ARTICLE: Promotion Season Number Nine

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 3:23 pm

Looking back at the nine promotions I've witnessed

See link
https://www.uptheclarets.com/promotion- ... umber-nine

Fretters · Post by **Fretters** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 3:52 pm

Great article. I think this promotion is the best I've seen in terms of sheer staff turnover and the change in style.

There's a small typo in the Huddersfield scoreline reference near the end,

'It had been brilliant to watch even though we did only lead 3-0.'

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 4:13 pm

Fretters wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 3:52 pm

There's a small typo in the Huddersfield scoreline reference near the end,

'It had been brilliant to watch even though we did only lead 3-0.'

Thanks - now corrected.

roperclaret · Post by **roperclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:07 pm

Brilliant read that Tony. Thank you

Cajun · Post by **Cajun** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:19 pm

Excellent read, enjoyed that, same 9 promotions for me also

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:21 pm

Cajun wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:19 pm
Excellent read, enjoyed that, same 9 promotions for me also

You’d have to be old to beat nine, the previous one was in 1947.

Claret Till I Die · Post by **Claret Till I Die** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:26 pm

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:21 pm
You’d have to be old to beat nine, the previous one was in 1947.

Only 8 for me...

Bosscat · Post by **Bosscat** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:28 pm

8 for me too

ashtonlongsider · Post by **ashtonlongsider** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 5:39 pm

Excellent article CT, it gave me goosebumps and you can see your life flash before you. Like you I've witnessed 9 as well. This season has been very special and there's still a lot to play for. Not being greedy, but I'd like us to top the 100 point mark. All that said, the 72/73 was my favourite and I still believe it's our best ever 2nd tier team.

bfcjg · Post by **bfcjg** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:06 pm

Sadly 9 for me

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:35 pm

I was six weeks old when we drew 1-1 with Millwall on the 7th June 1947 which was the last match of our 46/47 promotion season. I don't know if that makes me elligible for having witnessed 10 promotions or not.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:41 pm

Vino blanco wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:35 pm
I was six weeks old when we drew 1-1 with Millwall on the 7th June 1947 which was the last match of our 46/47 promotion season. I don't know if that makes me elligible for having witnessed 10 promotions or not.

I think promotion had been clinched the week before when we won 5-0 at West Ham

Stanbill05 · Post by **Stanbill05** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:44 pm

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:41 pm
I think promotion had been clinched the week before when we won 5-0 at West Ham

Just spilt my brew laughing. Love the attention to detail.

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:54 pm

7 for me. I spent my first five years as a Claret thinking we'd only ever be a fourth division club.

summitclaret · Post by **summitclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:55 pm

bfcjg wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:06 pm
Sadly 9 for me

Ditto.

strayclaret · Post by **strayclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 7:27 pm

All 9 for me either the promotion game and or Championship.
Alas I can’t be there on Saturday when we could be crowned Champions but I was at Boro last Friday
UTC

Ptangyangkipperbang · Post by **Ptangyangkipperbang** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 7:39 pm

My 9th promotion as well.1981-82 was my favourite season attending all the home games and quire a lot away York in 92 was my best of all time but this season has surpassed everything especially going on with my Grandson and having a totally different perspective of the match day experience

Billyblah · Post by **Billyblah** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 7:59 pm

Stanbill05 wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:44 pm
Just spilt my brew laughing. Love the attention to detail.

Amazing how CT pulls out all of this info.

Eight promotions for me, the most memorable being driving a car load down to the old Wembley stadium for the play off against Stockport County who didn't bring that many fans. They were rewarded with the chant "you must have come in a taxi".
I didn't bother heading to the play off against Sheffield United. Instead I watched it on big screens in the Hare and Hounds, Clayton le Moors with a curious mix of fellow Clarets and a few Rovers fans who were presumably hoping that their worst nightmare wouldn't happen.
Whilst there are mixed emotions to Owen Coyle, he did offer us our first taste of the Premier League.

Royboyclaret · Post by **Royboyclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:04 pm

Vino blanco wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:35 pm
I was six weeks old when we drew 1-1 with Millwall on the 7th June 1947 which was the last match of our 46/47 promotion season. I don't know if that makes me elligible for having witnessed 10 promotions or not.

Don't see why not, Vino blanco.......and, to be fair, it was the last one for some 26 seasons.....We really were that special in those preceding years in Division One.

No Ney Never · Post by **No Ney Never** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:11 pm

Same 9 for me too.
Each one has been special in their own way, but Coyle's promotion wow, still can't believe it happened.

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:14 pm

Royboyclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:04 pm
Don't see why not, Vino blanco.......and, to be fair, it was the last one for some 26 seasons.....We really were that special in those preceding years in Division One.

My dad followed Burnley from the 1930s and always enthused about players of the post war era: he actually had to miss the 1947 Cup Final, though he had a ticket, because my mother went into labour with me the morning of the final and I came into the world just after midnight on the day after the final. I've been watching them since 1951, though I started going on regularly in in 1957.

Royboyclaret · Post by **Royboyclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:16 pm

Vino blanco wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 6:35 pm
I was six weeks old when we drew 1-1 with Millwall on the 7th June 1947 which was the last match of our 46/47 promotion season. I don't know if that makes me elligible for having witnessed 10 promotions or not.

Billy Morris with the equaliser, Vino blanco..... and the crazy thing was it was some 6 weeks AFTER we had played in the Cup Final at Wembley.......Defo 10 promotions for you.

aclaretinstevenage · Post by **aclaretinstevenage** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:21 pm

Same 9 for me and while it's difficult to put one above the other I really liked the Jimmy Mullen promotion seeing it as almost a resurrection, a kind of Lazarus moment.

I Didn't get to York but I recall the away game at Mansfield being a big win for us (1-0 Mike Conroy scored I believe) and we were sat in the main stand with the not so friendly locals.

Royboyclaret · Post by **Royboyclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:27 pm

Vino blanco wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:14 pm
My dad followed Burnley from the 1930s and always enthused about players of the post war era: he actually had to miss the 1947 Cup Final, though he had a ticket, because my mother went into labour with me the morning of the final and I came into the world just after midnight on the day after the final. I've been watching them since 1951, though I started going on regularly in in 1957.

Brilliant memories of that '59/'60 season, Vino ?

Just how good was Jimmy Mac and that perfectly balanced side around him ?

So much credit to Harry Potts, a top class manager......perhaps our best of all time behind John Haworth ?

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:32 pm

No Ney Never wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:11 pm
Same 9 for me too.
Each one has been special in their own way, but Coyle's promotion wow, still can't believe it happened.

All special and all so different. It wasn’t too far into 2023 when I thought this one was done but then there are promotions that come late in the season with those late runs, such as Stan’s with seven wins in the last eight.

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:41 pm

Royboyclaret wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:27 pm
Brilliant memories of that '59/'60 season, Vino ?

Just how good was Jimmy Mac and that perfectly balanced side around him ?

So much credit to Harry Potts, a top class manager......perhaps our best of all time behind John Haworth ?

Yeah, I was season ticket holder by then and went on all the home games. My dad also took me to quite few away games including Maine Rd to clinch the First Division title. That forward line of Connelly, Mac, Pointer, Robson, Pilky/Harris was pure poetry in motion, so much so I was sometimes a bit disappointed if we only scored two or three goals at home, Having said that I am enjoying the football we are playing under Kompany so, so much at the moment.....long may it continue.

Royboyclaret · Post by **Royboyclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:47 pm

Vino blanco wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:41 pm
Yeah, I was season ticket holder by then and went on all the home games. My dad also took me to quite few away games including Maine Rd to clinch the First Division title. That forward line of Connelly, Mac, Pointer, Robson, Pilky/Harris was pure poetry in motion, so much so I was sometimes a bit disappointed if we only scored two or three goals at home, Having said that I am enjoying the football we are playing under Kompany so, so much at the moment.....long may it continue.

Looks like Kompany is going to be just a bit special for us ?

How to we compare him to the likes of Potts and Haworth ?

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:48 pm

Time will tell, royboy.

Royboyclaret · Post by **Royboyclaret** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:52 pm

Vino blanco wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:48 pm
Time will tell, royboy.

Indeed, Vino.....but this man looks to have something very special about him.

Same old story over the years though, a manager is only as good as the players around him......that's why Potts was so special.

claret4blue · Post by **claret4blue** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:54 pm

Great article Tony, see you managed to get in on the action at the Cats.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 9:54 pm

claret4blue wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 8:54 pm
Great article Tony, see you managed to get in on the action at the Cats.

And look at the hair. I can confirm that one of my other friends on the photograph is also somewhat follicly challenged. The other friend hasn't done anything like as bad.

DanH90 · Post by **DanH90** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:10 pm

5th promotion for me at the age of 32, and 4 of those to the top flight.

First season I had a season ticket was the promotion under Stan, and fans of my age and younger can count themselves extremely lucky they really have witnessed halcyon days in the history of this club.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:23 pm

DanH90 wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:10 pm
5th promotion for me at the age of 32, and 4 of those to the top flight.

First season I had a season ticket was the promotion under Stan, and fans of my age and younger can count themselves extremely lucky they really have witnessed halcyon days in the history of this club.

I was fortunate to witness the 1960s seasons although I missed out on the league championship season. I'm also very fortunate to have witnessed the recent seasons too. Just a shame I also had to see the bit in the middle but for someone your age and younger, it's fantastic and long may it last although, as I wrote in the article, it would be good if we never had to go for promotion again.

Spike · Post by **Spike** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:38 pm

ClaretTony wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 4:13 pm
Thanks - now corrected.

Simple mistake it felt like 3-0

Cirrus_Minor · Post by **Cirrus_Minor** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 11:20 pm

Brilliant write up, thanks for that. I have also witnessed an incredible 9 promotions. This season has been sensational but i would also agree that the 72/73 season was better, maybe it was my age then or maybe players like James and Dobson (amongst others) who were really outstanding especially for second division standards.

I was at Preston and have also seen all of the promotion critical games, apart from the Scunthorpe match when my wife watched it on the big screen at Turf Moor and relayed the game via mobile phone to me in Brazil. Happy days.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:20 am

9 for me, though my mother can claim 10. She listened on the radio to the Cup Final commentary and that got her keen to watch the matches next season. So she didn't actually watch a match in 46-47, but she did pay some attention.

That was back in the days when it was "ladies and boys" entrance, half price. She was slightly worried that she wouldn't get in!

hoskinsgoalatswansea · Post by **hoskinsgoalatswansea** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 4:17 am

8 for me. First season my dad took me on was 81/82 3rd division champions.

steve1264b · Post by **steve1264b** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 5:22 am

Nine for me, I've always said we were a special club and that we have had so many ups and downs compared to others.

Rarely a dull season with the clarets.

My daughter who is 28 and really a "Coyle child" has known nothing but good times compared to us old uns!

They don't fear anyone, actively look forward to derby days against Rovers, whereas they still fill me with dread!!!

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 9:58 am

Pleased the article brought some debate and memories for people. A bit longer than my usual articles but I got into ramble mode a bit.

claretblue · Post by **claretblue** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 10:16 am

great article:
being at both Preston and Wembley were equally exhilarating!

this season has been so, so satisfying - a great squad of players actually passing to each other!

Unforgettable season + looking forward to the reward that promotion offers!

UTC

lakedistrictclaret · Post by **lakedistrictclaret** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 10:19 am

Nine for me too, and Middlesbrough was the first one where I wasn't there when we clinched it.

Buxtonclaret · Post by **Buxtonclaret** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 11:03 am

9 for me too.
This season is pushing Jimmy's early 70s championship winning side to be my favourite.

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 11:15 am

DanH90 wrote: ↑
Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:10 pm
5th promotion for me at the age of 32, and 4 of those to the top flight.

First season I had a season ticket was the promotion under Stan, and fans of my age and younger can count themselves extremely lucky they really have witnessed halcyon days in the history of this club.

Not that I'm bitter, but my lad started going in 2012.. pretty much only known us as a top Championship team or a Premier League side who may qualify for Europe once in a while. Doesn't believe we can ever lose to Blackburn.

13 of my first 14 seasons were in the bottom two divisions. The only one that wasn't saw us relegated.

Tribesmen · Post by **Tribesmen** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:01 pm

Have to think but i am sure i have been at 5 when we won promotion or champions on the day . Now we will be at the Cardiff game but that will not count .

sixtiesclaret · Post by **sixtiesclaret** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 12:43 pm

In my late seventies now so lived through all nine - to the 4th division and back !!!

Guller Bull · Post by **Guller Bull** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 2:28 pm

Great memories of all nine. First is the best for me as a nine year old and just to see your team and your heroes back in the big time was special. Every kick in every game I played Scott Park, I was either Leighton James or Paul Fletcher. My brother was nine years older than me but I used to play with him and his mates on the top field near the bandstand (until the parties chased us off). I am sure I remember Billy Ingham and his mates joining us on one occasion.

Moved away to Garstang a couple of years later but that one was special. Always a chip barm cake at The Alamo on the way down to the Turf.

This team now though in my opinion is playing the best football I have ever seen us play.

International class · Post by **International class** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 2:32 pm

Number 9 for me too!

I was 15 years old in 1973 and remember that promotion season so well, stood on the Longside in my Oxfords bags, Brutus penny round collar shirt, red socks and black brogues.

I must have looked a right prat, come to think of it now!

Guller Bull · Post by **Guller Bull** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 2:36 pm

* not “the Alamo” it was the “El Greco”.

Dazzler · Post by **Dazzler** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 3:53 pm

9 also.

I was only 9 but Preston away still vivid in my mind.

Cant't remember the Sunderland home game when we clinched promotion.

sjb · Post by **sjb** » Fri Apr 14, 2023 4:07 pm

9 for me too. I remember coming off the Longside at the end of the Sunderland game in 73 & consoling a Mackem by telling him not to worry and they would win the FA Cup. Don't think I really believed it mind.

All 9 promotions have been special but if I had a gun to my head my top 3 would be;

3rd 1972/3
2nd 1991/2
1st 2022/3