Can we stay up with what we have

[Jakubclaret]

Is that true with technology and sports science?

Look at Mark Cavendish, 36 years old, riding as good as ever in the TDF.

Likewise Giorgio Chiellini (36) and Leonardo Bonucci (34), both played brilliantly for Italy in the Euro's.

This idea that modern sportsmen & women are done when they reach 30 is a thing of the past with modern technology that allows people to compete at the highest level for a few more years.

You are purposely selecting the exceptions to assist with your viewpoint, can we mention the overwhelming number of footballers & cyclists who are in decline because of age, I don’t think anybody is purposely arguing that ALL ageing sports people are past it, but the vast majority will be in relation to people younger, you are taking an extreme viewpoint by naming a few people & implying it also applies to everybody in the same age group.

[Wile E Coyote]

And as players get older they become more injury prone and take longer to recover. And decline physically.

You also didn't acknowledge the age of our players, you were playing down the issue by saying they were "maybe older than some other teams" when our squad is actually older than all other teams in the EPL. If you don't think it's an issue then why deny it?

I think you need to learn to read properly before you attempt to dissect a response from someone who already can.

[randomclaret2]

Yes, comfortably.



I haven't seen a single prediction from a neutral that has us down for relegation. It's almost as if this board is full of hysterical worrywarts.

Most " neutrals " would struggle to name 5 of our players and I include journalists in that

[Tall Paul]

Most " neutrals " would struggle to name 5 of our players and I include journalists in that

Utter nonsense, as it was when the other poster said it earlier.

[Mattster]

Is that true with technology and sports science?

Look at Mark Cavendish, 36 years old, riding as good as ever in the TDF.

Likewise Giorgio Chiellini (36) and Leonardo Bonucci (34), both played brilliantly for Italy in the Euro's.

This idea that modern sportsmen & women are done when they reach 30 is a thing of the past with modern technology that allows people to compete at the highest level for a few more years.

Cycling and football are completely different sports with different demands on the body.

Chiellini made only 17 league appearances last season (16 starts), Bonucci made 26 (23 starts) out of a possible 38 so effectively 50% of a season out of the pair. I have said there's no problem with having players over the age of 30 just that having the vast majority of your players in that age range is. By then end of this season we will have a mere 3 players in our strongest lineup under the age of 30 - 2 of those would be likely to leave (McNeil and Tarkowski).

Yes players can compete at the highest level beyond 30 but there is still drop off in performance and they need to be managed through a season more (a la your own examples of Chiellini and Bonucci) / supported by younger players.

[Jakubclaret]

Most " neutrals " would struggle to name 5 of our players and I include journalists in that

Every single player in the squad are household names across the globe even in the most remote far flung reaches.

[Mattster]

I think you need to learn to read properly before you attempt to dissect a response from someone who already can.

So go on then, educate me. Saying "maybe older than some", does that suggest our squad is older than

a) less than 50% of other teams
b) more than 50% of other teams
c) all other teams

[taio]

Cycling and football are completely different sports with different demands on the body.

Chiellini made only 17 league appearances last season (16 starts), Bonucci made 26 (23 starts) out of a possible 38 so effectively 50% of a season out of the pair. I have said there's no problem with having players over the age of 30 just that having the vast majority of your players in that age range is. By then end of this season we will have a mere 3 players in our strongest lineup under the age of 30 - 2 of those would be likely to leave (McNeil and Tarkowski).

Yes players can compete at the highest level beyond 30 but there is still drop off in performance and they need to be managed through a season more (a la your own examples of Chiellini and Bonucci) / supported by younger players.

Why refer to the end of the season - is it because some of the players are 29 e.g. Wood, Vydra and Pope? Feels like cherry picking or manipulating stats to support your viewpoint.

[Wile E Coyote]

So go on then, educate me. Saying "maybe older than some", does that suggest our squad is older than

a) less than 50% of other teams
b) more than 50% of other teams
c) all other teams

Its what's known as a turn of phrase. No more, no less. My point was NOTHING to do with comparisons with other teams. Now, I suggest you leave it at that. I didn't expect to have to deal with Sheldon Cooper this afternoon.

[AlargeClaret]

If we’re very lucky indeed with injuries , and Dwight finally has a breakout season ,Coupled with top seasons from the likes of Jay/Wood/Taylor etc we might just do it . Though the likes of Barnes/JBG/Lowton/Cork/Bardsley are all considerably past their best and Vydra has never really cut it

[tiger76]

If we’re very lucky indeed with injuries , and Dwight finally has a breakout season ,Coupled with top seasons from the likes of Jay/Wood/Taylor etc we might just do it . Though the likes of Barnes/JBG/Lowton/Cork/Bardsley are all considerably past their best and Vydra has never really cut it

Agree on the injuries, and Dwight will be key, he showed in flashes last season what he can bring to the party, some of the squad are past their best yes, but I wouldn't include Lowton amongst those, he was one of our better performers last year.

I hope and think we can wring one more season out of this squad, similar to what Fergie did with Utd in his final campaign, but we will have to make sweeping changes come next summer, I only hope that we're still a PL club when that time comes.

[icu81b4]

I’m afraid I don’t think we will, furthermore I reckon SD will find pastures new when his contract next expires.

So all doom and gloom from me.

Still - Up The Clarets

[PremierLeagueClass]

Comfortably, barring some very bad injury luck.

[Vegas Claret]

flap flap flap panic panic panic

Not been a ball kicked in anger and weeks before the transfer window closes

[Colburn_Claret]

Whether it is an injury or an illness, conventional wisdom tells us that the older we are, the longer it takes to heal and for a person to fully recover.

That is widely accepted as a scientific FACT but if you have evidence that is not the case kindly share it with us.

With the science behind sports, and the monitoring of performance, age does become irrelevant. The stats would show a drop in standard long before the fans on the terrace would notice. The fact these old players are still with is means they are up for it.
I would hope that a few of the U23s will be given opportunities to learn this season. Dwight only got in through injuries, he took his chance with both hands. We'll never know what others could do if they have to wait for injuries to others.

[Mattster]

Its what's known as a turn of phrase. No more, no less. My point was NOTHING to do with comparisons with other teams. Now, I suggest you leave it at that. I didn't expect to have to deal with Sheldon Cooper this afternoon.

Ah right, so you used a turn of phrase (that was completely wrong) in your post for no reason, makes sense.

So you accept that our squad is older than all other teams in the league and not "maybe some" but don't think that is a problem at all?

[Mattster]

Why refer to the end of the season - is it because some of the players are 29 e.g. Wood, Vydra and Pope? Feels like cherry picking or manipulating stats to support your viewpoint.

OK, so if I'm cherry picking / manipulating facts what's the facts that I'm ignoring? That some are 29 now? Massive difference.

The reason I'm using "by the end of the season" as a point is because I've been saying it's an issue now but will be more of an issue next season if you read the posts I made. Only 3 of our best XI won't be over 30 by the end of this season, 2 of whom will be likely to leave. Disagree? Think this isn't an issue?

[Guller Bull]

I've had some money on a top half finish. Think we happily stay up this season.

[taio]

OK, so if I'm cherry picking / manipulating facts what's the facts that I'm ignoring? That some are 29 now? Massive difference.

The reason I'm using "by the end of the season" as a point is because I've been saying it's an issue now but will be more of an issue next season if you read the posts I made. Only 3 of our best XI won't be over 30 by the end of this season, 2 of whom will be likely to leave. Disagree? Think this isn't an issue?

Players aged 30 often have several years left to play so why use this arbitrary threshold?

[Jamesy]

flap flap flap panic panic panic

Not been a ball kicked in anger and weeks before the transfer window closes

I’m not sure people are flapping and panicking as you suggest? Yes it is weeks until the transfer window closes, however if you think we will be bringing in a few quality signings prior to it closing you must be in cloud cuckoo land.
Yes, we may just about stay up again after another season of mind numbingly boring attritional football. Some people may view this as success, however I just find it increasingly tedious and long to be entertained.
With regard to ALK Capital, they are venture capitalists which means that if some other venture capitalists make them an offer of 50 million pounds more than they paid for BFC with borrowed money they will be off in a heartbeat. The future for BFC is looking decidedly dodgy.

[Vegas Claret]

I’m not sure people are flapping and panicking as you suggest? Yes it is weeks until the transfer window closes, however if you think we will be bringing in a few quality signings prior to it closing you must be in cloud cuckoo land.
Yes, we may just about stay up again after another season of mind numbingly boring attritional football. Some people may view this as success, however I just find it increasingly tedious and long to be entertained.
With regard to ALK Capital, they are venture capitalists which means that if some other venture capitalists make them an offer of 50 million pounds more than they paid for BFC with borrowed money they will be off in a heartbeat. The future for BFC is looking decidedly dodgy.

if you say so. I know how VC work, if you think they would sell for 50 million more then it's you who is living in cloud cuckoo land

[Jamesy]

if you say so. I know how VC work, if you think they would sell for 50 million more then it's you who is living in cloud cuckoo land

Ok fair point, let’s wait and see.

[Vegas Claret]

Ok fair point, let’s wait and see.

55 and you'd have a deal

[Gnulty]

Yes we can

[Gnulty]

And with Artie Gnomes, for sure!

[box_of_frogs]

I haven't seen a single prediction from a neutral that has us down for relegation. It's almost as if this board is full of hysterical worrywarts.

Maybe most neutrals don’t know how old our squad is!

[randomclaret2]

Utter nonsense, as it was when the other poster said it earlier.

I'm happy to stick with my opinion Thanks

[bfcjg]

I think there are at least three weaker teams again so yes but only just.

[boatshed bill]

Players aged 30 often have several years left to play so why use this arbitrary threshold?

Because it is often used by analysts.
There is plenty of study on recovery rates, 30+ is regularly used in this.

[taio]

Because it is often used by analysts.
There is plenty of study on recovery rates, 30+ is regularly used in this.

Where is this stuff?

[Spijed]

Maybe most neutrals don’t know how old our squad is!

Aye, some on here think that for a team which has been in the Prem for 5 seasons in a row there is little knowledge available to the outside world.

[boatshed bill]

Where is this stuff?

I'll try to put up some links.
I've read loads of this stuff, was still doing some sporting activity in my 60s

[Bin Ont Turf]

The thing that makes me want to spew blood is when some folk say, we'll be okay because there's 3 worse sides than us.

Oh great, a bit like a landlord saying, the Hen Harrier's off, but we have Carling, Caffreys and Strongbow Dark Fruit.

[boatshed bill]

Where is this stuff?

a little bit here

First and foremost, older athletes competing at the elite level in team sports do appear to be at a slightly higher risk of injury than the younger athletes that they play with. For example, soccer, football, and handball athletes over the age of 30 years will be at a slightly higher risk of injury than their teammates who are under 25 years of age.

[dsr]

Most " neutrals " would struggle to name 5 of our players and I include journalists in that

It's not unusual to have a low opinion of journalists, but to suspect the majority of them couldn't name Pope, Mee, Tarkowski, McNeil, and Wood is taking that opinion to fantastical new depths.

They aren't as thick as that.

[taio]

a little bit here

First and foremost, older athletes competing at the elite level in team sports do appear to be at a slightly higher risk of injury than the younger athletes that they play with. For example, soccer, football, and handball athletes over the age of 30 years will be at a slightly higher risk of injury than their teammates who are under 25 years of age.

I wasn't disputing that players might be slightly more susceptible to injury if 30+. Anyway we keep getting told we have the oldest squad in the PL, yet we ues fewest players over the course of a season and Dyche's success has been built in part on that. We need to find more balance between experience and youth, but I don't get the at arbitrary 30+ view. A player at 30 has plenty of years left in them.

[Mattster]

Players aged 30 often have several years left to play so why use this arbitrary threshold?

https://content.iospress.com/articles/j ... cs/jsa0021

"The results show that the average professional soccer player peaks between the ages of 25 and 27. In the preferred models, the average forward peaks at 25, whereas the typical defender peaks at 27. For midfielders, the estimated peak age varies by model but still occurs in the 25–27 age band"

30+ is arbitrary to an extent, it's just the point where it becomes more obvious players are past their peak and moving towards the end of their careers. It has a significant impact on the market value of the player which in turn makes it harder to deal in the transfer market to make the changes needed. Just look at Palace, they've had to release their older players because no one wants to pay fees for them - lucky for them they have the finance to make purchases regardless, are we so lucky?

As our squad gets older it is going to decline, not rapidly but in a league of such fine margins that marginal decline could be all it takes. I think we'll be OK this season if we avoid injuries to key players. However, failing to make quality additions this season makes it even harder next season when the team will have declined further both in ability and value (30+).

[kentonclaret]

Players as they get older and pass the age of 30 are inevitably going to get slower and it is obvious to everybody that our squad is clearly lacking in pace. Of course many footballers play on past the age of 30 but there is a risk of having so many senior players in your squad when performing at the highest level. Sticking with the same squad and hoping that they remain injury free is a gamble. Common sense tells you that players are going to be on the treatment table at some stage of the season it all depends on who they are and how long they are out for.

[taio]

https://content.iospress.com/articles/j ... cs/jsa0021

"The results show that the average professional soccer player peaks between the ages of 25 and 27. In the preferred models, the average forward peaks at 25, whereas the typical defender peaks at 27. For midfielders, the estimated peak age varies by model but still occurs in the 25–27 age band"

30+ is arbitrary to an extent, it's just the point where it becomes more obvious players are past their peak and moving towards the end of their careers. It has a significant impact on the market value of the player which in turn makes it harder to deal in the transfer market to make the changes needed. Just look at Palace, they've had to release their older players because no one wants to pay fees for them - lucky for them they have the finance to make purchases regardless, are we so lucky?

As our squad gets older it is going to decline, not rapidly but in a league of such fine margins that marginal decline could be all it takes. I think we'll be OK this season if we avoid injuries to key players. However, failing to make quality additions this season makes it even harder next season when the team will have declined further both in ability and value (30+).

Yes we need to make signings

[Spijed]

I’m not sure people are flapping and panicking as you suggest? Yes it is weeks until the transfer window closes, however if you think we will be bringing in a few quality signings prior to it closing you must be in cloud cuckoo land.
Yes, we may just about stay up again after another season of mind numbingly boring attritional football. Some people may view this as success, however I just find it increasingly tedious and long to be entertained.
With regard to ALK Capital, they are venture capitalists which means that if some other venture capitalists make them an offer of 50 million pounds more than they paid for BFC with borrowed money they will be off in a heartbeat. The future for BFC is looking decidedly dodgy.

Do you think we only play mind numbingly boring attritional football?

[leelad]

'Mind numbingly boring attritional football' is way off the mark. We are about to begin our sixth season competing in the Premiership. Remember that please. I can think of a number of games over the past five seasons where we have played football that has given us the desired results. Look, this season is going to be tough, but every season is at this level. So long as we use our knowledge and experience which we have gained over the past five seasons, this will go a long way to helping us stay up. And a couple of signings will too, but I'm sure the board and manager are doing their level best to get these signings in. Let's look one game at a time, desperate to get three points vs. Brighton. Let's get behind the team. I'm looking forward to Saturday..

[tiger76]

'Mind numbingly boring attritional football' is way off the mark. We are about to begin our sixth season competing in the Premiership. Remember that please. I can think of a number of games over the past five seasons where we have played football that has given us the desired results. Look, this season is going to be tough, but every season is at this level. So long as we use our knowledge and experience which we have gained over the past five seasons, this will go a long way to helping us stay up. And a couple of signings will too, but I'm sure the board and manager are doing their level best to get these signings in. Let's look one game at a time, desperate to get three points vs. Brighton. Let's get behind the team. I'm looking forward to Saturday..

Great post, and if some Burnley fans aren't content with being in the PL for so long, and expect us to be entertaining week in week out in the toughest league in world football, then I humbly suggest that they need to give their heads a wobble, we've survived at this level for the length of time we have mainly due to our ability to grind results out when we need to, of course we could adopt the approach of say Fulham who played loads of pretty footy last season, but ultimately were completely incapable of putting wins on the board when it truly counted.

In reality every season at this level is going to be a struggle for a club of our resources, however the management of SD and the mindset of our squad has ensured that we've never really been in danger of the drop come crunch time over the past 5 years, and this season will probably be no different we'll have runs of bad form, but equally we'll have a purple patch or two when we pick up a good haul of points, and that will more likely than not be enough to ensure we retain our place at the top table, and if that's not viewed as success then some posters are delusional I'm afraid, every season we stay at this level MUST class as a successful campaign.

[Jamesy]

Do you think we only play mind numbingly boring attritional football?

The majority of the time, yes. We perhaps have half a dozen games a season where we play some decent stuff but on the whole I feel we are not a good side to watch. It’s just my opinion at the end of the day and if some of you are happy that we stay in the Premier League season after season by playing this attritional football I understand where you are coming from.

[Spijed]

The majority of the time, yes. We perhaps have half a dozen games a season where we play some decent stuff but on the whole I feel we are not a good side to watch. It’s just my opinion at the end of the day and if some of you are happy that we stay in the Premier League season after season by playing this attritional football I understand where you are coming from.

At first I thought your post was a wind up but you are really serious.

Oh well.

[djemba-djemba]

The majority of the time, yes. We perhaps have half a dozen games a season where we play some decent stuff but on the whole I feel we are not a good side to watch.

Half a dozen!? That’s being generous...

[Newcastleclaret93]

The majority of the time, yes. We perhaps have half a dozen games a season where we play some decent stuff but on the whole I feel we are not a good side to watch. It’s just my opinion at the end of the day and if some of you are happy that we stay in the Premier League season after season by playing this attritional football I understand where you are coming from.

I think this is pretty accurate. Most of the time the football is shocking to watch, however it is effective and we manage to get the points to stay up. Until we increase our non tv revenue it’s needs must.

[Lancasterclaret]

I think this is pretty accurate. Most of the time the football is shocking to watch, however it is effective and we manage to get the points to stay up. Until we increase our non tv revenue it’s needs must.

You can tell you don't go on

[Newcastleclaret93]

You can tell you don't go on

Why? Do you think we play good football?

Just my opinion, I don’t like the football we play but I understand why we do it. I think if Dyche had better resources he would have us playing the football of a few years ago

[claretonthecoast1882]

Why? Do you think we play good football?

Just my opinion, I don’t like the football we play but I understand why we do it. I think if Dyche had better resources he would have us playing the football of a few years ago

If you find it shocking, turn over and watch City or someone who plays football you like

[Shaggy]

Why? Do you think we play good football?

Just my opinion, I don’t like the football we play but I understand why we do it. I think if Dyche had better resources he would have us playing the football of a few years ago

Most fans know we don’t play good football, it’s functional repetitive and agricultural. There’s a reason why we do it because it keeps our head abound water.

We may have moments in games where we have a spell of good play but let’s not get it twisted we don’t have anyone taking players on or fast one touch football.

I personally find that in some games we are a very difficult watch.