Why do you support Burnley?

[turfmoore]

One of life's great mysteries. Burnley somehow picked me.
As a young New Zealand teen, in 1973 having watched the first live telecast of an FA Cup final, I decided to follow football rather than rugby (which I had played up until that time like most Kiwis). And football was becoming increasingly popular amongst my cohort.
At start of 73/74 season I looked at the opening results, which included Sheff Utd 0 Burnley 2. Newish to the sport, I hadn't really heard of "Burnley", so I did a bit of reading at the library (no internet then!) - and the narrative just fitted perfectly - punches above its weight (I like an underdog), a knack of producing young talent, one of the original traditional clubs from the north with traditional values (I wasn't interested in these fancy pants clubs like Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea). And so a 50+ year love affair began. Still going strong.
I'm still in New Zealand, watching matches at all times of the day/night. However, have also been over quite a few times and had some magic moments watching the Clarets - highlights include the run-in to the 81/82 3rd Div championship and the 2009 Wembley play-of win (flew over for just that match).
Pleased to say my son caught the Burnley bug. There is no cure!

[Tricky Trevor]

DNA. It’s in the family.

[Clive 1960]

Born and bred in Burnley and first game was away at PNE when we won 4.1 and never looked back...

[eastanglianclaret]

Burnley born and bred. Bank Hall Hospital '64 vintage. Dad took me on first game v QPR 1972. Here I am thousands of pounds later!!! Although I tend to only see the occasional away game nowadays. That was my dad's last ever live attendance at a Burnley game until the 0-0 versus Ipswich in the FA Cup 2022, he was visiting us in Suffolk so I forced him to come to the game!!! Sadly this was possibly the most dour game of an otherwise bonkers season!

[BradTee93]

Grew up in Cloughfold, Grandad & Dad use to go on the Longside when they were younger & both wanted me to actually be able to watch live football rather than think it was just a 'TV programme'

Best thing they ever did for me! UTC!

Eventhough I live in Leyland now, my daughters 6 & will be a lifetime Claret. She predicts our results now also (loses me coin in the process )

[Goddy]

Born in Leeds (sorry) in the 1960s....always hated them for the same reasons most of us dislike them now....unpleasant fans and (back in the day, moreso) unpleasant team/manager (Revie).

'74 cup semi-final I was unduly gutted about Burnley losing and decided then and there that that would be my team. Suffered years of dogs abuse at school but I wouldn't change a thing.

I might not be from Burnley but probably as passionate about the Clarets as most on here. Like so many here, too, I've passed the claret and blue bug onto both my kids who still come and watch even though we're dotted around the country (and all of us miles from Burnley).

UTC

PS I never get bored of that walk down Brunshaw Road/Harry Potts Way and then a first sight of the pitch at Turf Moor!

[Herts Clarets]

Born and raised in Nelson, my Dad's first game was in the 1950s with his Dad. It was never in doubt where the allegiance of a football mad boy brought up a few miles from Turf Moor in a family of Burnley fans was going to be. My first game was v Stoke City in 1975, last game of the season I believe. And to get me prepared for the arrival of Scott Parker, the game finished 0-0. My second game was v Man City, the one with 3 Dennis Tueart penalties. That also finished 0-0....

[KRBFC]

Born in Burnley general hospital, taken to games from very young.

[lakedistrictclaret]

Born in Burnley, although I moved to Penrith when I was two and have never lived there since.
My parents were both from East Lancashire and their families go back for many generations.
There was only ever one team for me!

[Selby Claret]

Born in Keighley (it counts!) - both parents Padihamers - moved to Skipton 2 years before I was born - claret dad, two claret grandads, two claret uncles (my mum fancied Ray Pointer apparently but was never convinced to 'go on' much)

Dad took me to Bolton at home in the FA Cup in about 1987 to avoid a family gathering in Padiham - lost 1-0 - ****** it down - don't think there were many on

Never looked back

[FCBurnley]

Born in Bank Hall 1947. First game 1951/2 on dad’s shoulders. Lived in Fulledge and went to Tod Rd school. Then BGS. Now live in Florida but still watch all Clarets games but sadly on TV. Dad and Uncle were season ticket holders as was one of my Grand dads So didn’t really have a choice who I supported Thank God !

[elwaclaret]

Dad worked in Belthorn and his best mate grew up with Jack and Fred Walker, so had a soft spot for both East Lance clubs. Uncle Harold got us tickets to Ewood, can’t remember who they played. The week after my Dad got us tickets for the Turf (vs Notts County 1978). After the match I was asked who I would support…. “Thank God for that” was my Dad’s reply.

[Hbclaret007]

Born in Todmorden. Grandad and Mum went to watch Burnley. She took me along, thankfully. So proud of this 'small town' team who have been successful by winning football matches. No billionaire's plaything buying success, a proper club. UTC.

[Luppy]

Born in Burnley though raised in Tod. Went to a Burnley school.

Older brother a claret, I had no choice in the matter - but that said I've never been interested in any other Club. As has been said, it's in the DNA

[CaptJohn]

No connection with Burnley whatsoever. Born in Whitchurch, Shropshire and lived all my life either abroad or in the Chester area. My father used to watch Stoke or Port Vale as a coach used to go from Whitchurch every weekend. The first game I have vague recollections of was Chester v Port Vale but the first game I remember vividly was at the old Victoria Ground, Stoke and guess who the visitors were? It was an exciting 4-4 draw and I liked the look of Burnley. The rest is history. A home game for me is a 140 mile round trip and god knows how much money I've spent over the years in fuel. I'm a shareholder now having helped with the funding of the Ashley Barnes purchase in the Dyche era and I didn't sell when the latest owners made a very generous offer early in their tenure. It's a funny old world but I'm a Claret and proud of it

[pompeyclaret]

My dad was born in Burnley and started taking me when very young. Was odd living in north Kent supporting Burnley in the early 90s when no-one knew who we where!

Went to many more matches with my dad, so not sure why my older brother was a mascot and I never was

Now corrupting the future generations from the south coast.

[Belial]

Taken on by my uncle when I was 11 (I'd been watching Liverpool on telly before that along with some of the other kids in my school) . Not too long after I started going, I ended up meeting some of the players in the dressing room - I think I was hooked after that

[DAVETHEVICAR]

Born in Edenfield in 1944 and around 1952 my dad took me and my brother to Gigg Lane to watch Bury
Our father was not enthusiastic about football and around 1957 took me and my brother to watch Burnley and Bolton and Blackburn and Blackpool on the bus where all buses passed through Edenfield
We decided between Burnley and Bolton ( we both attended school in Bolton ) and Burnley got the decision because the bus stopped near the Cricket field stand
Burnden Park meant another bus needed to ground .

Thankfully the best choice and no regrets
Went to many Central League games when first Eleven were away

[Frenchclaret]

Born in Dec 1943. Lived as a boy for a time at 120 Brunshaw Road, very close to the Turf. My mother and grandad were both Clarets and they took me on the Turf in the late 40’s. Dad was a Geordie so supported Newcastle but he worked as chief photographer at the Burnley Express so he saw many matches for the Clarets and became a Claret himself during his career.
Aged 19 I went to university in London and never came back to live in Burnley. However, I remained a Claret all my life despite living most of it in Cambridgeshire. I still go to nearby away games at Norwich and visit the Turf 3or 4 times a season and also when I visit my son I go to Brighton, Southampton, Portsmouth and Crystal Palace when we play them.
Since I was very young, I think I have been a supporter for over 75 years or so. My first game that I remember was against Derby County in the late 1940’s and we lost it!

[gandhisflipflop]

Born in Dec 1943. Lived as a boy for a time at 120 Brunshaw Road, very close to the Turf. My mother and grandad were both Clarets and they took me on the Turf in the late 40’s. Dad was a Geordie so supported Newcastle but he worked as chief photographer at the Burnley Express so he saw many matches for the Clarets and became a Claret himself during his career.
Aged 19 I went to university in London and never came back to live in Burnley. However, I remained a Claret all my life despite living most of it in Cambridgeshire. I still go to nearby away games at Norwich and visit the Turf 3or 4 times a season and also when I visit my son I go to Brighton, Southampton, Portsmouth and Crystal Palace when we play them.
Since I was very young, I think I have been a supporter for over 75 years or so. My first game that I remember was against Derby County in the late 1940’s and we lost it!

I used to love sitting down with my grandad about the old players he had seen and games attended. Not wanting to make you feel old here btw, I bet you have similar tales. He particularly used to enjoy telling me about a footballer was sent off for a ‘look of intent’. Can’t remember who now. Always tickled him. Happy memories.

[Dazzler]

He particularly used to enjoy telling me about a footballer was sent off for a ‘look of intent’. Can’t remember who now. Always tickled him. Happy memories.

Billy Elliott I think it was...

[Jimscho]

Born in Lumb in 49.Went watching Rossendale United as a kid and then my Grandad(big Bury fan)and my dad who had no real allegiance took me to Bury a few times.My dad who was a friend of Bob Paisley,from the 2nd world war,took me to Burnley whenever Burnley played Blackpool late 50s.Saw Stanley Matthews once.I then started going with frielnds early 60s and been going ever since.

[HurstGrangeClaret]

Born and brought up in Burnley. First went on the Turf when about 7/8, but became a regular during our promotion season of 72/73, when I also went to my first away game at Deepdale to see us win the league with that Colin Waldron wonder goal.
Can remember going to Hilsborough with my mate Chris, who was the headmaster’s son of my school St. Teds, and being left heartbroken with the result (bloody Malcolm McDonald).
Left Burnley at 18 to work in Preston and been there ever since but once a Claret, always a Claret. Although my son was born and brought up in Preston and still lives here, he never had a chance of supporting any other team. He grumbled in the 90s and 00s when Preston seemed to better more often than not but he learned to take it on the chin from his Preston supporting mates.
Now we go on together but not as often as I’d like, and three years ago a new generation of Clarets was born with my young grandson, who already knows “Come on Burnley “.
Incidentally,about five years before he died, I found out my dad had seen us win the league at Maine Road in 1960. And two of my siblings are season ticket holders. It’s in the blood!

[Folkestoneclaret]

Dad took me to see the full 1st Division side at Folkestone in 1958 in a match to mark the opening of the home club's floodlights. Been Folkestoneclaret ever since!

[It Is What It Is]

Born Rawtenstall 1953..dad took me to first footy game at Turf Moor on my 7th or 8th Bday. Great day out, Burnley won..that was it. Burnley FC forever in my blood
Been going ever since....just soooooo glad he didn't take me Deadwood!!!

[ŽižkovClaret]

I was born in the Edith Watson.

Thats it

[watsonsclarets]

Born in Edith Watson, lived in Earby then Nelson went to a mid week cup match and the massive floodlight pylons drew me in.

Now live in Leeds after 23 years in the Army and working for some football clubs, called my son Burnlee to keep the heritage, he now like me a season ticket holder and the linage is now with him !!

[IanMcL]

1st taken on in the late 60's, fell out with football when I discovered Beer, Motorbikes and Girls in the early 70's ... a mate asked if I wanted to go on in the early 1990's to a Tuesday night match as they had a spare seat in the car... 3 weeks later I ordered a season ticket for the following season ... and the rest is history.

So easily swayed and led astray!

[Bosscat]

So easily swayed and led astray!

Still had the Motorbikes and Beer and got Married 2 years later in 1995 Ian

[BleedingClaret]

Never given this a thought
Born Burnley Bank Hall
Brought up up Manchester Road
Mum from Bristol Dad from Waterfoot but he died when I was 2 so my Mum had no interest in football, my brother 11 years older was a fan of Burnley rather than an active supporter.
So No one would take me on
I could hear the Turf from my front street
So I started kicking off so by age 9, late by the standards of many on here, my brother had to take me on 1976/77 season to give my Mum a quieter life.
By 11 I was getting off a bus in Blackburn centre assuming that all football grounds were in the towns centre and then walking up Bolton Road scarf and all not realising how rare wins over them would become in the next 36 years!
Experienced Celtic, still hate them!

As I said at the start I’ve never given this a thought just what I am

5 kids all Burnley
My son grew up in Blackburn and went to Darwen Vale High School where he was known as Dingle
I work a lot round Great Harwood, Blackburn and the Ribble Valley where I’m referred to as Dingle
Badge of honour to me
Granddaughters Dad is 1 of them but she is a Claret
New Grandson has already had his 1st Claret Xmas bib on

[IanMcL]

Grew up Reading.Played cup final at a hool. Burnley v Spurs, in the playground, after a lad said, "We'll be Spurs," I said "We'll be Burnley."

One wet playtime, we played a football tournament an old penny for player and sixpence for ball. We lined up to say what team we were.

When my turn came, the lad writing down the teams looked up and said, "You'll be Burnley".

Almost 63 years later, I am still Burnley.
First match Reading v Burnley FA Cup 1965

Away matches south and London when I left school, aged 16. Then more away games and trips to Burnley at Easter. Then more. When wife died, 10 years ago, Season Ticket, to escape the grief and give myself a purpose.

Addicted.

[basil6345789]

Cos of Jimmy Mac

[Longford Claret]

Born in Accrington in the 1960s. My Grandad , Dad and uncle were all Burnley fans. Started going in the early 1970s.

[Lord_Bob]

Born in Cambridgeshire as were my Dad and brother, but Mum was from Colne, they met during the war. Moved there when I was 2. Dad became a season ticket holder. My first game was Rovers at their place in '63 - 2-1 win Connelly with two goals. Dad handed me his season ticket (we couldn't afford two) when I was in grammar school (CGS). Went to all the home games until I was about 15 when I was playing myself on a Saturday afternoon. Only away game after that was Preston - you know the one. Then college and playing in and around London for 8 years I lost the plot. Got worse when I moved the the States in '82. Heard rumours of us sliding down the divisions, found it hard to believe. News of the Orient game made it over here. Finally got back into it mid 2000's (when the internet became useful) and the Coyle promotion. Now a TV watcher but do go on anytime I do get home which is not very often (brother and family still live there).

[RicardoMontalban]

Born in Burnley but my parents had only arrived from Edinburgh the year before, and my Dad’s sporting love is Rugby Union.

Got into playing football at primary school but never really settled on a team. After my brother and sister arrived when I was six, dad looked for something to do that was just for us and suggested the Turf. “They’re in the fourth division so they’re not very good, but when I was a boy they were a big deal” he said. Hooked instantly.

[hetheclaret]

I was born and raised down south and didn't go to school with any Burnley fans, but my mother is from just outside Burnley (father was from Norfolk and not into football). I was brought into the fold by my uncle who has been a fan since 1970s.

It was a close call, though. My grandfather had zero interest in football (nor in taking his son to the football) so my grandmother asked the local grocer if he knew where she could get some football tickets one Saturday - fortunately, he was a Burnley fan and he let her have his two for the day.

My grandmother was actually from a Blackburn-supporting family so had the grocer not had tickets, she'd likely have taken my uncle to Ewood Park that day and not Turf Moor. I think the match he went to was against Derby in April 1971.

A close shave.

[dougcollins]

Yorkie here. My old man had no interest in football (ex RU No 8) and grudgingly said, when I was 10, if I picked a club he'd take me to the games.

I think he was expecting Bradford City/ PA, Leeds, Halifax etc and was taken aback when I said 'Burnley. I want to go to Burnley.'

He stuck to his word, and here I am.

[dougcollins]

Forgot to say. 1968.

[Claret86]

Grew up in Padiham but my dad is from St Helens and my mum is from Hartford. Neither of them had any interest in football but I loved playing it.
Unfortunately, with no parental guidance, I liked Man u. One of my uncles is a big burnley fan and was disgusted seeing me in a Man united shirt. Took me on a burnley match as soon as he could. We lost 2-1 at home to PNE in 97. Michael Jackson scored both goals for them but I was hooked.
Only went on 2 matches that season but the next season (the Waddle season) I went on loads

[The Shire Claret]

Friends at Primary School wearing Burnley tops and liking the colour .....

[Claret Toni]

When asked the question, Why Burnley? I always answer because I'm lucky.

..but the interesting thing, to me, is the journey with my elder grandson.

Living in Cheshire he was poorly influenced at school and began supporting Chelsea when they were winning everything. After a few seasons when they stopped winning everything and he realised they were London based, he switched allegiance to Manchester City, 'cos they were nearby (and also winning everything). He even went to some European matches with the school, but found it all a bit boring and lacking in atmosphere.

I felt I'd done my bit by taking him to matches at the Turf but he wasn't keen, but in the last promotion season he asked to come to a game, so we went to the West Brom game. Good choice. His comment about Twine, "He'll never get it up and down from there; how did he do that" and the atmosphere was amazing. On the way home he just asked could he have a season ticket for the following season. So he's a Claret because of the Longside. After relegation, the season ticket was instantly renewed. Hooked.

His younger brother was easier and has always been a claret. So much so that when he saw a photo of himself in a Burnley baby grow, he asked me how we knew he was a Burnley supporter before he could speak.

Of course there are some interesting discussions between them now. Who are you supporting next season versus, You're not a real supporter because you don't have a season ticket.

My job is done.

[claretspice]

Because of my Dad - simple as that. No personal connection to Burnley (and his was fairly loose, and mainly a product of the 1962 cup final), but he took me to a game in the spring of 1991 and then a few times the next (Mullen) season. He timed it well: I was 7, so young enough to be completely taken in by everything that surrounded the game and the idea of Burnley as a big club on a journey back to the top, but also old enough for it to be something I wanted to do and was engaged with. And of course, the club was on the up for the first 3 years - apart from the Torquay play off game (second match), I didn't experience any disappointment really until 94/95. The whole thing was just completely intoxicating to a primary school kid.

Became the great way of spending time together, as I think it does for many. 34 years on there's no going back.

[Tribesmen]

Born in Ireland but grew up in Burnley , it's easy after that just love football and Burnley are my team .

[brexit]

It's cheaper than BDSM

[dansch]

Born in Kent and grew up supporting Man Utd for my woes but after they won the treble in 1999 I decided I didn't want to be a glory hunter anymore and wanted more self flagellation in my life. My mum is from Nelson so eventually I got taken to the Turf by my uncle's mate (my uncle was having a hiatus at the time), I can't actually remember who we played, just that Graham Branch scored the winner in a 1-0 win. Needless to say I've been hooked on the clarets ever since and fight their cause everywhere I go. Migrated to Liverpool 3 years ago where I'm now known as Burnley Dan (most people have no clue why with my southern accent). UTC

[Thrupneybithead]

Really enjoyed reading this thread.

My great-grandad came over to Burnley from Belfast in the 1920s to play for the club. He married a local girl and though he had to retire through injury and was only 33 when he died, my great-grandmother continued to bring my grandad up locally. My grandad actually played for Burnley and England Schoolboys as a youngster, though he never went professional. It's fair to say Burnley is very much 'in the family'- I've never known anything else. I haven't lived in the area for some 20 years but most of my family is still in and around Burnley.