Opposition Chat - Burnley

Last updated : 16 September 2004 By Graeme Smith

Who are you; where are you from and how long have you supported your club?

Tony Scholes, Burnley born and bred and have now been supporting Burnley for almost 44 years/

What was your first game?

My first game was back in October 1960 and a 5-3 win against Manchester United in the First Division.

Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?

The most memorable has to be the play off win at Wembley in 1994, winning there was just incredible. As for the worst, there are a number to choose from during the awful days of the 80s. A 6-0 home defeat against Hereford would probably be the worst.

Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?

Blackburn Rovers will always be our rivals and although we are not currently in the same division it is and always will be the only one that really matters. They will be back down with the ordinary clubs soon enough and then the good days of beating them will return.

Who are the best and worst players you have seen?

Jimmy McIlroy is the finest Burnley player I ever saw, he was one of the greatest players in the world in the late 50s and early 60s and he played for Burnley. Again there is a big choice for the worst from that poor 80s period and I wouldn't like to pick one out. Mind you we had a bad, bad goalkeeper last season.

Which current or former Leicester player impressed you most?

I'll have to say both Danny Coyne and Frank Sinclair the way they are playing at the moment. Going back in time though Andy Lochhead played for both clubs in the 1960s and what a superb forward he was. And then of course you had Frank Worthington and he was worth the admission money alone.

How did you fare last season?

It was a struggle and we were only safe on the penultimate weekend, but we made it and are still here although it was touch and go during April.

How do you think you'll do this season?

A lot better than last season, we won't probably be challenging for the Championship but we certainly won't be struggling at the bottom end of the table.

What's the local drink and snap?

Moorhouses is the local brewery, The Bridge Inn (recommended by Clarets Mad) serves a big selection of real ales and is popular before and after games. And you can always get pie and peas to go with your pint.

If Burnley were a TV personality, who would it be and why?

I've answered this one before and the answer remains the same - Tom Jones. Big in the 60s, fading in the 70s, crap in the 80s but has re-established himself in the 90s and beyond. That sounds just like Burnley FC.

So what do you think of Leicester?

I don't know the city very well although I have had a number of enjoyable visits over the years, both at Filbert Street and at your new crisp bowl. And Leicester was the venue when we last won an FA Cup Semi-Final.

Is your manager barking mad?

No, he is sound. We are just getting used to him after he was appointed in June. He's going to be very good for Burnley FC. Thanks very much for letting him go in the summer so he could take the job at Burnley, our gain your loss.

Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?

Very happy and wouldn't want to swap our Chairman or the backroom team. They are doing a superb job in difficult circumstances.

Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?

Leeds I think, the so called big boys coming down from the Premiership are always a good scalp.

What sort of line-up can we expect from you?

A strong one - I would suspect we will line up in 4-4-2 as follows: Coyne, Duff, Sinclair, McGreal, Camara, Roche, Chaplow, Grant, Branch, Moore, Blake. Much will depend on Roche’s injury and if he misses out it could be a first start for Jean-Louis Valois.

Predicted score?

I think we need to keep up our 100% record at the new stadium so I will go for a 1-0 win again. I would be happy with a draw though.

Who's going up?

I said Wolves and Leicester at the beginning of the season and I still think both will be strong. I do think West Ham will be there or thereabouts, they can’t keep signing good players and not getting up there.

Who's going down?

Three from Brighton, Crewe, Gillingham, Rotherham. I did include Watford at the beginning of the season, shows how much I know.