Have you ever temporarily stepped away from going to watch the Clarets?

[jdrobbo]

I’ve spoken to a few people over the last few months, who, for reasons of their own, chose to step away from their regular routine of going to watch Burnley, particularly at home. Some simply got out of the habit.

I know there will be many who have perhaps had very young children and have possibly given up their season ticket for a few years; some will have had a long-term health issue that has forced them to hit pause; others may have found it difficult financially and chose to sit out a season or so to prioritise anyway?

Has anyone done it because of the product on offer? How did you find filling that window on a Saturday afternoon? What made you return?

Has anyone simply missed a few games, got out of the habit of going to Turf Moor regularly and in the meantime, found something else…(an example could be weekend golf tournaments)?

Going to watch Burnley is a massive part of life for many of us, but I also appreciate, there’s a big world out there that offers opportunities and also can hit you with a curve ball when it’s least expected.

[matttheclaret]

I took a season off in 2020/21

[jdrobbo]

I took a season off in 2020/21

Is it something you feel you could share? Absolutely no worries if not.

[matttheclaret]

Is it something you feel you could share? Absolutely no worries if not.

Just a poor joke - was the season behind closed doors. Other than that, never had a sustained period of not going

[Guller Bull]

Is it something you feel you could share? Absolutely no worries if not.

Sharing it is what got us into that state in the first place!

[jdrobbo]

Just a poor joke - was the season behind closed doors. Other than that, never had a sustained period of not going

Oh flipping heck! Yep, fair enough

[jdrobbo]

Sharing it is what got us into that state in the first place!

Haha

[ArmchairDetective]

I stopped going for a few years when at uni in Sheffield then again whilst working in Nottinghamshire for a couple of years. Saw the second half of most Sheff Utd games instead whilst working there. Glad to be back at the Turf regularly now.

[jdrobbo]

I stopped going for a few years when at uni in Sheffield then again whilst working in Nottinghamshire for a couple of years. Saw the second half of most Sheff Utd games instead whilst working there. Glad to be back at the Turf regularly now.

How did it feel whilst away? I imagine it was more difficult early on?

[fatboy47]

Saw very little between 77 and 86...demanding stressful jobs and playing rugby being the main reason...then saw the situation developing towards the end of the Orient season, dug out my old scarf and got myself over to the turf....never really looked back although the obnoxious words of Lee Hoos nearly caused a wobble.

[jdrobbo]

Saw very little between 77 and 86...demanding stressful jobs and playing rugby being the main reason...then saw the situation developing towards the end of the Orient season, dug out my old scarf and got myself over to the turf....never really looked back although the obnoxious words of Lee Hoos nearly caused a wobble.

Do you think that if Burnley had been more safe that season, you may have stayed away longer. The pulling power of the Turf can be strong in situations like that.

[lakedistrictclaret]

I had a couple of years off in the mid-80s, after moving back to Cumbria to a new job and getting married.

I went to Orient at home in December 1985, and the next match I saw was Carlisle away on New Year’s Day 1988.

1986-1987 remains the only season I haven’t been to a Burnley game since 1961-62 ( apart from Covid ).

I don’t go to as many away games now ( eight last season which is above average) but I rarely miss a home match.

[jdrobbo]

I had a couple of years off in the mid-80s, after moving back to Cumbria to a new job and getting married.

I went to Orient at home in December 1985, and the next match I saw was Carlisle away on New Year’s Day 1988.

1986-1987 remains the only season I haven’t been to a Burnley game since 1961-62 ( apart from Covid ).

I don’t go to as many away games now ( eight last season which is above average) but I rarely miss a home match.

Nice to hear from you, Neil. Hope you’re keeping well.

[fatboy47]

Do you think that if Burnley had been more safe that season, you may have stayed away longer. The pulling power of the Turf can be strong in situations like that.

Probably...I think it was the shock of seeing the league table whilst on a remote Scottish Island...and eventually, seeing how close we came to the edge, it felt like something good had to rise from the embers...from 87 onwards I always felt we'd make it back to the top table...to many of my generation it almost felt like a birthright.

[GetIntoEm]

There were lots on here saying they weren't going anymore at the beginning of this season.

Ive never really stopped for any length of time since I started in 1988

[randomclaret2]

Depends how far back you want to go, but Average gates of 3,000 in the mid 80s compared to 20,000 ten years previously, and now of course, tell the tale of just how many stopped going.

[scouseclaret]

Tried a couple of times but never quite managed it.

Didn’t renew season ticket for the Waddle season, and still ended up going to nearly every game anyway despite it being a shocker.

Also didn’t renew after watching three consecutive home games where we managed 2 points and 1 goal during Dyche’s first season. Next season…you know the rest.

[Tricky Trevor]

‘69-70 & ‘70-71. Playing 3pm Saturdays, went on Tuesday night games.
Got back into running, late 80s, and would miss matches for an event that I considered more important to me.

[lakedistrictclaret]

Nice to hear from you, Neil. Hope you’re keeping well.

Thanks John, I’m fine. Still playing golf and walking the fells. I couldn’t be without my Working Cocker, I’m sure you’d say the same!

[Clive 1960]

I’ve spoken to a few people over the last few months, who, for reasons of their own, chose to step away from their regular routine of going to watch Burnley, particularly at home. Some simply got out of the habit.

I know there will be many who have perhaps had very young children and have possibly given up their season ticket for a few years; some will have had a long-term health issue that has forced them to hit pause; others may have found it difficult financially and chose to sit out a season or so to prioritise anyway?

Has anyone done it because of the product on offer? How did you find filling that window on a Saturday afternoon? What made you return?

Has anyone simply missed a few games, got out of the habit of going to Turf Moor regularly and in the meantime, found something else…(an example could be weekend golf tournaments)?

Going to watch Burnley is a massive part of life for many of us, but I also appreciate, there’s a big world out there that offers opportunities and also can hit you with a curve ball when it’s least expected.

Hi John, stepped away nearly 4 years ago after watching the Clarets home and away for nearly 50 years which was a massive part of my life but always watch on TV but not the same as being there , but hopefully one day i will be back on the Turf all being well..

[Jakubs Tash]

Been a season ticket holder for over 35 years now but, ironically, the only time I ever even contemplated not renewing was towards the end of the season of Dyche’s first few months. The football on show in those consecutive midweek home games in February and March were testing.

[NL Claret]

Cancelled ST after Cotterill first season as I had gotten involved in local football and then non league football. When we got promoted to the PL I had a ST for the next decade, not had a ST since the pandemic. Before that me and my mate were losing interest, the best part of the day was the pre match pints and catching up. The PL was becoming too predictable and we found ourselves leaving after an hour or not going to certain games. Bought a static in 2016 which made attending home games more difficult and throw the KO times into the mix meant enough was enough. I couldn’t be doing with 1230 KOs or Sunday games. Went to all of the midweek games in the VK season and a Saturday in hospitality, this season WBA and Sheffield United home games.

Saturday afternoons are now for non league, static, cooking or watching football on the TV. Don’t really miss going every week however usually enjoy going to the odd game. Still follow all things Burnley related and watch a lot of games on the TV.

[Row x]

Other than holidays or close family functions, never, ever stood back from supporting the club.

[Stanbill05]

My life has taken me to some cool places that effectively means I have semi-permanently stepped away. On balance worth it for me, but only just. Turf Moor routine and the region generally is competitive globally in my opinion and experiences. Watching from afar isn't easy either, especially having done some hard yards 1980-90s and missing the vast majority of the success since. Burnley games still dominate my time, I just get none of the value experience.

That's it, I'm getting the family out of the pool for an Emergency meeting. I'm not optimistic my proposal to move back home will carry, but gotta sow the seed.

[Chester Perry]

25 years and counting, I just fell out of love for the game as it changed to one of pure greed and self interest. I stepped away from the game completely, but for the last 10 -12 years I have watched Burnley online and no other football.

I still have great concern for the way the game is developing but love my club and town. The MMT is a way of both keeping abreast of what is happening in the game and hoping that others become informed. The rest is about concern for our town, of which the club is so much a talisman - I want the best for both but rarely see it.

[jdrobbo]

[Roosterbooster]

Didn't have season ticket for Uni years and year living abroad

[Silkyskills1]

Missed a fair number of games between 1970-73 due to being a full time student in London. The 'Orient season' was a tester and I didn't attend some home games, notably a depressing defeat to Cardiff around Christmas time and later on the 0-6 defeat to Hereford( I'd grimaced at our 2-5 defeat to Wolves a couple of weeks earlier that could so easily have been double figures). Perhaps time to admit I missed the home game last season v Blackburn; I'd promised to go on a reunion 'do' to London and being that early in the season didn't expect to be playing them in August. I'm 73 now, attended first match in November 1958 and so am looking towards the 70th anniversary in a few years. My brother is on his way to an 80th along with Frenchclaret who posts on here.

[Stanbill05]

Hi John, stepped away nearly 4 years ago after watching the Clarets home and away for nearly 50 years which was a massive part of my life but always watch on TV but not the same as being there , but hopefully one day i will be back on the Turf all being well..

What's stopping you Clive? If it's a practical issue, sure this board would help..

[Codger]

Hello JD, long time no see, I hope you are well. I would not say I have temporarily stepped away but my trips to see the Clarets are few and far between these days. Not that my support is any less solid than it was back in the 1960s when it began, I just don't find the experience particularly enjoyable these days.

I am in my mid 70s now so travel is a struggle anyway but what with the cost of tickets, transport and incidentals it is quite a challenge for a pensioner. It is several years since I was at Turf Moor and frankly I cannot see a scenario in which I may return. I do make the occasional away game but being made to constantly stand I find tiring and a bit painful. At Coventry last season I was knocked into the row in front by an over exuberant fan behind me when we equalised. I still have the scar where my leg was cut on the seat in front! At my age I can really do without such excitement!

If all that makes me "not a real fan" well so be it but I do miss the excitement of going to the game when I was a bit younger and more able. I still follow the progress of the team very closely but these days it is at a bit more of a distance!

[FCBurnley]

Only through working on Saturdays and then emigrating. But still watch every game on tv which takes priority over everything else

[Jimscho]

Had a period in the early 80s John Bond/ Benson period.Young family and didnt like what was being served up.Unfortunately have had to give up season ticket from next season due to failing eyesight.The LED screens round the ground at night cause me a problem and last year there were so many night matches I only knew we had scored because of crowd reaction.Will still go on occasional matches.Been going since late 50s so will miss the atmosphere.

[Clive 1960]

What's stopping you Clive? If it's a practical issue, sure this board would help..

i moved abroad for a better life and climate..

[KlyBfc]

I did. Went to the Bolton away game just after Coyle had defected and walked off that night fuming, feeling let down at what we offered, replaced him with. Coupled then with Englands abysmal offering at the World Cup in South Africa i was done with proffesional football for a few seasons. Concentrated on playing myself then managing for a spell, before returning consistently as Dyche brought the fight and pride back. During my step away spell i still attended a handful of away games and the odd midweek home game. Still followed on line and watched on tv

[DAVETHEVICAR]

Hi John
I started off as a kid supporting Bury as my dad worked in Bury and we lived 5 miles away in Edenfield
I remember one cup game at Gigg lane v Burnley around the early fifties when I was supporting Bury

When I was around 12 and my brother 13 Dad took us to a game at Burnley and Bolton and Rovers as they were all in Division One and Bury in Division 2
We chose Burnley because the Bolton - Burnley bus went through Edenfield and a short walk from Bus Station
Going to Bolton meant a long walk and with the rain you would have to get another bus down - we also both went to school in Bolton and Burnley were a better side.

I had a few seasons off when the kids were young and later gave my season ticket up when Pace decided from Lincoln to put senior prices up to adult and because of transportation I had only been to 3 matches in the previous 2 seasons

I still watch all the games on TV and now residing in Lincoln have been to several of their away games like Crawley to get more grounds in and also took my granddaughter to Wembley on supporters coach
Recently took in Wembley with my son - in - law a massive Oldham Fan
No doubt I will get to several Oldham games in the area like Notts County
Struggling a little now at nearly 81 if people stand up as I have to sit all the time

[Vegas Claret]

Moving to the US (not my choice!) has made me miss physically being there, it's one of the only things I truly miss. Fortunately I can watch all the games but it's not the same. I hope those that go (and can afford to go because many now can't) appreciate all of it.

[Spike]

Close seasons

[Woodleyclaret]

Away yes the constant standing in front of us and the abuse we got when we complained put us off.
The cost as pensioners was also a factor.
We are hoping Brighton and Bournemouth are Saturday games and we can have short breaks
We will continue our home game attending with our season tickets and chippy tea at Frydays.

[ClaretTony]

I’ve possibly wanted to at times but never have and next season will be my 65th season ticket.

[jdrobbo]

Thanks John, I’m fine. Still playing golf and walking the fells. I couldn’t be without my Working Cocker, I’m sure you’d say the same!

I absolutely would!

[jdrobbo]

Hi John
I started off as a kid supporting Bury as my dad worked in Bury and we lived 5 miles away in Edenfield
I remember one cup game at Gigg lane v Burnley around the early fifties when I was supporting Bury

When I was around 12 and my brother 13 Dad took us to a game at Burnley and Bolton and Rovers as they were all in Division One and Bury in Division 2
We chose Burnley because the Bolton - Burnley bus went through Edenfield and a short walk from Bus Station
Going to Bolton meant a long walk and with the rain you would have to get another bus down - we also both went to school in Bolton and Burnley were a better side.

I had a few seasons off when the kids were young and later gave my season ticket up when Pace decided from Lincoln to put senior prices up to adult and because of transportation I had only been to 3 matches in the previous 2 seasons

I still watch all the games on TV and now residing in Lincoln have been to several of their away games like Crawley to get more grounds in and also took my granddaughter to Wembley on supporters coach
Recently took in Wembley with my son - in - law a massive Oldham Fan
No doubt I will get to several Oldham games in the area like Notts County
Struggling a little now at nearly 81 if people stand up as I have to sit all the time

Good to hear from you Dave. Hope you can make a Burnley game soon.

[jdrobbo]

Hello JD, long time no see, I hope you are well. I would not say I have temporarily stepped away but my trips to see the Clarets are few and far between these days. Not that my support is any less solid than it was back in the 1960s when it began, I just don't find the experience particularly enjoyable these days.

I am in my mid 70s now so travel is a struggle anyway but what with the cost of tickets, transport and incidentals it is quite a challenge for a pensioner. It is several years since I was at Turf Moor and frankly I cannot see a scenario in which I may return. I do make the occasional away game but being made to constantly stand I find tiring and a bit painful. At Coventry last season I was knocked into the row in front by an over exuberant fan behind me when we equalised. I still have the scar where my leg was cut on the seat in front! At my age I can really do without such excitement!

If all that makes me "not a real fan" well so be it but I do miss the excitement of going to the game when I was a bit younger and more able. I still follow the progress of the team very closely but these days it is at a bit more of a distance!

Lovely to hear from you, Codger! No one would ever doubt you bring a ‘real’ Burnley fan. Hope you’re doing well. J

[Tribesmen]

Hummm stepping away seems harsh for a lot of people on here , I know your point John but have any of us walked / stepped away ?
I had a ST when I was 8 until 20 then life exploded and travel took a hold .
I would never say I have stepped away as will always catch the Clarets on the net and will get to a game each year like most on here i will always be a Claret until the day i die .

[jdrobbo]

Hummm stepping away seems harsh for a lot of people on here , I know your point John but have any of us walked / stepped away ?
I had a ST when I was 8 until 20 then life exploded and travel took a hold .
I would never say I have stepped away as will always catch the Clarets on the net and will get to a game each year like most on here i will always be a Claret until the day i die .

Fair. I tried to explain and I guess it’s half the reason why I started the thread in the first place. It’s hard to actually put into words, because of the lute of the Turf is powerful. As I tried to point out there are lots of reasons for stepping away, such as work, children, health, travel, and that’s not really what I meant by the thread. I think it’s more to do with the fact of taking time away to pursue a hobby, which is played at the weekend, not going because of the football on offer and getting out of the habit… A deliberate choice to do something else when going to the Turf is still easily possible. Hope you’re well, Tribesmen.

[Anonymous Claret]

I used to go regularly from 1973 until 1984-5ish.

Fot the next 15 years or so I didn't have a season ticket and probably only went a handful of games each season until 2001.

I lived away from Burnley quite a bit of this time plus my interest waned a little.

I have had a season ticket since 2001 but I am seriously considering letting my friend have it this season. I love Burnley FC and always will but I am sick of the Premier League and all the corporate nonsense that comes with it.

[BurnleyFC]

Joined the army in 2000 when I was 18 and missed a lot of matches. Even though we threw a few in under Stan I still missed it.

Thankfully I was out after 5 years and managed to witness our 19 game winless run under Cotterill

[BuryClaret]

I missed a lot of home games last season as my daughter was born just before the new season started. Priorities shifted and chose to make Saturday a family day rather than a football one. Still keeping my ticket for next season and hoping to get to more games.

[Tribesmen]

Fair. I tried to explain and I guess it’s half the reason why I started the thread in the first place. It’s hard to actually put into words, because of the lute of the Turf is powerful. As I tried to point out there are lots of reasons for stepping away, such as work, children, health, travel, and that’s not really what I meant by the thread. I think it’s more to do with the fact of taking time away to pursue a hobby, which is played at the weekend, not going because of the football on offer and getting out of the habit… A deliberate choice to do something else when going to the Turf is still easily possible. Hope you’re well, Tribesmen.

Yer John live is very good as my wife says " you are living the best life " hey what ever that means . I hope I somehow bump into you and share a beer together .

[Burnley1989]

I’ve spoken to a few people over the last few months, who, for reasons of their own, chose to step away from their regular routine of going to watch Burnley, particularly at home. Some simply got out of the habit.

I know there will be many who have perhaps had very young children and have possibly given up their season ticket for a few years; some will have had a long-term health issue that has forced them to hit pause; others may have found it difficult financially and chose to sit out a season or so to prioritise anyway?

Has anyone done it because of the product on offer? How did you find filling that window on a Saturday afternoon? What made you return?

Has anyone simply missed a few games, got out of the habit of going to Turf Moor regularly and in the meantime, found something else…(an example could be weekend golf tournaments)?

Going to watch Burnley is a massive part of life for many of us, but I also appreciate, there’s a big world out there that offers opportunities and also can hit you with a curve ball when it’s least expected.

I gave up my free season ticket towards the end of the Dyche era, i just got bored and had young kids, and i was genuinely gutted id lost that buzz. Its back again now, i think work and homelife played a part

[bfcmik]

I stepped away in the early 80s as my nurse training and early career combined with getting married, starting a family and moving home a lot, effectively left me with neither the time, energy nor the spare money to go on much. When you factor in the awful football on show it was a relatively simple choice to make.

Though I had moved to Cornwall by then, I decided to take my 4 year old son to our game at Exeter in 1987 as I believed it could be his only opportunity to ever see us play. I then sponsored a ball at Crewe that season in memory of my dad (a former Crewe reserve player in the late 1940s and early 50s) who had just died. Following a move to Banbury in 1988 I took my lad to the Turf for a few games and then, of course, Wembley too. Been a regular ever since and a season ticket holder again since 1991.

However, I now attend more away games than home games as it is generally cheaper and quicker for me to get to them than it is to travel up to Turf Moor, where I stand next to Father Ted and ChorleyClaret in the CFS. Only attended 10 home games last season though I managed 16 away trips. Much depends on my son and grandkids about whether I travel up. They have season tickets now but often have commitments that prevent them attending.