ARTICLE: Burnley looking for a Friend

[ClaretTony]

Linked with the Middlesbrough left back

See link
http://www.uptheclarets.com/burnley-loo ... r-a-friend" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Wilsdenclaret]

would be an excellent addition, Boro player of the year in promotion season

[minnieclaret]

a player I like but is he an upgrade on Ward? and would he come to sit on the bench?

[agreenwood]

I can only assume these stories are false.

If not, then I'm struggling to fathom why we'd want to sign players who weren't even amongst the the better performers in relegated sides.

[cutsy123]

Yes jus as good as ward

[IndigoLake]

I'd prefer we bring in somebody younger than Friend to be honest (though he is a good player). Ward was excellent last season and he's 31. Friend is only 2 years younger and won't want to be sitting on the bench. While it's good to have competition for places, it might be a good idea to sign a younger, up-and-coming player who won't necessarily expect to be starting ahead of Ward as yet.

Of course, the alternative is to buy a player who is a real upgrade on Ward (Friend probably isn't) but such players cost a lot of money!

[Cubanclaret]

He's known to be a tremendous off-the-field character on the community side of things.
I thought he looked a bit disappointing in the prem on occasions. Didn't quite make the step up.

[MiltonKeynesClaret93]

Interesting. Only has a couple of years on Ward but is a terrific LB.
Suppose it'd give him a bit of competition there but he would surely want to start every game.
I just want this to happen to rub salt in Boro's wounds.

[IndigoLake]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3igggNc8yU" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jedi_master]

The type of 'character' Dyche would go for, can see there being something in this.

[Blackrod]

The best left back in the Champ IMO. Didn't look anywhere near as good as Ward in the PL.

[claretandy]

The best left back in the Champ IMO. Didn't look anywhere near as good as Ward in the PL.

Was injured for large parts of it.

[Wilsdenclaret]

Was injurned for a significant part of last year then on the bench, as another poster said very "Ings-like" off the field, probably on a par with Ward which is good enough for me

[SGr]

The best left back in the Champ IMO. Didn't look anywhere near as good as Ward in the PL.

Robertson.

[ashtonlongsider]

One of the few players we've been linked with up until now that I think could be a good addition.

[CaptJohn]

Ward had an exceptional season last year but we do need cover as Sir Benjamin has finally been recognised as an excellent CB and not a LB. Friend would be a very good signing IMHO.

[Cirrus_Minor]

I always thought he was an outstanding player. Would be a great addition to the squad if true.

[Bin Ont Turf]

A lot of Boro fans say that he isn't good enough for the Premier League, presumably because we may be after him.

[SGr]

Ward was excellent last season. I wonder how long he can keep that up for, but the same could be said of Friend. Blighted by injury this season and even when fit was largely second fiddle to Fabio.

We should be looking at someone younger to be eased into Ward's place.

[FactualFrank]

A signing I'd be in favour for, and there's nothing wrong with having two good left backs.

[Funkydrummer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3igggNc8yU

Is that what passes for comedy these days ?

[IndigoLake]

Is that what passes for comedy these days ?

Ooh...friend.

[Woodleyclaret]

A top defender who would be a great signing.
What do Boro fans know about Premiership players anyhow.They though Paddy Bamford was a striker.

[Jakubs Tash]

Friend is a good left back...but his age is the only thing putting me off this link.

[Vegas Claret]

not for me, looked out of his depth in the games I saw him play for Boro last season, he's taller than Ward I'll give him that

[boiledclaret]

Makes sense and I hope it happens. We'll have two decent LB's. Boro's defence looked the part early on until "Boro nil" practically became a catchphrase and they lost the plot.

Any other clubs interested in him?