Why are you a Burnley fan?

pushpinpussy · Post by **pushpinpussy** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:32 am

i went on a game in the early 80's with a friend. Behind my Dads back. I was only 8 or 9 years old. He didn't want me to go on until i was older due to football hooligans. He also wanted me to support Liverpool like him. Anyway i think my first game was against Lincoln City but i cant be 100 percent certain. I think it cost £1 to get in. I remember we got beat 2-1 though and i think Justin Fashanu scored the winner for them with a over head kick in the last few minutes. By this time we were stood in the Bee Hole end as we has managed to push ourselves through the gap in the railings between the two stands. Even though we got beat i was hooked.

Garnerssoap · Post by **Garnerssoap** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:35 am

Accy Stanley went bust and my dad picked Burnley over t’rovers. Close call apparently, phew.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:36 am

My first ever match was at Anfield, seeing Liverpool beat Auxerre 3-0 and 3-2 on aggregate. It was a great occasion. But then I got taken to Burnley v Blackpool on early 1992 (Eli and Bamber). The ground was full, the game was exciting and it felt important to people. That day did it for me.

MrTopTier · Post by **MrTopTier** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:48 am

My Dad came from a massive Man Utd family, supporting Burnley was his way of being a rebel. So got taken to games as a child by my Dad, but really got into it because I was easily influenced by older Burnley hoodlums in my late teens.

Pearcey · Post by **Pearcey** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:50 am

I was born and bred in Kent, as was my Dad. He’s been Claret all his life (he’s 72). My first game was the Sherpa Van Trophy Final when I was 15 but I started supporting them properly during the Waddle season and my first trip to Turf Moor was the Plymouth game. Before the internet I used to have the Burnley Express delivered every week to my house in Norwich. These messageboards have been a real lifeline since then.

Going to games with my Dad has been one of the highlights of my life and we can’t wait to get back.

Belial · Post by **Belial** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:51 am

My Dad wasn't a football fan really but my Uncle took me on my first game when I was 10 or 11. Seem to remember against Lincoln, maybe a 2-2 draw. Needless to say I got into it from then and either that season, or the one after was the 4th division title winning one so never looked back from then

BenWickes · Post by **BenWickes** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:58 am

Not from Burnley but my Dad and Grandad were Clarets. Went to school surrounded by Utd, Liverpool etc fans but my Dad kept reminding me of the 50's and 60's teams. I started attending around the time we started going into decline. Late 70s'/early 80's and was hooked from day one. There's something unique about Turf Moor. Even more so in those days of the Bee-Hole and Longside.

fatboy47 · Post by **fatboy47** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:58 am

My dad hated football.....but after a few heated words with my mam one saturday he put his and my coats on..we jumped on the 236 to Burnley..and needing to entertain me he took me on t'turf.
2-2 v Villa...early 60s.

dansch · Post by **dansch** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:00 am

Bit of a mix of Pearcey and Belial in that I was born and bred in Kent but was the only football fan in the family so grew up supporting ManUre

. My mum is from Nelson so my uncle is a Burnley fan although he was having a bit of 'timeout' from following the clarets but his mate took me to the turf when I was about 12. I can't remember who we played but I think we won 2-1 and Graham Branch scored. Needless to say I was a claret from then on in!

ClaretAndJew · Post by **ClaretAndJew** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:04 am

First match when I was 9 with my Uncle. Scunthorpe in 1996.

Can't remember much of the match but I was so fascinated with the Police horses that I walked into a pole staring at them instead of looking where I was going.

Claret Till I Die · Post by **Claret Till I Die** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:04 am

Because I was born here. We travelled around until I was 6 but came back to Burnley and I supported my home town club as it should be.

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:11 am

Lived in Nelson, didn't have a car so it was the only football league club me and my dad could get to on public transport

BFCmaj · Post by **BFCmaj** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:15 am

I followed in my dad’s footsteps and his dad’s before him. He would’ve started watching the Clarets before WWII. My Nan is 99 in a couple of months and still an avid follower although she hasn’t been on the turf for years. My maternal grandad was a fan of Wigan RLFC and Bolton but he also used to come on Burnley games with me and my dad well into his 90s. I’m glad he got to see us back in the premier league. Still go on with my dad when we can. Started my own Clarets journey along with my brother in the 1980s and it’s been a bumpy ride but love where we are now and think this team and manager are amazing. It’s s great time to be a Burnley fan.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:19 am

My dad - simple as that. He was fanatical, never missed a home match be it first team or reserves. He only missed reserve games if he was going to the away first team game and he didn't do too many away games and rarely, other than local. He took me to my early away games at Blackburn and Blackpool and Manchester United as well as cup trips to Sheffield United, Aston Villa (semi-final) and Wembley in 1962. Same had happened to my dad with my granddad taking him, equally fanatical, and they were the two I stood with in my early days.

Who knows whether I'd have ever gone to the Turf but for my dad but I'm not sure I ever had much choice.

Brisliam · Post by **Brisliam** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:21 am

I grew up in Jersey so really could pick any team. Being a young kid, I picked Utd. My dad supported Burnley though so went to a few games over the years. At some point as a teen, I got more into football and decided I had more connection to Burnley so it made more sense to support the club.

As it turns out, I was recently talking to my mum, who grew up near Keighley, about Burnley and she mentioned that her friend's dad was a Burnley fan so she used to go to a lot of games at the Turf in the 70s with her friend and her friend's dad. She'd have never mentioned it before so was a surprise to find out.

Must have been destiny I guess.

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:26 am

I was born in the Edith Watson

Burnley1989 · Post by **Burnley1989** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:27 am

My Dad took me in the cricket field stand as a kid, and to most away games, loved the day out with a pocket full of sweets and getting to go in pubs and read a programme.

Every member of my family is a Burnley fan, my two sets of parents and remaining grandparent all season ticket holders. Going on the turf is a day out with my mates and family that I don’t see too often, some of the best days of my life, gets me away from the work and home life for 9-12 hours, before returning to the mad house with my young daughters

Wellsy1882 · Post by **Wellsy1882** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:27 am

Cos im from burnley
Thats all it needs.. sick of these who live close by but support united or liverpool. They are the worst kind

Support your local team

BenWickes · Post by **BenWickes** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:27 am

I seem to recall my Dad reminiscing of his childhood sneaking on t'Turf through a hole in a fence with his pal Fred to watch us when he was 9 or 10. So circa 1952/53. Then going home to be chased around the house by his Mum with a wooden spoon after not telling her where he'd been.
Was a story that grabbed my imagination as a youngster. It must be a special place if my Dad risked the wrath of Grandma.

HB Claret · Post by **HB Claret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:29 am

Born at Burnley General Hospital 1962, lived in Colne until 1968 when my dad was offered a weaving job in Kent. Think my first game was against Sheffield Wednesday who had one of the Springetts in goal. Even though I have lived in Kent for most of my life it could only be Burnley and Lancashire CCC. Currently recuperating after having a left knee replacement op last Monday but still hoping to watch the Clarets tomorrow. Sadly missed the Villa game as I was in an ice/pain/drug infused haze.

lakedistrictclaret · Post by **lakedistrictclaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:31 am

Born in Burnley, although we left for Penrith when I was two and have never lived there since.

Moved to Lytham St Annes when I was eight and between 1960-1965 went to most Blackpool home games with my Dad, and then schoolfriends, but never supported them. The only time I wanted someone to win was when we were visiting.

Then in 1965 we started visiting my grandmothers who lived in Burnley and Bacup on Saturdays, and it was then I started going to Turf Moor regularly.

That was it really. It was 65-66, the season we came third, and although the attendances were similar, the difference in the atmosphere between Turf Moor and Bloomfield Road was marked. Plus, Turf Moor was then, is now, and always will be a far more impressive stadium than Blackpool's.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:32 am

Because all the other alternatives didnt come close......its a lifelong love story.

jdrobbo · Post by **jdrobbo** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:33 am

Claret Till I Die wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:04 am
Because I was born here. We travelled around until I was 6 but came back to Burnley and I supported my home town club as it should be.

Next thing you’ll be telling us that one of your family members was one of the greatest players our club has ever had...

ClaretAndJew · Post by **ClaretAndJew** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:33 am

ZizkovClaret wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:26 am
I was born in the Edith Watson

Same.

Jimmymaccer · Post by **Jimmymaccer** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:34 am

Born Burnley Bank Hall, dad took me on The Turf late 60’s pretty sure against Spurs as a small boy. My uncle had season tickets in the CF stand so he then started taking me with my cousin, squeezing me through the turnstile with him without paying. Been going ever since.........now I go with my son who started coming with me when he was about 5 years old. Boy time..........just love being with him on our days out, some 23 years later.

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:35 am

jdrobbo wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:33 am
Next thing you’ll be telling us that one of your family members was one of the greatest players our club has ever had...

Graham Di Branchios relatives post here?

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:40 am

Grew up in Ossy, nearly all my mates were B**tards and my dad was going to take me there. He wasn't really into football.

But he'd read about the trouble at Ewood when they played Chelsea a couple of years before and thought it would be safer going to Burnley .. in the 80s

. Started right at the bottom, 86-87, and never doubted he made the right decision.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:40 am

ZizkovClaret wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:26 am
I was born in the Edith Watson

It's predecessor Bank Hall for me.

BleedingClaret · Post by **BleedingClaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:40 am

I think this will get some backs up
But
I think many who are Burnley Born & Bred, although I’m a half breed, won’t really be able to answer that with any certainty and will probably say I don’t know I just am
and will have never considered not being a Claret and certainly not imagine supporting someone else

I still have to contain my disdain for anyone from Burnley that supports another team.

To try and pinpoint a starting point is hard although I can still see in my minds eye a picture of Peter Noble, in the strip before the V and the simple BFC badge still moves me, with ball at his feet, head up, perfectly balanced, it felt like first love.
I remember being in the CFS I remember the smell of tobacco from pipe smoke I remember and can still sense shaking all game with a complete mix of fear and excitement
I remember Ian Brennan slamming in a free kick with such power that it just amazed me, I bought a picture of him and Peter Noble, not to be unfaithful.
I bought footy boots from him Peter years later, what a gent, he told me try on as many as you like it’s important, although they weren’t fancy like they are now there was still a range of designs, he said they need to feel like slippers.
I must have been there an hour think his enthusiasm liked my enthusiasm. Or maybe not who knows.
I remember Luton for some reason maybe my first game, I don’t know
I remember having to fight my Mum, a Bristolian, to get go on, my Dad had died when I was 2 and my brother 11 years older than me played footy but didn’t go on, would have said he was a Burnley fan if asked.
I remember being in London with my Mum for a week, in the week of the Celtic game but making her bring me back by train mid week for the match.
I had to go with a lad older than me, cos my brother was working away
Remember a Celtic fan crying next to me and having to be dragged off as it kicked off, I still hate Celtic with a passion
So I never considered what I was, I was a Claret
A Burnley supporter, Burnley Born an bred
I do wonder if the comment of JD Robbo above saying he was taken to Anfield and then to Turf Moor and the feeling that it really mattered was the deciding factor is because the basis of our support is local and it really does matter, makes your day or completely ruins your week.
UTC

BleedingClaret · Post by **BleedingClaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:44 am

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:40 am
It's predecessor Bank Hall for me.

Bank Hall for me too

AfloatinClaret · Post by **AfloatinClaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:54 am

Pearcey wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 9:50 am
... I started supporting them properly during the Waddle season...

Never mind about having watched BFC since the 1950s or attending the Orient Game; anyone who stuck with us despite getting their first taste during that 97/98 season gets my vote for being a true Claret!

Stayingup · Post by **Stayingup** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:56 am

Never any other club in it. My friends were mainly Clarets and the odd Rover. I went to every match when I wasnt playing myself. Man U etc weren't just as well supported by locals then. I recall many buses going to the match from where I live. How times have changed.

Duffer_ · Post by **Duffer_** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:01 am

Born in Burnley, lived in Nelson, and came from a long line of Clarets.

Like my parents before me, I gave my sons a full choice from the age of 4. Support whoever you like but you have to get there, buy your own tickets, kits etc. Or, you can come with me to see Burnley gratis. I call it good parenting.

RalphCoatesComb · Post by **RalphCoatesComb** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:04 am

"Why are you a Burnley fan?"

A bit like asking

"Why does the sun rise in the morning?"

Born in Bank Hall, we moved away and, as a child, I was taken to Old Trafford, Maine Road and Burnden Park but, like a spawning salmon, I made my way back to the area. It's in the blood !

LeadBelly · Post by **LeadBelly** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:07 am

Born /raised about a mile from TM. Dad was a Clarets fan and generally keen on the popular sports. I loved kicking a ball around and wanted to go on a game, finally got down the turf at about 6.5 yo (1956) in the enclosure. I was allowed free through the turnstile with my dad. Clarets v Leeds when they played in blue and gold, Loved it - the noise/smells (woodbines, liniment etc).

Pestered dad to take me on a few matches each season for the next 2/3 seasons until old enough to go on with mates 1958/9 ish, then soon a ST holder. Loved the match day experience- build up of expectation, meeting mates, nattering about the game, walking to TM, the emotion of the game etc.

I've watched a lot of footy (some very good teams) as a neutral as I've lived in other parts of the country but Clarets is the only club I feel strongly about and always wanting to be successful.

I cant imagine how some people can "swap clubs".

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:16 am

My mates dad was a Burnley fan and took us to Turf Moor in 67 age 8...

I watched them a couple of times a season till the early 70's.

Then I discovered Motorbikes, Girls and Beer (not necessarily in that order) didn't go again till late the 80's in Div 4 (there was a spare seat in the car and I was offered a trip to Turf Moor one Tuesday evening) walked up the steps and out onto the Longside, the Floodlights, and that long lost 8 year old kid in my head was hooked ... 4 weeks later I was ordering a season ticket and the rest is history....

eastanglianclaret · Post by **eastanglianclaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:23 am

Born Bank Hall Hospital '64 vintage. My dad was one of the ones who said he'd never go on t' Turf again after we sold McIlroy. He broke this oath once, to take me on my first game in 1972 v QPR 1-1. They've cost me a fortune ever since! I suppose I'm one of the 'lucky' ones who've seen us up, down and back again. Makes me appreciate all the more where we are now. UTC EAC

Claretforever · Post by **Claretforever** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:26 am

Always lived within a mile or two of the Turf. My dad wasn’t into football and so my first strip as a kid was probably the Liverpool Crown Paints one in the 80’s. At junior school the kids were either Liverpool or Everton (the top two clubs) it seemed, with an odd Man United fan. I didn’t even know Burnley had a team when I was 7 years old.

Then the Orient game came round and the buzz in the playground was about the game and what it meant. I started asking a lot of questions and became frustrated by non-football supporting parents being unable to answer. I was told my uncle was a fan and that if I go and ask (I imagine a call had been made in the meantime) he might take me on. So I did. Walking up those Longside steps getting a pie and then hearing and seeing the huge crowd. I was hooked. That was me, a Claret for life and a season ticket holder most years since. I must admit I was a little perplexed as to why there weren’t 17,000 on against Colchester at the start of the next season.

It makes me smile now knowing young kids with no connection to Burnley will become Clarets because we’re in the Premier League, and they like our strip, or story, or both.

icu81b4 · Post by **icu81b4** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:34 am

BleedingClaret wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:44 am
Bank Hall for me too

Bank Hall for me too, and living a stones throw away from the ground I was taken on as soon as I could stand up, accompanied by my Dad, Uncle and big brother.
After the match we’d go to my Grandma’s house on Godly St to meet up with Mum and Auntie and eat black pudding whilst eyes were transfixed on the teleprinter darting across the telly (Redifusion black and white with a switch on the wall to swap channels).

We moved away from Burnley when I was eight, but by then it was in my blood.

UTC

strayclaret · Post by **strayclaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:38 am

As a Keighley lad, my first love was Rugby League. But as an impressionable teenager and after a bad defeat at home to Leeds in the Websters Yorkshire Cup on damp Tuesday night, I was at our youth club on Friday pondering whether to go to the next match the next day.
My mate was a Burnley fan and his dad had a car and was going, the games clashed it was the first of March 1969. Someone bet me Ito go instead of the Keighley match.
The rest is history, I've been back to Keighley only a few times since then, however as I reach the the winter of my life, I have a yearning to return to see them play and Father Christmas brought me a Cougars shirt,( interesting design and even a bit loud for me. )
So come on you Clarets and Cougars not sure who I'll see first

GodIsADeeJay81 · Post by **GodIsADeeJay81** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:42 am

You all know why I am, May 09er

I've just been hanging around like a bad smell ever since, dragging my two teenage boys along with me.

Family from the town and my cousins used to go on back in the 70's and 80's before they moved away.

I was born and raised elsewhere without anyone to take me to watch any games, so like all kids I supported one of the bigger teams because that's what you do.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the last 11.5yrs though, even with the snide comments aimed at me on here from time to time which make me chuckle.

My two boys first ever live game was a 1-1 draw at TM against Forest for the season opener, they've had 2 season tickets and we had planned for another prior to Covid getting in the way, so when it all goes back to normal enough, we will be there again.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:44 am

Born on cog lane, raised around accy road area so in the blood.
Never really knew who my dad supported.... he liked footy but wasn’t a die hard. He was from Darwen and from an era where he and his mates would go only to home games. One week t’roverrrrs, following week the clarets.
Anyway, I was Burnley, always have been and he knew it. Joined the army in 88 and left the area. Dad always sent the back pages of the Burnley express to me wherever I was overseas. I’d read them and look at my portraits of both Pendle hill and turf moor that were up on my wall. I’d travel back from Germany either with a car full or on my motorbike for certain games. Often late back to barracks for a bollocking and a week of extra duties.
Did my 22 years and it was back to Burnley for me.

I’ve always been proud of my heritage and my hometown... I’d tell anyone who’d listen, and sometimes even those who wouldn’t how brilliant Burnley was. And when some smart arse fly boy described it as a shithole, I’d always retort “yeah but it’s my shithole”.
I love it. I love the towns attitude. Kick one of us and we all bleed. That’s the town and it’s great that we are now seeing and feeling that from the boys on the pitch. That hasn’t always been the case, sometimes in the 80’s you could easily have replaced some of the players with lads off the long side who would’ve given more for the shirt.... not now tho.
These are the best of times, I’m 55 now and I’ve waited a long long time for us to be the dominant force in east Lancashire. We’ve all put up some absolute dire football and results over the years, and whilst some of our younger fans are quick to condemn the style, I revel in our togetherness. We have made defending resolutely an art form and I love what it has brought us. We are in the Premier League and we deserve it, we are there on merit, on hard work and endeavour and we have a certain honour and integrity about what we do and how we do it. And I absolutely love it.

As the old saying goes....I’m a Burnley fan cos I was born here. I’m a claret by the grace of God.

chekhov · Post by **chekhov** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:49 am

HB Claret wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:29 am
Born at Burnley General Hospital 1962, lived in Colne until 1968 when my dad was offered a weaving job in Kent. Think my first game was against Sheffield Wednesday who had one of the Springetts in goal. Even though I have lived in Kent for most of my life it could only be Burnley and Lancashire CCC. Currently recuperating after having a left knee replacement op last Monday but still hoping to watch the Clarets tomorrow. Sadly missed the Villa game as I was in an ice/pain/drug infused haze.

Get well soon HB Claret!

RammyClaret61 · Post by **RammyClaret61** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:50 am

Born in Ramsbottom. Surrounded by football clubs all within 20 minute drives.

Why am I a Burnley supporter? Well, I got here in a roundabout way. Thankfully I choose the right way.

Saturday 12th September 1970 was the first time I set foot inside Turf Moor, 50 years ago. Just a starry-eyed 9 year old football fan. Ever since England won the World Cup I’d been interested in soccer, yes that’s what everyone called it back in the 60’s & 70’s.
I didn’t support a team, I had relatives in Stockport who were big Manchester United fans. They tried to hard to get me to be a Red Devil, that it had had the opposite effect. I was favouring Manchester City. Boxing Day 1969 was my football baptism. Our Stockport family had got Christmas present tickets for Old Trafford, Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers. Spent the game at the very front of the United Road Paddock. A 0-0 score line, but the crowd grabbed my attention more. I loved live football. I was still leaning towards City, Colin Bell my favourite player having met him in Ramsbottom one Sunday morning. January 70 was my next live game, it was a little less star studded than Best, Law & Charlton. It was my first visit to Gigg Lane. Bury v Tranmere Rovers. Really enjoyed this game, saw my first live goal, and my eighth. Bury winning 8-0, George Jones scoring half the goals. My third game was also at Gigg Lane. Bury losing to Orient 1-0.
The 70/71 season started with me playing Saturday morning football. One of the blokes running the team I played for, Ramsbottom Crusaders, offered to take anyone interested to a game the following Saturday. Burnley v Arsenal. I was in, most of the other boys in the team supported Man U, so only two of us took up the offer. My best friend Phil & myself. To be honest I was more excited about seeing Arsenal. In fact, I’m not sure I’d ever been to the town of Burnley before in my life.
The day arrived and we set off in Geoffs sky blue mini. We parked off Todmorden Rd and walked through the ginnel near Tod rd school. My first sight of Turf Moor was when we walked past the Park view chippy. The massive floodlights and the Bee Hole Terrace towering high in front us. Entering the ground via the street facing turnstiles, we took up position on the green fence at the front of the Bee Hole, near the edge of the penalty area towards the Longside. I was enthralled by the size and noise of the Longside. Ok, so the game finished in a 2-1 win for Arsenal, but I was hooked on Burnley FC. The Claret shirts, Claret & Blue scarves. The Longside, I was even intrigued by the Turf only having 3 sides. I was a Claret.
50 years ago, What a ride it’s been, relegations, more than our fair share. Promotions, just enough to be where we are now. 3 visits to Wembley, European football. 4th division football for far to long. For me, from travelling on the bus from Rammy, to now running Melbourne Clarets 12,000 miles away. 10 years I’ve been away, I miss matchday so much. The group we have here are a great set of clarets. Even our ******* supporting friend behind the bar at the Sherlock. Also to be able to get coffee with Mike Conroy, meeting a hero.
Yes, Burnley Football Club has been and still is a massive part of my life. UTC

warksclaret · Post by **warksclaret** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 11:53 am

Grew up in Warwicks. At the age of ten ,60 years ago, my friends were Spurs or Man Utd fans. I took a liking to Burnley who were playing fantastic football. Followed ever since. I would do two paper rounds to generate the money to travel by train to watch them play in the Midlands-then there were quite a few clubs in the First Division from the area (Derby, Notts Forest, Stoke, Wolves, Villa, WBA, Birmingham)

First game was away to Villa circa 1967-last game of season when we won 1-0 and sent them down. As a schoolboy I used to get the Lancs Eve Telegraph delivered weekly. As I got older I tried to get to the Turf around 3-4 times a year, but continued to watch them away, when playing nearer to home. The internet and forums have been fantastic for staying in touch.Amazed at their away fan base-this really hit home when I went to see the Play-Off Final v Sheff Utd.A truly unique club. The current club set up is the closest its got to those memorable years in the early Sixties

Claretincraven · Post by **Claretincraven** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 12:11 pm

Skipton born and bred, Father was a Claret and Grandfather was one of the founders of Pennine buses who ran football specials from Skipton to all home games. Naturally Dad volunteered to drive the bus so he could then watch the game, and as soon as it was decreed I was old enough I hopped aboard for free. The only downside was missing the end of the game as we had to go get the bus and park up near to the ground for the paying customers to get on. This would be mid 1960s. Happy days.

jordsclarets · Post by **jordsclarets** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 12:13 pm

Born in Slough, Berkshire with my dad having been born in the Rawtenstall area. I have 2 brothers and my dad never forced Burnley on us but we were aware Burnley was his team. My older brother started going to away games in the south and then started taking me. I remember going to Cambridge, Peterborough and even Dartford when Maidstone played there. Moved to Leeds when I went to Uni and got a season ticket as soon as I stopped playing football. My younger brother is also a season ticket holder and comes up from down south for home games. I have 2 boys born in Leeds but full on Burnley fans and also season ticket holders.

Claret Till I Die · Post by **Claret Till I Die** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 12:17 pm

jdrobbo wrote: ↑
Sat Jan 30, 2021 10:33 am
Next thing you’ll be telling us that one of your family members was one of the greatest players our club has ever had...

Quite possibly a reason...
I did used to joke when I was in my teens that he should've signed for Liverpool then I could've supported a team that was winning things but knowing what I know now I wouldn't swap the Claret journey I've been on..
Built not bought even now

tarkys_ears · Post by **tarkys_ears** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 12:22 pm

Because I'm a masochist... (apparently!)

ian · Post by **ian** » Sat Jan 30, 2021 12:23 pm

My Dad was a Bolton fan. He died. My stepfather was a Burnley fan and married me mum when I was 3. When I was old enough to accompany him to games (10 ish) I started watching the Clarets. The Orient game was one of my first live games.