal kick, Valois controlled it sublimely and passed it to Blake in the centre. He played a perfectly weighted ball to the overlapping Moore who tucked it under the keeper. The crowd went wild and the noise almost took the roof off. Robinson showed no emotion but inside he was happy. After that the game became one controlled by Burnley, they didn’t dominate the game as Leicester still had shots, but tame ones. Rather it was a game where they controlled the tempo and played it their way. Burnley looked comfortable and it was if they knew they weren’t going to lose. The rest of the game carried on like this and Burnley pulled off a well deserved victory.

Burnley 1 v 0 Leicester

Goals: Burnley: Moore 10

Bookings: Leicester: Keown

MoM: Clemence (Leicester)
Att: 15,820
Ref: Nigel Miller

Mike: I told you I had a feeling

Phil: That was a fluke

Jim: We played well

Pete: And we deserved it, its just our away form that’s crap

Sam: Speaking of which Cardiff on Saturday

Rob: Should be fun

Mike: Don’t you know it

retired_tonytranbg79

Saturday - 21/08/04, Championship game 5

Cardiff v Burnley
@Ninian Park

Today would turn out to be a very eventful one. As usual the group travelled down by coach and found a pub where a lot of away fans would meet. They were enjoying the day out and there was a good atmosphere in the pub. However, they were all apprehensive of the game, the past away games hadn’t gone their way. They feared this one would go the same way, but it wouldn’t spoil their fun. When they emerged from the pub they slipped away from the main group and police and met up with Mike and friends. Having sunk a couple of drinks with Mike they all left and made their way to the ground. On the way they were confronted by a group of Cardiff fans eager for trouble. Sam was never one to back away from a fight and they were away from the watchful eye of the CCTV cameras. As the groups engaged one another Sam saw Pete smash a wooden board over a Cardiff fans head. He then realised there was a helicopter overhead, he grabbed Rob and Phil and a couple others and darted from the scene.

They made it into the ground just as it was kicking off, there was no sign of Mike and co. It didn’t take them long to realise Robinson had made some drastic changes for this game. He had gone for a 4-1-4-1 formation swapping Blake up front for Nicolas just in front of the back four. Other than that the team was unchanged, he obviously hoped this increased defensive outlook would earn them at least a point. The first 20 minutes were evenly contested but hugely uneventful. Mike, Pete and Jim had made it into the ground just in time to see Burnley awarded a penalty for a foul on Valois. This is just what Robinson wanted, a way to keep a defensive outlook and be able to get a lead. It was Valois who took it but it was saved, Robinson thought he must be cursed anywhere other than Turf Moor. The game carried on as it had been, even but uneventful until the 43rd minute. A Cardiff corner eluded everyone, Thorne chased the ball and crossed it back into the box for Kavanagh to head home.

At half time Robinson reverted back to his usual 4-4-2 formation putting Blake on for Nicolas. He told them to go out and press all over the park and to get forward as much as possible. They went out and did just that, however their attacking intent may have given them more chances but it did the same for Cardiff. This led to a more entertaining end to end game forcing both keepers into saves. Instead of holding back and soaking up the pressure Cardiff went forward themselves looking for a winner. Blake was playing on the shoulder of the defenders who were pushing high up the pitch. When Duff launched a 70 yard cross field ball Blake was in behind the defenders and left with a one on one situation which he came out on top of. From there they went chasing a winner themselves. This led to a tense high paced last 15 minutes, despite many chances for both teams the game ended a draw. A result Robinson and fans would be happy with.

Cardiff 1 v 1 Burnley

Goals: Cardiff: Kavanagh 43 - Burnley: Blake 75

Bookings: Cardiff: Robinson

MoM: Hyde
Att: 13,142
Ref: Alan Kaye

retired_tonytranbg79

Wednesday – 25/08/04, League Cup Round 1

Burnley v Leeds
@Turf Moor

John was hoping for a good cup run, not only for the fact it would bring in some much needed money but also as a slight distraction from the league. However, the visit of Leeds made it seem like a league game but instead of three points at stake it’s a place in the next round. He reverted back to his preferred 4-4-2 formation and made a few changes. At the back Roche and Sanokho came in for Duff and McGreal, Branch replaced Lennon on the right wing. The dressing room had a positive atmosphere and the players were all worked up and raring to go.

The first 25 minutes was controlled by the home side. All of Burnley’s attacks were coming from the left side through Valois. However there wasn’t always someone on the end of his crosses and if there was their contribution was less than satisfactory. Leeds managed to get themselves a couple of attacks but they also came to nothing. Burnley looked much the better side and all the players were working hard for each other. Valois was clearly the danger man for Robinson's team and after a cross field ball Branch forced the Leeds keeper into a smart save.

The second half was exactly what Robinson ordered at half time, more of the same. Leeds barely got out of their own half and any flurries they did make into the Burnley box ended in the attack being snuffed out. The one man Robinson had worried about before the game was his defender Sanokho, but he had performed well. Despite Burnley’s domination it was clear that they would never score no matter how many chances they got. Unsurprisingly Leeds took the lead through a swift counter attack in which Jensen allowed a Ricketts shot through his fingers to be shot home by Johnson. The ground was stunned it was a game Burnley should have won comfortably instead they were out of the cup.

Burnley 0 v 1 Leeds

Goals: Leeds: Johnson 85

Bookings: Burnley: Roche, Hyde, Chaplow

MoM: Ricketts (Leeds)
Att: 14,444
Ref: Michael Ryan

retired_tonytranbg79

Saturday – 28/08/04, Championship game 6

Burnley v Wolves
@Turf Moor

This game was expected to be a spectacle with great end to end football on display. There was a huge crowd packed into Turf Moor among them Sam and co. as usual. Quite why there was such expectation eluded John, it was also something he didn’t linger on. He got on with his team talk outlining to his players what he wanted them to do. Again he went for his favoured 4-4-2 but had decided to change some of the personnel. Roche moved into the centre of defence for Sanokho as Duff came back in as right back. Lennon replaced Branch on the right wing and they all ran out to the roar of the Burnley fans. The game was a huge let down, it was one of the most boring games Sam had the misfortune to witness. Wolves dominated the possession but neither side had any real chance at goal all game. The only real chance there was Kennedy put away superbly. Miller’s attempt was blocked by Sinclair but the rebound fell to Kennedy who fired it over the stranded Jensen. A large but disappointed crowd trudged out of the stadium and a disappointed John Robinson trudged to the dressing room.

Burnley 0 v 1 Wolves

Goals: Wolves: Kennedy 8

MoM: Kennedy (Wolves)
Att: 22,583
Ref: Kevin Wright