When The Ball Moved
Burnley’s long running fanzine When the Ball Moves has, after over 17 years, published its last edition and no more will we see and hear Martin Barnes on the club shop corner.
Martin told us earlier in the week: “With a heavy heart and on everyone’s behalf, I’m afraid that I have to confirm that it’s true that WTBM will not be carrying on this season. I had thought that if we got a hundred subscribers, we could have continued. We didn’t get that many, and, to be honest, I’m not sure that would have convinced me to give it another season any way.”
He explained that with other commitments, none more so than having three children, he felt as though he was spreading himself too thin and not doing any of them justice. He did take time out to thank those who had helped him from printers, websites, the club’s current vice chairman Barry Kilby, former CEOs, former players, writers, contributors and especially the customers.
“Hopefully, everyone who’s ever read the longest standing Burnley fanzine has found something that they enjoyed,” he said. Their loyalty has enabled us to sponsor various youth team players, as well as contributing to other worthwhile football related causes, such as the anti-racism 5 a side we used to hold.”
He added: “I never imagined on that Saturday in March 2000, before the 3-0 derby day defeat to PNE that I was going to be embarking on a 17 year journey. A hundred and thirty-odd issues, and here we are, at the end. I’ve met some great people through doing the fanzine, been interviewed by various publications (including The Financial Times), appeared on SKY TV, Radio 5 Live and Talk Sport, not to mention an Australian podcast, The Irish Times, the Observer, ‘Survival Of The Fattest’ and many more.”
One big memory: “I’ll always remember with great pride the closing scene of one particular episode of Match Of The Day, following our 3-0 FA Cup replay win over Fulham. The Union Jack masks idea may have a been a bit crazy, but they sold like hot cakes, and the kids wearing them as the theme tune faded made a grown man very happy indeed.
“Once again, thanks for your support, and When The Ball Moves, we’re all Burnley fans.”
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