https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0h6k ... are-mobile Worth a listen for the hour he was on this evening, especially his comments about Tella, Maatsen & Harwood bellis in the last 10 minutes of the show.

Great interview.

Snippet of it here too:

https://x.com/bbclancssport/status/1757 ... 70775?s=46

Kompany having the ‘safest job in the 92’ is interesting.

Can you provide a bullet point for us lazy sods who can’t be bothered to listen to the links please.

- Maatsen wanted to come at start of summer but Chelsea wanted to have a look at him under a new manager. Agreed a fee at the end of the window (nowhere near the £30 million reported) but Maatsen wanted to stay.

- Tella wanted to come. Had bids rejected. Could have overpaid but didn’t make commercial sense. Went to Germany for €22-23m he believes

- THB. Price wanted by City was more than what the club thought he was worth and moved onto O’Shea.

Decent interview, and he’s a good PR guy, but it still doesn’t explain the multitude of baffling decisions made this season, which I won’t go over again.

Not that it should be Matt Williams’ job to explain those, mind. That’s for Vinny to do.

Esteve here for next season no matter what.

First time I have heard that and am delighted.

CrosspoolClarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:34 pm

Esteve here for next season no matter what.

First time I have heard that and am delighted.

Was mentioned by Vinny when he signed. Assignon is only a permanent if we stay up.

CrosspoolClarets wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:34 pm

Esteve here for next season no matter what.

First time I have heard that and am delighted.

Yes he said that in his last interview. Very good news.

In his last interview he said the Assignon deal only came about before the City game (having previously enquired earlier in the year), Sacha Boey was trying to convince him to go to Galatasaray and Vinny convinced him to come here. Clearly that one was worked on far less and arguably a more established player so sadly no such conditions on that one, which is going to be heartbreaking.

BurnleyFC wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 14, 2024 11:39 pm

Was mentioned by Vinny when he signed. Assignon is only a permanent if we stay up.

Definitely a good way to become a fan favourite from the off.

As well as above:

- We were in talks with Maatsen in January. He chose Dortmumd.

- They were amazed we signed Esteve/Montpellier let him go. He’s very highly rated in France.

- They evaluate the windows after each one, confident they did well/all they could in both windows.

- Planning for two scenarios in summer. Expect exits if we go down as vultures circle.

- Chelsea were willing to sell Maatsen at end of window but he didn’t want to come. But have established a good relationship with Chelsea as a result and got Fofana.

- Training ground is amazing as is detail Kompany goes in to. Agents / players always impressed. Fofana will leave a better player & that will enable other signings from Chelsea in summer.

- Loans from big clubs cheaper (as you’d expect).

- Fofana would be a tough deal to keep permanently (inferring they rate him highly).

- Since Vinny joined his recruitment contacts have grown four fold. Said he now goes to London to meet Sporting Directors of major European clubs and has to pinch himself.

- Board are focussed on growing brand/club globally. Considering US tour in summer.

- Discussed JJ and the great work he’s doing. Mentioned the Super Bowl coverage. Didn’t discuss DP. I think that might’ve ended.

- Pace has reassured all non-playing staff that as long as they’re doing their roles to the best of their ability that their roles will be safe in the event of relegation.

- Would have to listen back but he mentioned possible Everton & Forest point deductions as meaning we’ll be in the race till the end of the season.

Thats all I can remember.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:10 am

Pace has reassured all non-playing staff that as long as they’re doing their roles to the best of their ability that their roles will be safe in the event of relegation.

He kept making this point which i thought was a bit odd. Felt as if its going to be used as a reason for some people to be dispensed of.

Every time i hear Matt Williams speak im even more convinced that he is a great asset to our football club. It feels like hes one of us, possibly the last one left at the club that gives that impression.

Text into the programme, bemoaning the fact that we let three players leave who didn't belong to us.

All reasons we didn't sign them are listed above but one thing is for sure, if we paid north of £20 million for Tella and it didn't work out the board would be getting hammered.

Beyer hasn't been anywhere near as Influential this season and that could easily have been the case with Tella.

When we signed Tella last season quite a few on this board were looking at his record for Southampton and saying he wasn't up to it, how things changed.

Goody1975 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 2:59 am

Text into the programme, bemoaning the fact that we let three players leave who didn't belong to us.

All reasons we didn't sign them are listed above but one thing is for sure, if we paid north of £20 million for Tella and it didn't work out the board would be getting hammered.

Beyer hasn't been anywhere near as Influential this season and that could easily have been the case with Tella.

When we signed Tella last season quite a few on this board were looking at his record for Southampton and saying he wasn't up to it, how things changed.

His smile & personality alone is worth a few million.......joy to watch play!

really pleased there is zero panic, that's how good businesses usually succeed in the long term

At the time I thought it was a mistake not to sign Harwood bellis, but O'Shea has come on massively since the start of the season.

O'Shea is quicker and better in the air, Harwood bellis better positionally, and passing.

Taffy on the wing wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 3:08 am

His smile & personality alone is worth a few million.......joy to watch play!

If I somehow managed to play for Burnley I would have a huge smile. But I'd be ****.

I watched the 10 minute version.

Matt Williams is a very likeable chap, who speaks well for the club.
Gives enough info to be worth listening to. Makes all positives sound like they only happen at Burnley and all negatives that they happen at every football club.
Definitely a club asset.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:10 am

- Chelsea were willing to sell Maatsen at end of window but he didn’t want to come. But have established a good relationship with Chelsea as a result and got Fofana.

On Maatsen he also commented on how the agreed fee was ‘nowhere near’ to the £30m figure mentioned in the press. Just shows how a figure can make it out there and then everyone is running with it. Makes you wonder how many other reported deals of ours are similar this season.

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:42 am

On Maatsen he also commented on how the agreed fee was ‘nowhere near’ to the £30m figure mentioned in the press. Just shows how a figure can make it out there and then everyone is running with it. Makes you wonder how many other reported deals of ours are similar this season.

I'd make a guess at every one, but still some will hang onto the 20 million we paid for a goalkeeper

RVclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:42 am

On Maatsen he also commented on how the agreed fee was ‘nowhere near’ to the £30m figure mentioned in the press. Just shows how a figure can make it out there and then everyone is running with it. Makes you wonder how many other reported deals of ours are similar this season.

It was reported as 20m rising to 32m with add ons.

Which was still way too much.

I like Matt Williams.

Just wondering why he's now the defacto spokesperson for the club?

Seem to only hear from Pace when we get a win, radio silence when we're getting panned.

Goody1975 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 2:59 am

All reasons we didn't sign them are listed above but one thing is for sure, if we paid north of £20 million for Tella and it didn't work out the board would be getting hammered.

Beyer hasn't been anywhere near as Influential this season and that could easily have been the case with Tella.

This seems like two points that very directly contradict each other. Beyer hasn't worked out so far and the vast majority on this board have given the deal good grace given it's something we all wanted to happen. No reason to think the same wouldn't have happened with the even more popular Tella.

daveisaclaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:17 am

This seems like two points that very directly contradict each other. Beyer hasn't worked out so far and the vast majority on this board have given the deal good grace given it's something we all wanted to happen. No reason to think the same wouldn't have happened with the even more popular Tella.

Not only that, but right wing/right forward was a position of need and has only just been half patched up with Fofana showing that he can play there.

We also stumped up similar fees for Amdouni and Tresor.

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 7:52 am

I'd make a guess at every one, but still some will hang onto the 20 million we paid for a goalkeeper

Pretty certain the club would have shot this down if it wasn't true, if the fee is much less then doesn't it make it even more baffling why we persist?

CoolClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:11 am

I like Matt Williams.

Just wondering why he's now the defacto spokesperson for the club?

Seem to only hear from Pace when we get a win, radio silence when we're getting panned.

Are we talking about the same Alan Pace who puts himself in the firing line most home games by mingling with the fans outside the ground and in the Fanzone? The same Alan Pace who stood close by me on Sunday at Leyland watching the women’s team and welcomed every conversation passing fans had with him?

CoolClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:11 am

I like Matt Williams.

Just wondering why he's now the defacto spokesperson for the club?

Seem to only hear from Pace when we get a win, radio silence when we're getting panned.

Does pace not do an article in every match day programme? Which is circulated on social media

And Pace probably thinks, with some justification, it’s not worth the hassle after some of the jibes he’s received online, often based on his place of birth and/or religion.

bumba wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:30 am

Pretty certain the club would have shot this down if it wasn't true, if the fee is much less then doesn't it make it even more baffling why we persist?

Pretty certain they wouldn't.....

Well he’s the COO, so I imagine this falls into his remit - they also probably realise, as we’re seeing, that he’s a very personable character so it makes sense.

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:39 am

Pretty certain they wouldn't.....

Why not because they've spoken about other fees?
Your saying we didn't pay that but if we sell back to City you'll be saying we got the reported £50+ million

bumba wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:47 am

Why not because they've spoken about other fees?
Your saying we didn't pay that but if we sell back to City you'll be saying we got the reported £50+ million

There isn't one credible report that we "paid" 20million or on the other hand there are no similar reports that we get 50 million if we sell back

Which actual fees have the club officially spoken about?

burnmark wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:34 am

Are we talking about the same Alan Pace who puts himself in the firing line most home games by mingling with the fans outside the ground and in the Fanzone? The same Alan Pace who stood close by me on Sunday at Leyland watching the women’s team and welcomed every conversation passing fans had with him?

None of the above matters because some people won't be happy until the club is owned by a Burnley born
and bred butcher or likewise, born within sight of Turf Moor and can trace their Burnley DNA back to the Neolithic Era.

It’s an excellent and very interesting interview giving a good “ from the horses mouth “ perspective of how the deals are looked at etc . Yes it’s a bit of a puff piece with the Vinny love and “ all players want to stay “ etc but he’s a PR man so naturally he spins it well .

burnmark wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 8:34 am

Are we talking about the same Alan Pace who puts himself in the firing line most home games by mingling with the fans outside the ground and in the Fanzone? The same Alan Pace who stood close by me on Sunday at Leyland watching the women’s team and welcomed every conversation passing fans had with him?

I'd just like to re-reply to this and further elaborate.

That's great that he does that -

I certainly don't post on here to try and point-score or whatever and 'win' little side-debates at all.

I post my thoughts and ask some questions, i'm not trying to score any semantic points or whatever.

If anyone doesn't like what I post then fair enough, give me a block - and if I post something against the rules (as with everyone), report it and craic on.

Going on at posters from prior threads and bringing them into disarray with ad-hominems is proper tiresome.

This thread is another example and i'm aware that I'm half contributing to it but what do posters want me to do when quoted multiple times?

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:08 am

There isn't one credible report that we "paid" 20million or on the other hand there are no similar reports that we get 50 million if we sell back

Which actual fees have the club officially spoken about?

BBC, the athletic, Manchester evening news on quick glance all have the same deal reported. £15 million rising to £19 million and City 20% sell on or buy back.

bumba wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:52 am

BBC, the athletic, Manchester evening news on quick glance all have the same deal reported. £15 million rising to £19 million and City 20% sell on or buy back.

So not 20 million, or 50 million buy back, glad you agree with what I said

Did you find any article where the club commented about an incoming fee?

Nori1958 wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:57 am

So not 20 million, or 50 million buy back, glad you agree with what I said

Did you find any article where the club commented about an incoming fee?

Why do you keep quoting the 20 million YOU quoted not me.

bumba wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:06 am

Why do you keep quoting the 20 million YOU quoted not me.

But you said if it was less then surely they would tell us....anyway there's enough posts on here taking it away from the subject,iam not going to add to them any further

It was an interesting listen, some things worried me and some things were encouraging. Don't necessarily agree with the club's rationale on Tella/THB but can't say fairer than coming out and explaining it from their perspective- as others have said, plenty of clubs wouldn't have.

Goliath wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:58 am

He kept making this point which i thought was a bit odd. Felt as if its going to be used as a reason for some people to be dispensed of.

Every time i hear Matt Williams speak im even more convinced that he is a great asset to our football club. It feels like hes one of us, possibly the last one left at the club that gives that impression.

I think Matt has become Burnleyfied but he's definitely not one of us

The bit on the Home Office was interesting. We have had to wait ages previously, on the odd occasion we signed a foreigner. They come to us now the day after the signing. He also said it was now easy to get the paperwork done, so how the hell do Rovers keep messing it up.

Commy wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:08 am

The bit on the Home Office was interesting. We have had to wait ages previously, on the odd occasion we signed a foreigner. They come to us now the day after the signing. He also said it was now easy to get the paperwork done, so how the hell do Rovers keep messing it up.

Yeah, I found that bit interesting. Shows an area where we’ve developed as a club.

NewClaret wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 10:54 am

I’ll state the obvious: whenever we’re in this league we’ll be losing more than we win and likely be in a relegation scrap. We’re the tiniest town in this league (Bournemouth and Luton both double our population). We’re lucky to be where we are.

We have a good young manager, we’re in the Prem and are battling it out with the big boys, have ambitions owners, a big US sportsman as an investor, and as far as I can see some really talented young players who are developing at different paces. Klopp said on the weekend it’s a team of great potential.

In short, we’re in an enviable position as a club and there’s no reason whatsoever to say “we’re on 13 points ffs, not a lot to be positive about.” The position of our club isn’t solely dictated by league position or points and if it were we’d be fairing pretty well in context of our size and the football pyramid.

Couldn’t agree more with this NewClaret. Eloquently put.

13 points is pathetic. I don’t like anything I’ve seen on the pitch this season. We just repeat the same mistakes and keep picking players who don’t deserve to start. Struggling to get motivated for Saturday. We are not lucky to be on 13 points. We could have managed that appointing virtually any manager and by spending a lot less. Not negative at all for any poster to criticise how we have gone about this season. Some will always think we are lucky to have a team even in Division 4. We are a different club now.

It seems to be common practice that either DOF or technical director do interviews after a transfer window. Maybe because we don’t have one it falls onto Matt to do it because he’s COO and he’s the one heavily involved in transfers.

I don’t think Alan Pace actually did all that many interviews last season or in any season he’s been with us so far. It’s the same at majority of clubs owners or chairman only tend to do interviews when things are going well.

If Pace was to give an interview this season talking about the season he would only get criticism for his answers given no doubt.

To try and get the thread back on topic - I quite enjoyed the interview, good to hear about Esteve being here next season (first I have personally heard of that). The club cannot share details of everything that goes on and of course they have got some things wrong, but it is good to have a peak behind the curtain.

I still think we go down this year but glad to hear them actually say they are planning for that scenario, whilst keeping positive about the rest of this season.

123EasyasBFC wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 11:54 am

It seems to be common practice that either DOF or technical director do interviews after a transfer window. Maybe because we don’t have one it falls onto Matt to do it because he’s COO and he’s the one heavily involved in transfers.

I don’t think Alan Pace actually did all that many interviews last season or in any season he’s been with us so far. It’s the same at majority of clubs owners or chairman only tend to do interviews when things are going well.

If Pace was to give an interview this season talking about the season he would only get criticism for his answers given no doubt.

I'd recognise Alan Paces voice if I heard it on the radio, likewise Barry Kilby. I haven't a clue what Mike Garlick sounds like, which shows which chairmen have done more interviews over the years

Big Vinny K wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 9:38 am

This thread is so typical of this season.
Matt Williams is not the spokesman for the club - he’s just speaking honestly about his role and some of the transfers fans have been speculating on for months.

In one interview he’s just told the facts about a number of transfers that have and haven’t happened and a good indication of what might happen to players on loan here now. What more can you ask for ? How many clubs have done this in the past ? We never ever did anything like this under Dyche in nearly a decade. Not once did anybody give an interview and insight like this.

But yet it’s still gets questioned.

As for Pace only speaking after we win - that is just utter fabrication. How many owners do any interviews at all ? How many did Garlick do in his tenure ?

What the feck do some of our fans want ? Whatever the club do they are not happy.

And why come on this thread (and every other one) to repeat the fact that every single supporter already knows that we are having a difficult season ?

but what about fan engagement?

even your response was negative