A bit of make-believe!

Who (in their pomp) would fit well into this current system of flowing football??

Robbie Blake behind a striker linking it all up.

Glen Little but on the other side doing the Zaroury role and cutting inside whilst Ian bombs on out wide.

I’m sure some of you older chaps could make a few more too!

Imagine Trippier in that Roberts role (who does it brilliantly, mind).

Blake, Defour, more recent. From the past, Trevor Steven, Peter Noble.

Leighton James and Kevin Reeves

Ings, Tripps and Defour.

Can you imagine Ian Wright in his prime playing in thiscteam ? That would be something.

Brian Jensen would be thriving

I’d say all of the great players from the 1960s given they would need to reach today’s fitness levels and adapt to today’s football. Two who I think would just drop in are John Connelly & Ray Pointer.

Gifton Noel-Williams without a shadow of doubt...

Charlie Austen

Frank Casper & Ralphie Coates

Jon Walters

Geoff Nulty.

JR1882 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 12:30 pm

A bit of make-believe!

Who (in their pomp) would fit well into this current system of flowing football??

Robbie Blake behind a striker linking it all up.

Glen Little but on the other side doing the Zaroury role and cutting inside whilst Ian bombs on out wide.

I’m sure some of you older chaps could make a few more too!

I loved Blake, but he had nowhere near the pace or mobility for the front 4 roles in this system. Technically, he'd be a dream, but he wasn't quick or good enough at pressing.

Defour and Barton would both be fantastic. I also think David Jones could be decent in Cullen's role with his excellent ball retention.
Arfield played CM, LM and Mezzala for us, he could definitely fit in this team.
Ings would obviously be perfect in the striker or CAM role.
One that's not been said who I think would be excellent- Chris Eagles. Pacy, skillful, decent eye for goal, I think he'd be a dream in a Benson or Zaroury role.

JR1882 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 12:30 pm

A bit of make-believe!

Who (in their pomp) would fit well into this current system of flowing football??

Robbie Blake behind a striker linking it all up.

Glen Little but on the other side doing the Zaroury role and cutting inside whilst Ian bombs on out wide.

I’m sure some of you older chaps could make a few more too!

Oddly enough I don't think Blake or Little would fit in especially. Neither were good enough without the ball - Blake in particular couldn't really press with the intensity we demand. Little was probably a bit too much of an individual too. I say that despite the fact they are two of my favourite players of all time.

Of those that I've seen in 30-odd years, the players that would fit like a glove are Defour and Ings, but I suspect Kompany might also have appreciated someone like Scott Arfield too. Barton would be another strong contender.

Two players from the 2008/09 vintage would fit in wonderfully: the way Coyle used Chris McCann as a fluid inside left/number 8, and Wade Elliott as a mirror image on the right, was as close to the image of Kompany's team as I've seen from a Burnley team before - and both were absolutely superb in that run in. McCann, in particular, pre-injury had huge potential.

Steve Davis wasn't good enough for this level, but the way Beyer dropped the shoulder and carried the ball last season was very reminiscent of Davis in his prime.

I think Brian O’Neil, and Gordon Harris with their 60 yd passes would really do well.

Ron Futcher in his prime (before us obviously) was a very clever, gifted footballer who was ice cool in front of goal.

The Rocket in this team would be our Haaland.

Andy Wharton in the Full back role.

I think Steven Fletcher would suit this team in the role that Barnes played for us last season.

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 3:07 pm

Jon Walters

You couldn't resist.

boyyanno wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 12:38 pm

Ings, Tripps and Defour.

That’s the first three that popped into my head. I’d like to think Blake could fit in but I have to wonder about him keeping up with the relentless pace of it all. Still like to see him try tho, he was a proper footballer him.

Delroy Facey would of got 40 easily last season in this team.

Dave Thomas.

Can't believe no one has mentioned Dean Marney! Think of Marney & Cullen in that midfield together....

Imagine Ian Measham arriving like an express train from fullback.

Frank Casper has my vote. Clever, quick and great finisher

Dave Thomas and Leighton James on the wings, Brian O'Neil in the Cullen role, Laws at right-back, Trevor Steven right or left wing, there's plenty.

Stan Tastic wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:02 pm

Dave Thomas and Leighton James on the wings, Brian O'Neil in the Cullen role, Laws at right-back, Trevor Steven right or left wing, there's plenty.

So not really the current team then, you'd like a totally different one?

First player I thought of when I saw the OP was Trevor Steven. He would be superb in this team.

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:10 pm

First player I thought of when I saw the OP was Trevor Steven. He would be superb in this team.

Well of course he would but who would he replace who isn't already integral?

equinox wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:13 pm

Well of course he would but who would he replace who isn't already integral?

Trevor Steven could replace any of them. The man was pure class.

StayingDown4Ever wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 7:22 pm

Imagine Ian Measham arriving like an express train from fullback.

No room in the team for Phil Malley then?

equinox wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:10 pm

So not really the current team then, you'd like a totally different one?

Did I say all at the same time?

Walter Place and he would get rid of that annoying flying rat in the BL.

Given we have decent wingers and holding midfielders I think the two players we are missing are the creative forward running midfielder to break the lines in the 4-2-2-2 but who can sit back in midfield when required. I'd go for Stephen Defour or possibly Peter Noble.

And the big centre forward for the out ball Harlaand like and maybe I'd go for Ray Hankin who was a 1 in just a bit less than 3 at the top level for 8/9 years.

Slightly off topic but I used to go out around Duke Bar with the late Billy Ingham. He once told me a funny story about big Ray Hankin.
He said shortly after Hank had signed for Leeds him and a couple of other lads went out with him in his brand new Jag. They had a good session and the police pulled them over because Hank was driving erratically. They were all ordered to get out of the car. Hank then proceeded to play the “do you know who I am” card with the cops. He then attempted to lean on the roof of his Jag and missed it completely and ended up in a heap on the floor. Needless to say he was duly arrested for driving under the influence.
Agree though, Hank would be effective in this current team.

boatshed bill wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 6:01 pm

You couldn't resist.

There's only two things Im absolutely certain of in this world and thats the best restaurant in Burnley for any day, time and occasion is Sycamore Farm and but for his bad luck with injuries Jon Walters would have been Burnley's greatest ever player.

Would have loved Cornet in this team!

Les Lawrence.

Jamesy wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:10 pm

First player I thought of when I saw the OP was Trevor Steven. He would be superb in this team.

You clearly forgot about Remco Van Der SchFf

Trevor Steven would walk into this team my other pick would be Martin Dobson.
Of the more recent era Defour and Trips

buzzclarets79 wrote: ↑

Tue Jun 13, 2023 7:15 pm

Can't believe no one has mentioned Dean Marney! Think of Marney & Cullen in that midfield together....

David Jones too, his ball retention skills would fit perfectly.