To those happy drop out of The Europa

yorkyclaret · Post by **yorkyclaret** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 6:43 pm

At least I won't have to sit on a poxy, cheap and nasty plastic seat because some euro tw@t says I have to.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 6:49 pm

Wile E Coyote wrote:all about personal choice, europe did nothing for me, league is THE thing in my view, but i understand why it isnt for other clarets.

I think that's the big difference I'm seeing here. Those who favour the league, can see it from the POV of those who favoured the Europa. Yet those who favoured the Europa don't seem to be able to see it from the POV of those who favour the league.

yorkyclaret · Post by **yorkyclaret** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 6:58 pm

Everyone wants us to win every game, realists and dreamers alike.

Nonayforever · Post by **Nonayforever** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 7:34 pm

Spijed wrote:I think it's also worth pointing out that anyone who thinks we can become an established club and 'move onto the next level' (what ever that means) needs to look at the table from the end of last season.

All established clubs - Swansea, West Brom & Stoke gone in an instant!

We need to grab moments of history whenever we can. Sadly, the opportunity to play AC Milan has gone forever, most likely.

Absolutely spot on !

Look at the teams promoted in the last 7 yrs ;-

Middlesbrough, Hull with us.
Bournemouth, Watford, Norwich.
Leicester, us, QPR.
Cardiff, Hull, Palace.
reading, Southampton, West Ham.
QPR, Norwich, Swansea.
Newcastle, West Bromwich, Blackpool.

No role models there. Some fans think we have a base to build on but that is fantasy theory.

All the fringe players will be thinking when's my next game ?
All the squad player's will be thinking ' I've to work my knackers off to not get relagated'

Dyche will be thinking my chance has gone.

I'm proper gutted we got knocked out and I'm worried about the future.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 8:58 pm

51 years....We deserved for it to last longer. It does not happen, bar once in a lifetime.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:18 pm

joey13 wrote:What a load of sycophantic nonsense we could have been off to the SAN Siro but for the short sightedness of the board

Hi joey, why the San Siro? My thoughts, perhaps it's the board that is thinking of the future of the club. Perhaps, the board knows that we need more to be able to go further in Europa - and other cup competitions. Perhaps the board know how important it is for Burnley to be given the best chance possible to remain in the Premier League - and that the resources that we gain from the EPL (despite the crazy cost of players transfers and players' wages) will create the opportunity for Burnley's success in future seasons. I'm sure that Mike G and John B and the rest are not planning that the next time Burnley gets into Europe will be in 50 years time. I'm sure that they also will want to watch Burnley play - and compete - in Europe a lot sooner than in 50 years time.

The thing with Sean Dyche is that he overachieves. I think he got us promoted first time before the club was ready to make a success of it. So, though we did all we could to stay up we fell short and were relegated, but next time we came back strong - not forgetting that this is only our 3rd consequetive season in the Premier League. Two seasons in Prem and we achieved 7th. That's overacheiving in my view. So, let's "steady the ship," consolidate and go again. We will be stronger and better prepared next time we get into Europe.

UTC

joey13 · Post by **joey13** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:29 pm

Paul Waine wrote:Hi joey, why the San Siro? My thoughts, perhaps it's the board that is thinking of the future of the club. Perhaps, the board knows that we need more to be able to go further in Europa - and other cup competitions. Perhaps the board know how important it is for Burnley to be given the best chance possible to remain in the Premier League - and that the resources that we gain from the EPL (despite the crazy cost of players transfers and players' wages) will create the opportunity for Burnley's success in future seasons. I'm sure that Mike G and John B and the rest are not planning that the next time Burnley gets into Europe will be in 50 years time. I'm sure that they also will want to watch Burnley play - and compete - in Europe a lot sooner than in 50 years time.

The thing with Sean Dyche is that he overachieves. I think he got us promoted first time before the club was ready to make a success of it. So, though we did all we could to stay up we fell short and were relegated, but next time we came back strong - not forgetting that this is only our 3rd consequetive season in the Premier League. Two seasons in Prem and we achieved 7th. That's overacheiving in my view. So, let's "steady the ship," consolidate and go again. We will be stronger and better prepared next time we get into Europe.

UTC

So the reason the board didn’t bring enough quality in during the transfer window was done purposely , now I understand.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:41 pm

joey13 wrote:So the reason the board didn’t bring enough quality in during the transfer window was done purposely , now I understand.

Hi joey, I don't think that's what my speculation is saying; rather that it will take more than 2 seasons in the Prem to build a team that is capable of progressing very far in Europe; that Sean Dyche got us to 7th and into Europe earlier than anyone expected, both the board and the fans. I doubt there was "enough quality" available for Burnley to buy - and add quality to the team - in the past transfer window. Spending "big" in any transfer window is not a route to guaranteed success - we all know that.

But, no worries. None of us have access to the full facts. We are all "reading the tea leaves" in the ways each of us knows best.

UTC

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:43 pm

Vegas Claret wrote:give me 30 years above bastards rather than a group stage of the Europa League any day of the week

Without meaning to be derogotary, its easier for fans who dont go to the games to say that.

The experience for you watching on TV is the same regardless of opponent. Sorry I dont mean to patronise but thats true.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:46 pm

FactualFrank wrote:Nope. The draw is worked differently in the group stage. We wouldn't have simply replaced Olympiakos in the same pot.

Point is - the size and stature of some of the clubs we could have played and some of the cities we could have visited. If it wasnt milan it could have been Rome. If it wasnt Betis (Seville???) it could have been Marseille or St Petersburg etc

Goody1975 · Post by **Goody1975** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 9:53 pm

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Without meaning to be derogotary, its easier for fans who dont go to the games to say that.

The experience for you watching on TV is the same regardless of opponent. Sorry I dont mean to patronise but thats true.

I don't agree with the status from Vegas at all but i know for a fact that before moving to the states he went to games all over the country following Burnley, most of them in the bottom two divisions.

Vegas Claret · Post by **Vegas Claret** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:28 pm

Goody1975 wrote:I don't agree with the status from Vegas at all but i know for a fact that before moving to the states he went to games all over the country following Burnley, most of them in the bottom two divisions.

Cheers Goody

CC - what Goody said, I trawled all around the bottom divisions and like others had to endure the gloating from those down the road - that's why I want us in the PL looking down on them for as long as possible, a Europa League group stage pales into comparison for me.

SussexDon1inIreland · Post by **SussexDon1inIreland** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:31 pm

Let’s not forget that a lot of players will look down their nose at the prospect of playing for us plus (rightly) SD doesn’t want the wrong kind of characters in the group so that compounds the difficulties of getting the better (perceived better) players in

I think we have a great manager and a great set up and a squad that will only improve with additional players that we can attract in

UTC

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:57 pm

Goody1975 wrote:I don't agree with the status from Vegas at all but i know for a fact that before moving to the states he went to games all over the country following Burnley, most of them in the bottom two divisions.

Fair enough. I know my message could have been misinterpreted. (It wasnt meant to be and thankfully hasnt). But for us who are able to go here and now, The Europa was so important. Finishing above Blackburn while nice is nowhere near as important as many other things.

That said I will be happy if we never play them again.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:58 pm

Vegas Claret wrote:Cheers Goody

CC - what Goody said, I trawled all around the bottom divisions and like others had to endure the gloating from those down the road - that's why I want us in the PL looking down on them for as long as possible, a Europa League group stage pales into comparison for me.

Fair enough. And as above post. I think the point I tried to make without being rude is why this is much more important to you than it is us locals.

cricketfieldclarets · Post by **cricketfieldclarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 10:58 pm

SussexDon1inIreland wrote:Let’s not forget that a lot of players will look down their nose at the prospect of playing for us plus (rightly) SD doesn’t want the wrong kind of characters in the group so that compounds the difficulties of getting the better (perceived better) players in

I think we have a great manager and a great set up and a squad that will only improve with additional players that we can attract in

UTC

If we can attract a player with Harts reputation, medals and attitude we can sign anyone. We really can.

biggles · Post by **biggles** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:26 pm

screw europe! nice to have had the experience but time to concentrate on the league, which is our priority. would anyone rather we did well in the europa league [eg a last eight place] and get relegated?

CrosspoolClarets · Post by **CrosspoolClarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:29 pm

A week ago, to the “What will SD choose to do” thread, I posted the following:

CrosspoolClarets wrote:The man is as stubborn as a mule so I expect him to play : Heaton, Bardsley, Long, Mee, Ward, Taylor, Lennon, Westwood, Hendrick, Barnes and Vokes.

I would personally have played Lowton, Tarkowski, Cork and McNeill instead (the latter in the absence of Gudmundsson). Hart and Wood would have been considerations in my mind.

I don’t expect it to be close to being good enough, on the night, and expect to spend the next 30 years discussing what might have been instead of discussing what a right go we gave it. I won’t be able to make it, but if I were, I’d be right behind them cheering them on. Gutted to miss it.

I was wrong.

I was 1 player out - McNeil not Ward.

I got dog’s abuse for these kind of predictions, and for criticising Sean, but I think we WILL spend the next 30 years discussing “if only”.

Everyone has to live their life how they see fit, but personally I find “if only” discussions to be tedious, counter-productive, negative and limiting.

All he had to do was to play the full side and if we exited people would be saying “wow, we gave it a great go, what a battle, shame about that referee” - it would be far more positive reminiscences. Negative people (and sadly I include Sean in that now) seem to think we would have gone down if we had done that, but I see that as far from guaranteed. We have a January transfer window, a war chest (of sorts), injuries ending, a good team and an exceptional (if mind-numbingly negative) manager. It would have been fine.

CrosspoolClarets · Post by **CrosspoolClarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:40 pm

Paul Waine wrote:Hi joey, why the San Siro? My thoughts, perhaps it's the board that is thinking of the future of the club. Perhaps, the board knows that we need more to be able to go further in Europa - and other cup competitions. Perhaps the board know how important it is for Burnley to be given the best chance possible to remain in the Premier League - and that the resources that we gain from the EPL (despite the crazy cost of players transfers and players' wages) will create the opportunity for Burnley's success in future seasons. I'm sure that Mike G and John B and the rest are not planning that the next time Burnley gets into Europe will be in 50 years time. I'm sure that they also will want to watch Burnley play - and compete - in Europe a lot sooner than in 50 years time.

The thing with Sean Dyche is that he overachieves. I think he got us promoted first time before the club was ready to make a success of it. So, though we did all we could to stay up we fell short and were relegated, but next time we came back strong - not forgetting that this is only our 3rd consequetive season in the Premier League. Two seasons in Prem and we achieved 7th. That's overacheiving in my view. So, let's "steady the ship," consolidate and go again. We will be stronger and better prepared next time we get into Europe.

UTC

Paul, I’m a big fan. Of you that is, not just BFC.

I’m an accountant, an economist, a statistician, a managing director, an advisor. That’s what I do. If anyone wants to be positive and pragmatic, it’s me. But in this case, I simply don’t get the reason why. I’ve been thinking about this for 3 weeks after Istanbul and while I was in Athens. The only explanation that makes any sense is that Sean is covering his own butt by keeping his CV moving in a positive direction. He must know, because he is clever, that he has scuppered the fans dreams. He also knows that in a year or two he will be off. Dreams matter, in football more than in most things. We needed this.

So I’m sorry, but while I respect the above opinion, I don’t agree with it at all.

I feel today (after a night’s sleep and a day of reflection while trying to enjoy my parent’s Golden Wedding) the same way I felt in Milton Keynes. My instincts are I feel shat on. And I would put my life in the hands of my instincts.

ClaretAndJew · Post by **ClaretAndJew** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:41 pm

You wouldn't trust your own instincts with your life?

CrosspoolClarets · Post by **CrosspoolClarets** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:45 pm

ClaretAndJew wrote:You wouldn't trust your own instincts with your life?

Happily rephrased. Thanks for pointing that one out. Any more constructive comments gratefully received

martin_p · Post by **martin_p** » Fri Aug 31, 2018 11:59 pm

FactualFrank wrote:I think that's the big difference I'm seeing here. Those who favour the league, can see it from the POV of those who favoured the Europa. Yet those who favoured the Europa don't seem to be able to see it from the POV of those who favour the league.

Why do you think people have to favour either. I want us to do our best in every competition we’re in and think we’re more than capable of doing so.

tiger76 · Post by **tiger76** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 12:05 am

UpTheClaretsFCBK wrote:If we finished 17th in the Premier League for the next 5 seasons, the crowds would drop through the floor.

Lucrative yes, entertaining, no.

I wouldn’t stop going, but there’s a portion who definitely would.

Spoke to a Wigan fan a few years ago would said that’s exactly what happened to them.. less and less people every year. Granted they were never super well supported, points still valid though.

But even Wigan won an FA Cup,yes i do know they were relegated in the same season,there is a danger of Premier League mediocrity becoming tedious,it won't happen this season but in time it could.

Equally we could have a bad season,this year or the next and fall through the trapdoor,in 20-30 years when people are browsing forums such as this,will they remember finishing 12th in the Premier League or will they recall a cup victory at Wembley should one ensue,we're in the 3rd round of the Carabao Cup and facing a League 1 side,surely even Sean must realise we are only 3 results away from a semi-final,obviously the luck of the draw plays a part,but we are unlikely to be given such a chance again soon.

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 1:19 am

CrosspoolClarets wrote:Paul, I’m a big fan. Of you that is, not just BFC.

I’m an accountant, an economist, a statistician, a managing director, an advisor. That’s what I do. If anyone wants to be positive and pragmatic, it’s me. But in this case, I simply don’t get the reason why. I’ve been thinking about this for 3 weeks after Istanbul and while I was in Athens. The only explanation that makes any sense is that Sean is covering his own butt by keeping his CV moving in a positive direction. He must know, because he is clever, that he has scuppered the fans dreams. He also knows that in a year or two he will be off. Dreams matter, in football more than in most things. We needed this.

So I’m sorry, but while I respect the above opinion, I don’t agree with it at all.

I feel today (after a night’s sleep and a day of reflection while trying to enjoy my parent’s Golden Wedding) the same way I felt in Milton Keynes. My instincts are I feel shat on. And I would put my life in the hands of my instincts.

Hi Crosspool, OK - I just had to like when someone says that they are "a big fan." Thank you - and, so unusual on "social media."

I get what you are saying, I get the disappointment and/or frustration. But, surely, all your training/education/qualifications and undoubted experience prepare you to take the long view? to see where Burnley have come from, to see where we are? To know that 12 months ago staying in the Premier League would be an achievement, never mind finishing 7th - even "top half" would have been a big thrill. I think that's how the board see it. They want Burnley "dining at the top table" and not just waiting on, clearing the dirty dishes when the diners have finished their feast.

Sean Dyche is a great "servant" of Burnley. He is a perfect match for the ambitions of our board - except that sometimes he overachieves, reaching the next milestone a little early and before the club has all the resources required - especially when we are "unlucky" with injuries.

Sean, of course, should always be looking after his own reputation and proving his credentials as a football manager. I don't see this as incompatible with Burnley's ambitions, the fans' or the board's. He already knows you can get fired when you've done nothing wrong - at least with his current contract there may be compensation if/when he is tempted elsewhere - but, Sean may never leave Burnley for many seasons.

Yes, I'd have loved to have followed Burnley in Europe this season. I couldn't make the trips to Istanbul and Athens as I was already committed to travel to US for work. I was hoping for a little longer to plan games in the group stages, but it's not to be this season. Maybe next, or the one after, Who knows, that's what being a football fan - almost any club - is all about, the uncertainty of the future. The excitement of successes..... and the let down when the club comes up short.

As the well known poem says (roughly), If you can keep your faith and smile while all about you are depressed and disappointed...... then you've just no uunderstanding of what is going on!

Woodleyclaret · Post by **Woodleyclaret** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 7:26 am

To do it all next year again.
Its been brilliant despite the dodgy refs

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 7:28 am

cricketfieldclarets wrote:Without meaning to be derogotary, its easier for fans who dont go to the games to say that.

The experience for you watching on TV is the same regardless of opponent. Sorry I dont mean to patronise but thats true.

I go to every game and I feel the same as Vegas

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 7:53 am

I genuinely don't believe this thread

Its like the whole concept of what happens in "cup competitions" has passed certain people by.

You can get knocked out, despite playing well. It happens every years, you see it every year. But no, its all SDs fault that those of us who have the time and the cash can no longer swanny about all over Europe fulfilling a dream.

One man put us in that place to start with. You need to remember this.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 7:55 am

There is one reason and one reason alone why we will never get into Europe again within the next few years.

Outsiders never succeed twice. Very occasionally you get teams doing things that are unexpected, but they don't repeat the same trick again.

Anyone who thinks we can finish 7th again without serious investment is deluding themselves.

It doesn't happen in sport and and it won't happen to us. Our chance of European football came and went, until a few more decades at least.

GodIsADeeJay81 · Post by **GodIsADeeJay81** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:02 am

BabylonClaret wrote:Squad wise we are. We lost 3 back up squad and a semi regular wide player. We broight in arguably 1 better forward a goalie and a CB. We are worse off numbers wise, with better options now at CB and arguably a better foward option.

You appear to be tying yourself into a knot.

Marney, Arfield and Walters out.

Hart, Gibson and Vydra signed up with McNeil promoted.

Hendrick can play CAM or CM, so he basically replaces Marney.
McNeil is our wide option who replaces Arfield/Walters.

Vydra - CAM or Striker - bit of Arfield and Walters.

Gibson - means we don't need to play Taylor at CB..
Hart - not much needs to be said.

I wouldn't say we are worse off than this time last year, but I suppose it depends on how desperately you want to paint a bad picture of it all.

RocketLawnChair · Post by **RocketLawnChair** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:45 am

We are out of the Europa and have only got one point in the Premier League because we aren’t playing very well at the moment and we are very limited in the options we have to arrest this slump.

I actually think managing to keep us up this season with the current squad will be Sean Dyche’s greatest acheivement in his time with us. Another miracle is needed I genuinely fear for us from what I’ve seen in the 9 matches so far.

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 8:50 am

martin_p wrote:Why do you think people have to favour either. I want us to do our best in every competition we’re in and think we’re more than capable of doing so.

They don't. But a lot of people clearly do.

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:02 am

The novelty of being in the Prem is already starting to wear off for me. United at home should be a massive game, but I'm genuinely not that arsed. I agree with the post that said Dyche has cost us a chance in Europe by covering his own backside. No reason why we can't have a real go at the other two cups now but I don't think we will.

JohnMcGreal · Post by **JohnMcGreal** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:22 am

jrgbfc wrote:I agree with the post that said Dyche has cost us a chance in Europe by covering his own backside.

I don't agree with that. The team he put out in Athens was well in the game until it self-destructed in a crazy 15 minute spell.

The team he put out on Thursday night created enough chances to win the game three times over.

The harsh reality is we were more than good enough to progress to the group stage, but on the night, we choked.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:25 am

Maybe that extra £2m over a 4 year contract, for Jay Rodriguez, May have been worth it. He might just have delivered that extra bit of nous we needed, to be in the group.

The Board consistently sign players who Mr D thinks he can 'up value'. Plus the odd one or 2 oldies to inflate the squad and add experience.

Rodriguez is at peak, so will 'down value', and I think they refused to go the distance on that basis. Pity. A regret.

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:31 am

JohnMcGreal wrote:I don't agree with that. The team he put out in Athens was well in the game until it self-destructed in a crazy 15 minute spell.

The team he put out on Thursday night created enough chances to win the game three times over.

The harsh reality is we were more than good enough to progress to the group stage, but on the night, we choked.

I don't think our regular back 4 would have conceded 3 out in Greece. And leaving our only real goalscorer on the bench at home when we knew we had to score at least two goals?

ClaretLoup · Post by **ClaretLoup** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:05 am

The "regular back four" conceded four at Fulham and it could have been seven or eight. Added to the run around they got vs Watford some of them will be lucky to keep their places on Sunday.

Who is our only real goalscorer, was that Tarkowski?

Paul Waine · Post by **Paul Waine** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:10 am

Spijed wrote:There is one reason and one reason alone why we will never get into Europe again within the next few years.

Outsiders never succeed twice. Very occasionally you get teams doing things that are unexpected, but they don't repeat the same trick again.

Anyone who thinks we can finish 7th again without serious investment is deluding themselves.

It doesn't happen in sport and and it won't happen to us. Our chance of European football came and went, until a few more decades at least.

Hi Spijed, in 2008/09 we achieved a play-off place (did we finish 6th - I forget in all the excitement) and then we got promotion after beating Reading and the Sheffield Utd. The first game in the Prem we beat ManU (hope we can do that again tomorrow) and we were progressing well until everything "fell apart" after Xmas. We were relegated a few matches short of the end of the season. Most of us thought, well that's it - we'd got ourselves into the Prem, we were now back down again, we may never achieve the Premier League again.....

We are all familiar with the next chapter.... a guy called Sean Dyche is appointed manager. Well he was out of work, because Watford had dismissed him - and we didn't finish the season well. Many thought we should change managers again..... but the board stuck with Sean.

Then automatic promotion, 2nd, but a struggle in the Premier League and we were relegated again. Then another season in the Championship and promotion as champions (even though the EFL sent the trophy to M'boro) - and this time we weren't immediately relegated - and, the following season, wow, we finished 7th - and we are "going on a European tour...."

So, we got promotion to the Premier League 3 times - so maybe "Outsiders" can succeed.... Our chances of another European tour are better than they have been since the early 1970s. And, let's remember that we won't get an "serious investment" if we can't stay in the Premier League.

UTC

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 10:28 am

ClaretLoup wrote:The "regular back four" conceded four at Fulham and it could have been seven or eight. Added to the run around they got vs Watford some of them will be lucky to keep their places on Sunday.

Who is our only real goalscorer, was that Tarkowski?

That would be Chris Wood, who scored at a ratio of about 1 in 2 starts last season. Instead he started with a carthorse like Barnes, who offered no threat whatsoever.

quoonbeatz · Post by **quoonbeatz** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:04 am

martin_p wrote:Why do you think people have to favour either. I want us to do our best in every competition we’re in and think we’re more than capable of doing so.

Bang on.

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:23 am

jrgbfc wrote:That would be Chris Wood, who scored at a ratio of about 1 in 2 starts last season. Instead he started with a carthorse like Barnes, who offered no threat whatsoever.

Have you actually watched Burnley in the last few months ?
Wood is struggling massively and contributing very little in most games he is playing - especially this season. Barnes was easily our best player in the away leg in Athens and gave their centre backs a torrid time.

To describe Barnes as a carthorse is pathetic - he's been a brilliant signing for the club and epitomises everything that Dyche and the team are about.

Pimlico_Claret · Post by **Pimlico_Claret** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:24 am

We will all have our opinions on this and won't be swayed by others. My take is that I'm still fairly gutted we didn't get through to the groups, I think we could and should have.
We were lucky last season, in a similar way to Leicester when they won the title, in that some of the usual teams were off the pace, not taking away anything from the team, but we did over achieve. Again, like Leicester, that is highly unlikely to happen again. We are simply not equipped to become a premier league giant as some think.
We will compete as best as we can, but ultimately we will be another Stoke, West Brom etc. That's not pessimistic, it's the reality of the game these days.

Hence for some of the older generation like myself, yes we may be able to have afforded another few European games both time and money wise, but equally we are less likely to have the chance again. We have waited a long time, and simply wanted it to last a bit longer. Which is why I'm still feeling gutted today.

Burtonwoodclaret · Post by **Burtonwoodclaret** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:26 am

IanMcL wrote:We should be marching on, by right, in Europe.

We worked so hard to get here. Ludicrous to throw the opportunity away.

We didn’t throw it away .
We went out with a performance to be proud of and a benchmark from which to progress . Our squad size/quality isn’t enough to sustain a long European campaign as well as the premiership. We could well have been setting ourselves up to drop out of both. There. Will be another opportunity if we can continue to strengthen on all fronts. I’m disappointed but not sorry.

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:30 am

TVC15 wrote:Have you actually watched Burnley in the last few months ?
Wood is struggling massively and contributing very little in most games he is playing - especially this season. Barnes was easily our best player in the away leg in Athens and gave their centre backs a torrid time.

To describe Barnes as a carthorse is pathetic - he's been a brilliant signing for the club and epitomises everything that Dyche and the team are about.

Wood is struggling because he isn't suited to playing upfront on his own, something every man and his dog can see apart from Dyche. I'd hardly say Barnes gave their centre halves a torrid time in Athens either, he certainly didn't on the Turf.

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:36 am

jrgbfc wrote:Wood is struggling because he isn't suited to playing upfront on his own, something every man and his dog can see apart from Dyche. I'd hardly say Barnes gave their centre halves a torrid time in Athens either, he certainly didn't on the Turf.

Well that's your opinion - it was not the opinion of most people who watched the game and gave him MoM on the ratings thread. But I suspect from your comments your view on Barnes is already clouded irrespective of how he plays. Barnes, As for last Thursday are you seriously saying that Barnes, Vokes and the rest of the team did not give their defence a torrid time ? They were absolutely all over the place and we made a huge number of big chances - we could easily have won by 4 or 5. You think Barnes contributed nothing to that ?

As for Wood yes he is isolated playing on his own up front. But that's how he has started most games for Burnley and he was playing far better when he first joined the club and before he got injured. Last few months he has contributed very little whether he plays on his own or with someone else (which often happens when we bring on subs or he comes on as sub)

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:49 am

I'd say most of our pressure on Thursday came from being direct and throwing balls into the box, rather than brilliant forward play. I can't help but feel Wood would have got on the end of something. Not saying Barnes hasn't done a good job for us but if we want to progress he can't be any more than a squad player IMO. When Vydra came on he looked mobile, played with his head up, comfortable on the ball, everything we are lacking at present.

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 11:53 am

... Better book your next vacation to New York or Japan, cos you won't be watching the Clarets in Milan.

TVC15 · Post by **TVC15** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 1:17 pm

jrgbfc wrote:I'd say most of our pressure on Thursday came from being direct and throwing balls into the box, rather than brilliant forward play. I can't help but feel Wood would have got on the end of something. Not saying Barnes hasn't done a good job for us but if we want to progress he can't be any more than a squad player IMO. When Vydra came on he looked mobile, played with his head up, comfortable on the ball, everything we are lacking at present.

Honestly think you were watching a completely different game from me. We had plenty of great chances through playing great football and it was a lot more than just throwing the ball in the box. Barnes` hold up play was excellent and he has better control of the ball than anyone else in our team. He is technically underrated because he does the ugly stuff that gets noticed.

Vydra did ok when he came on - but at that point we were going direct. Not sure how you can assess a player in 10 minutes of hoof ball and say he is everything we are lacking....that`s just a bit ridiculous.

Feeling Wood would have got on the end of something on Thursday just does not make any sense. He didn't when he came on - and infact unlike all the other 3 strikers who played he did not even have a chance. Why you think he would have scored when he has had so few chances in every other game just shows that your mind is made up on certain players.

Burnley87 · Post by **Burnley87** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 1:35 pm

Anyone who wanted Burnley to get knocked out are the sort of folk who drink in Spoons because you know what you get at the right price, Buy milk and bread when it snows and holiday every year in Benidorm. Basically someone who can’t embrace living life on the edge

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 1:36 pm

jrgbfc wrote:I'd say most of our pressure on Thursday came from being direct and throwing balls into the box, rather than brilliant forward play. I can't help but feel Wood would have got on the end of something. Not saying Barnes hasn't done a good job for us but if we want to progress he can't be any more than a squad player IMO. When Vydra came on he looked mobile, played with his head up, comfortable on the ball, everything we are lacking at present.

What a load of twaddle. We played some good football on Thursday night and the majority of chances we created were not from ‘throwing balls into the box’. I think you see what you want to see, which is your loss.

BabylonClaret · Post by **BabylonClaret** » Sat Sep 01, 2018 1:47 pm

GodIsADeeJay81 wrote:You appear to be tying yourself into a knot.

Marney, Arfield and Walters out.

Hart, Gibson and Vydra signed up with McNeil promoted.

Hendrick can play CAM or CM, so he basically replaces Marney.
McNeil is our wide option who replaces Arfield/Walters.

Vydra - CAM or Striker - bit of Arfield and Walters.

Gibson - means we don't need to play Taylor at CB..
Hart - not much needs to be said.

I wouldn't say we are worse off than this time last year, but I suppose it depends on how desperately you want to paint a bad picture of it all.

McNeil played Thursday thats true but until he is a bench regular and starting somme games you cant say he replaces Arfield. Dyche has been plating a LB there for ***** sake - how is that better than last season?

We needed a wide player and a midfielder minimum even before the injuries and we got neither (although Vydra may mean Hendrick can be the midfielder.

But again he's only kust made an appearance on Thursday so too early to say where he is goong to play.

We ****** up the window by ******* about and ee are now paying for it. I think we will recover somewhat once injured players come back but our sparse squad means we cant afford too many dips in form over the next few months.