Dave Thornley reflects on the City experience.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Dave Thornley voices his opinion for Clarets Mad following the conclusion of Burnley’s EPL Game 1 against Manchester City at Turf Moor (11.08.2023).

A new Premier League season is now upon us, and a whole new chapter in the story of Burnley Football Club awaits to unfold before us in all its ghastly / wonderous glory.

Unlike previous Premier League seasons, this one comes on the back of one of (if not the) most remarkable seasons in living memory; EFL Champions with over one hundred points; an exciting young group of players playing purposeful enterprising football under the guidance of an impressive and visionary manager.

The cause of this optimism remains intact Friday night’s opening match defeat at the hands of Treble-winning Manchester City at Turf Moor.

The previous meeting between the teams, at a rain-soaked Etihad Stadium in the FA Cup Quarter Final witnessed City ruthlessly demolish the Clarets. On Friday, whilst acknowledging that City had a couple more gears they were not required to engage, this was a much more even contest.

With five debutants in the Burnley line up, including Sander Berge who had not even had the opportunity to unpack his gear since arriving from Sheffield United, the team nonetheless gelled well. Ameen Al-Dakhil looked composed in defence; Lyle Foster tireless up front and Zeki Amdouni showed glimpses of the sort of pace which will unsettle less accomplished defences than City’s.

But Erling Haaland’s two first half goals but the game beyond doubt, with Rodri adding a third after the interval. Two players in a team of players whose recruitment would be way beyond Burnley’s comparatively meagre resources.

Not that the Burnley of Alan Pace and Vincent Kompany have been reticent in splashing the cash, there has been a large input of fresh players arriving at the Barnfield Training HQ (one wonders if the car park is big enough to accommodate them all?) and they are not done yet. It is all bewildering for fans to keep track of, especially when set against the club’s policy in transfer windows of recent memory.

Indeed, the profile of the club is undergoing a transformation, with NFL legend JJ Watt lending his name, his profile and his army of social media followers to the cause and an outfit known as Dude Perfect, who, according to my daughter, are You Tubers (whatever that is!) lending their name and profile in support of the Clarets.

Not only that, but the Clarets have also become the subject of “Mission to Burnley” a fly-on-the-wall documentary produced by Sky and chronicling the momentous events of last season. The club comes out of it well; Alan Pace shows boundless enthusiasm and commitment; Ashley Barnes (as we all suspected) was a huge presence in the dressing room, one which is not easily replaced; and Vincent Kompany is immediately imposing and oozes assurance and competence even whilst explaining basic accountancy to his confused players.

Also striking was the veneer of corporate slickness that Pace and ALZ have added to the running of the club, there was always a homespun feel to the way the club conducted its affairs in the past, dating back to the days of Bob Lord, but the documentary presented us with Burnley 2.0, a club gearing itself up to meet the global presence of the Premier League.
Annoyingly, the upgrade to Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road home means that we must wait two weeks for Burnley’s next game, a Sunday lunchtime visit from Aston Villa. Bring it on!

Editor’s note: It remains to be seen if Burnley fans favourite Nathan Tella can be coaxed back onto the Clarets playing roster and make the switch from Southampton before the latest summer transfer window ends. Sadly, it seems even the dynamic alliance of Alan Pace and Vincent Kompany have failed to persuade Chelsea and Ian Maatsen to follow suit.

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