Leighton James rejects special guest invite

TheOriginalLongsider · Post by **TheOriginalLongsider** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:23 pm

Madness! What are BFC thinking of? We would boo a 3 year old in a swansea shirt? Regardless of whether his granddaughters would have a Burnley shirt on or not!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales ... 913707.amp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:32 pm

TheOriginalLongsider wrote:Madness! What are BFC thinking of?

I think maybe the quote from the club explains that, it's a misunderstanding.

I was made aware of Taffy's request a couple of weeks ago and didn't think there would be a problem. I think it might be someone just saying they needed to check but from what I'm told I do not think Burnley FC have said no to his request. If they have, then it's poor, but I am led to believe that Taffy might not have got this right.

Flixton Claret · Post by **Flixton Claret** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:34 pm

Well- legend he was \ however some of his media comments on previous meetings between the two clubs regarding Burnley have been a tad disrespectful imo towards us \ maybe his granddaughter can play for Swansea and we will have his grandson running down the wing instead.

claptrappers_union · Post by **claptrappers_union** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:37 pm

Burnley have been approached for comment and a club spokesperson told Wales Online they believed the situation to have been down to “a gross misunderstanding”.

That’s exactly what it is, obviously.

beddie · Post by **beddie** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:37 pm

If what we read is correct then BFC hav ample opportunity to sort this out tomorrow and get everybody back on track for Saturday. I'm sure If the Chairman has the time to personally ring Taffy tomorrow they can kiss and make up.

bfcmik · Post by **bfcmik** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:40 pm

The statement from the club that they were not told of the grand-daughter who would be wearing a BFC shirt and thus felt it would be inappropriate for the grandson to wear a Swansea shirt seems a little petty and petulant to me. The invitation to someone who played for both is supposed to show that both sets of fans can be respectful to the same person. If Taffy had just brought a 3 year old, or even both grandkids, wearing Swansea shirts it would not have made a whit of difference at all. The applause would have been for Leighton James and the wonderful memories he helped create for us.

Wokingclaret · Post by **Wokingclaret** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:47 pm

I know he has feelings for Swansea but Burnley have a special place in his heart. Come on Burnley sort this out. One of my all time favourite players even if it was from his 3rd spell!

conyoviejo · Post by **conyoviejo** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 10:50 pm

What's to misunderstand ? Should it matter if his grandchild wants to wear a Swansea shirt.. Bad form from BFC if true ..

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:11 pm

I fully support the stance taken by the club.

Allowing a 3 year old in a Swansea shirt is the thin edge of the wedge. Taffy knows what he's doing. This year his granddaughter - next year it will be everyone else in his family wearing Swansea shirts.

Plus if we let Taffy do it - Wenger and Mourinho will want to bring their little French and Portuguese grand children rocking up in Arsenal and United shirts....where does it stop ?

If I still read Viz I'd be sending this post in to this weeks letters.

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:19 pm

Taffy was one of my all time favourites. I don't believe anyone who saw him play for us in his peak, would give a toss what his grandkids wear.
Legend, always was, always will be.
SuperTaff

mickleoverclaret · Post by **mickleoverclaret** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:20 pm

If he has allowed his grandchildren to be brought up as anything other than Clarets he should be banned from the ground for life, the treacherous snake.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:35 pm

A Burnley legend on three occasions, he should be allowed to do what the **** he likes on his return! ...to pull a few balls out of a hat,sometimes we are so tinpot it hurts!

kritichris · Post by **kritichris** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 11:51 pm

Just seeto be an admin cockup in the lower echelons, no one in their right mind would have opposed this..

Bop · Post by **Bop** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:18 am

He’s a legend. Do what it takes BFC.

tybfc · Post by **tybfc** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:18 am

I'm sure that I have read over the years that James far preferred his times at Swansea than at the Turf.

That is up to him of course.

This misunderstanding about the game on Saturday however seems to fall totally at his feet and Burnley are at no way at fault.

I would prefer somebody doing the half time draw who thought more of my club than the opposition.

Give Prince Charles a ring.

COBBLE · Post by **COBBLE** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:39 am

From 16, or whenever Leighton arrived at BFC and Lowerhouse CC as a skinny, clumsy, lovable teenager he has become part of our history, and features in many personal stories of friends my age.

As Bop says He is a legend and this should not have happened. BFC have the marketing and PR resources to proactively anticipate and celebrate
opportunities like this. Come on home Taff and the kids.

agreenwood · Post by **agreenwood** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 5:39 am

If those quotes in Wales Online are accurate, there’s not much defend. BFC seem to be saying that they thought he only wanted his grandchildren in Swansea shirts, so declined the request as “inappropriate”.

Trying to dictate what a small child wears at Turf Moor is feintly ridiculous regardless of the circumstances.

ashtonlongsider · Post by **ashtonlongsider** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 6:12 am

How can this be down to a misunderstanding. Taff should have been given the Freedom of the Borough for what he did for us and if the club understood that he wanted to bring his Grandson in a Swansea top, so be it. Were talking about Burnley royalty here. Sort it out Burnley or it will leave a bitter taste.

Bordeauxclaret · Post by **Bordeauxclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:27 am

I refuse to believe anyone at the club would be moronic enough to think someone would boo a three year old in a Swansea shirt.

TheOriginalLongsider · Post by **TheOriginalLongsider** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 7:30 am

bfcmik wrote:The statement from the club that they were not told of the grand-daughter who would be wearing a BFC shirt and thus felt it would be inappropriate for the grandson to wear a Swansea shirt seems a little petty and petulant to me. The invitation to someone who played for both is supposed to show that both sets of fans can be respectful to the same person. If Taffy had just brought a 3 year old, or even both grandkids, wearing Swansea shirts it would not have made a whit of difference at all. The applause would have been for Leighton James and the wonderful memories he helped create for us.

Exactly!

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:03 am

A misunderstanding but BFC need to sort if out quickly and make sure he attends. If he wants one in each strip who cares. A BFC legend and he needs accommodating.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:06 am

Whats the problem? Its not like anyone is going to see it

At half time 90% of us go for a ****, and the other 10% mutter around the serving kiosks about the dreadful price of twix these days

Siddo · Post by **Siddo** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:08 am

Part of the problem here is Leighton isn't the easiest person in the world to get along with. Great servant, great player, but he is, how can I put it, difficult...

Chobulous · Post by **Chobulous** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:11 am

I have experience of Leighton James and to call him difficult is a gross understatement. One thing for sure, I bet he couldn't wait to talk to the press.

colne-claret · Post by **colne-claret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:16 am

Why has he felt the need to take this to the media?

Bordeauxclaret · Post by **Bordeauxclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:16 am

Siddo wrote:Part of the problem here is Leighton isn't the easiest person in the world to get along with. Great servant, great player, but he is, how can I put it, difficult...

Tin hat on for you I expect. The people who know Taffy will be on to defend Taffy and all that Taffy stands for.
Taffy.

pureclaret · Post by **pureclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:37 am

I cant believe that Leighton is not going to come on to the pitch he is one of our all time heroes played with us in the top flight and all in between, I can remember that when he came on against Wolves in sherpa final people believed he was so magical we would win the game, sadley it was not to be but the feeling of euphoria as he came on still sends tingles down my back.
I was at Preston when Swansea gained promotion and Leighton was there hero, I was with his family at the time.
As a person he could be a bit of a challenge never a shrinking violet with his opinion whether it had been asked for or not.
But he wore his heart on his sleeve, when he livid in Burnley and you went to his home after a game, if we had lost he would not talk just nod at you, but if we had won it would be big smile beer thrust into your hand and he would say cheers. In the 1985 he came to my wedding as did Billy O' Rourke at which Leigton wound Billy up saying how he had won a penalty when he played for Bury and Billy was at Blackpool, we were at the game cant remember who got us the tickets but we were in the players family section.
But he is definateley a legend shame on our club not to allow him to bring his grandchild on

BigChaCha · Post by **BigChaCha** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 8:52 am

At that age his grandchildren won't even know what day it is, never mind what team they support so dressing them up in each kit is just for his ego anyway.

Corky · Post by **Corky** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:05 am

BigChaCha wrote:At that age his grandchildren won't even know what day it is, never mind what team they support so dressing them up in each kit is just for his ego anyway.

Thanks for explaining that. There I was thinking it was just his way of showing support for both teams.

What an idiot I am.

BigChaCha · Post by **BigChaCha** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:12 am

In general I've just never understood people dressing really young kids in football kits. It looks so chavy and is just egotistical.

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:14 am

Absolutely no doubt that this is Leighton James making a mountain out of a molehill.

He's a full on tosspot.

IAmAClaret · Post by **IAmAClaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:16 am

Not sure what he hoped to get out of going to the Media - simply clarifying with Burnley would have sorted the whole issue.

Assuming Lenny Johnrose is going to step in? That'll do for me!

BigChaCha · Post by **BigChaCha** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:17 am

He's a full on tosspot.

He's odd to say the least and is certainly a drama queen. He reminds me of a neighbour from hell I used to live next door too!

vinrogue · Post by **vinrogue** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:21 am

Here is our man for the half time draw dressed in a nice jacket and tie from top shop with a small child dressed in the colours of the away team, just in case you were unsure of who he was really supporting........or why not and here is a small child with one of those hideous 50 50 scarfs showing that the well dressed man has links to both clubs on display today.....whatever, I will be on the concourse with a pie for company!UTC

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:22 am

agreenwood wrote:If those quotes in Wales Online are accurate, there’s not much defend. BFC seem to be saying that they thought he only wanted his grandchildren in Swansea shirts, so declined the request as “inappropriate”.

Trying to dictate what a small child wears at Turf Moor is feintly ridiculous regardless of the circumstances.

And this on the day that the club are calling their diversity day and all inclusive. Will Swansea not be allowed to have a mascot with them?

I still think this is likely to be a misunderstanding, and I know Taffy can go off on one more easily than most. If so, I hope it gets resolved very quickly and we can get him here and on the pitch tomorrow.

Yes, he's a Swansea fan, always has been and always will be. He's a Swansea fan to the extent that his love of Cardiff City is very similar to the love I show for Blackburn Rovers, but he's also a former Burnley player of some distinction who in four spells played a total of 399 games for us. And he's a former player who I know cares about our club.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:27 am

I never got the chance to see Leighton James play for Burnley or certainly not knowingly as I was too young.
But didn't he leave the area in bad circumstances? Running off with someone's wife or something? Not many clarets had good words to say about him as I grew up.

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:38 am

Ban him and ban all his family.

He's made his bed going to the press - he's dead to us now.

He's messing with the wrong club

Give Ashley Hoskins a ring and play that goal he scored against the sheep love makers on a loop on the big screen. Maybe reinact it on the pitch with a young lad dribbling it round 8 static sheep with Swansea shirts on.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:44 am

ClaretTony wrote:Yes, he's a Swansea fan, always has been and always will be. He's a Swansea fan to the extent that his love of Cardiff City is very similar to the love I show for Blackburn Rovers, but he's also a former Burnley player of some distinction who in four spells played a total of 399 games for us. And he's a former player who I know cares about our club.

Though to be fair, I once met him at a Colne match at Holt House (in the days when he did the Radio Lancashire preview show) and he saw I had a radio and asked how Blackburn were getting on. And when I told him they were winning, his one word answer (four letters, beginning with S) left me in no doubt that he's at least partly learned how to be a Burnley fan!

Bordeauxclaret · Post by **Bordeauxclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 9:45 am

Does he have a heroes picture outside the ground?

Are plans in place for some police protection for it tomorrow?

Hbclaret007 · Post by **Hbclaret007** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:44 am

James is an abrasive character, but he is one of the best players to play for us.
The club should be able to sort this out.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 10:45 am

Arguably as a footballer he's one of the best we've ever had.

dibraidio · Post by **dibraidio** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 11:00 am

Bordeauxclaret wrote:I refuse to believe anyone at the club would be moronic enough to think someone would boo a three year old in a Swansea shirt.

Despite the fact that I have huge respect for the vast majority of the staff at BFC and what they have done for the club I find it hard to believe that any fan can struggle to believe that there are people at the club who are moronic. It's not the first time that we've seen a huge PR gaff from the club and probably not the last.

Bordeauxclaret · Post by **Bordeauxclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 11:57 am

dibraidio wrote:Despite the fact that I have huge respect for the vast majority of the staff at BFC and what they have done for the club I find it hard to believe that any fan can struggle to believe that there are people at the club who are moronic. It's not the first time that we've seen a huge PR gaff from the club and probably not the last.

This is not booking Chico or messing up the amount of medals to order though to be fair. This is someone believing a 2 or 3 year old would get booed by a crowd. That’s a whole new level of moronic.

Inchy · Post by **Inchy** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:37 pm

Never saw him play because I am too young.

Sounds like hes a bit of a prat. Couldn't care less if he doesn't come to the turf ever again.

Wokingclaret · Post by **Wokingclaret** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 12:54 pm

Sounds like your still too young...

Herts Clarets · Post by **Herts Clarets** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:19 pm

If any one has any doubts about Taffy and his feelings for that lot at the wrong end of the M65 - back in the early 90s, there was a short lived quiz show on Granada, hosted by Elton Wellbiased and had a panel of former players from NW clubs. Taffy was on our panel, a question was 'which side of a Rovers shirt is blue'? Taffy response was I don't know, I can't bloody stand them anyway. That will do for me.

Shappie · Post by **Shappie** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:29 pm

Herts Clarets wrote:If any one has any doubts about Taffy and his feelings for that lot at the wrong end of the M65 - back in the early 90s, there was a short lived quiz show on Granada, hosted by Elton Wellbiased and had a panel of former players from NW clubs. Taffy was on our panel, a question was 'which side of a Rovers shirt is blue'? Taffy response was I don't know, I can't bloody stand them anyway. That will do for me.

There was a link to one of those shows on here the other day. Burnley versus Everton. Our team was Jimmy Mullen, Leighton James, Ian Measham

expoultryboy · Post by **expoultryboy** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:44 pm

My favourite burnley player of all time . When he got the ball , the longside use to buzz in anticipation . For the children who are being negative towards him , the longside used to be where the hargreaves stand is now !!

NRC · Post by **NRC** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:52 pm

tybfc wrote:I'm sure that I have read over the years that James far preferred his times at Swansea than at the Turf.

That is up to him of course.

This misunderstanding about the game on Saturday however seems to fall totally at his feet and Burnley are at no way at fault.

I would prefer somebody doing the half time draw who thought more of my club than the opposition.

Give Prince Charles a ring.

Didn’t have you down for small mindedness

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Fri Nov 17, 2017 1:52 pm

Inchy wrote:Never saw him play because I am too young.

Sounds like hes a bit of a prat. Couldn't care less if he doesn't come to the turf ever again.

Either some kind of joke or idiocy.