Why do I watch football.

[Vintage Claret]

When I first went to Turf Moor as an eight year old, back in 1954 I was amazed by the size of the stadium and the crowd.
Into the late fifties / early sixties, BFC glory years I always expected our team to win the game which we did in the majority of games.
In those days there was a maximum players wage which made a level playing field for most clubs, obviously some clubs enhanced a player benefits but it still remained a level playing field no matter whether the club was from a small Lancashire town to the capital city.
Then came the money grabbers led by Jimmy Hill and the maximum wage was abolished. The small clubs were unable or unwilling to compete with the large city clubs so ended the level playing field.
During this time, I have supported BFC from the pinnacle of winning the first division, playing in the European cup to watching us survive against Leyton Orient to retain our league status.
As I continued to watch BFC my expectation of winning games receded rapidly but I still have a love of football.
Now in my mid seventies I watch football mainly to be entertained.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

"Now in my mid seventies I watch football mainly to be entertained."

Watching our present lot must be a huge disappointment then V_C?

[Vintage Claret]

"Now in my mid seventies I watch football mainly to be entertained."

Watching our present lot must be a huge disappointment then V_C?

Very true BT, but did not want to moan about DycheBall.

[alfinyalcabo]

Could be worse,we could be watching Bolton.Maybe in 10 years

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Could be worse,we could be watching Bolton.Maybe in 10 years

They smashed Sunderland 6-0 on Saturday alfie, it might not be too long before we meet the Notlobs again.

[Swissclaret]

When I first went to Turf Moor as an eight year old, back in 1954 I was amazed by the size of the stadium and the crowd.
Into the late fifties / early sixties, BFC glory years I always expected our team to win the game which we did in the majority of games.
In those days there was a maximum players wage which made a level playing field for most clubs, obviously some clubs enhanced a player benefits but it still remained a level playing field no matter whether the club was from a small Lancashire town to the capital city.
Then came the money grabbers led by Jimmy Hill and the maximum wage was abolished. The small clubs were unable or unwilling to compete with the large city clubs so ended the level playing field.
During this time, I have supported BFC from the pinnacle of winning the first division, playing in the European cup to watching us survive against Leyton Orient to retain our league status.
As I continued to watch BFC my expectation of winning games receded rapidly but I still have a love of football.
Now in my mid seventies I watch football mainly to be entertained.

I remember Bob Lord saying at the time that removing the cap would mean the end for the small mill town clubs. Needless to the big city clubs said that Lord was wrong. It was in their best interests to remove the cap as they knew that they would benefit with success at the expense of clubs like Burnley.

It was never the same again. We had to sell our good players to stay afloat. Little has changed in that regard from selling Willie Morgan to selling Charlie Austin.

Football is entertainment first and foremost. However, it is unique in that fans invest emotionally and financially in the club, its identity and its success. That of itself does mean at times that, to quote Bill Shankly, “it is not a matter of life and death, it is more important than that.”

If we are relegated I will still support the team and, to be honest, I would prefer to seeing them winning in the Championship than struggling in the PL. Your team winning - that is entertainment!

[Vintage Claret]

On the 10th March 1962 Burnley FC were top of league division 1 having played 29 games and scoring 90 goals.
Then on the day we played Sheffield United at Bramall Lane in the FA Cup 6th Round. John Connelly scored the only goal of the game, but the then manager Harry Potts, changed our style of play to we will score and then defend.
We played our last 13 games and ended up scoring 101 goals for the season and ending the season in second place.

To me this proved that the tactic of scoring and trying to defend for the entire game does not work and I would consider the 1961/62 team far superior to that we have today. Yet our present manager Sean Dyche seems bogged down with a defensive style and it still does not work.

[sinkov]

I first went to Turf Moor around the same time and at the same age as you VC, but I differ from you now. I watch football to see my team win, entertainment in the process is a bonus. I would much rather be bored witless and see Burnley or Clitheroe win, than see them lose in an entertaining game.

[Vintage Claret]

I first went to Turf Moor around the same time and at the same age as you VC, but I differ from you now. I watch football to see my team win, entertainment in the process is a bonus. I would much rather be bored witless and see Burnley or Clitheroe win, than see them lose in an entertaining game.

The problem this season Sinkov is that Burnley are rarely winning and the entertainment value is somewhat lacking.

[sinkov]

The problem this season Sinkov is that Burnley are rarely winning and the entertainment value is somewhat lacking.

So true VC, it's a double whammy virtually every bloody game.