The landlady of a Burnley pub has starred in a Sky Sports campaign, alongside other celebrities such as Danny Dyer and Josh Widdecombe.
Justine Lorriman, the landlady of the Clarets’ matchday pub The Royal Dyche, is the spokesperson for Burnley FC as 92 premiere league fans tell their respective stories of hope ahead of the football new season.
Sweeping the length and breadth of the nation from Arsenal to Walsall, the fans have all shared their hopes, pride, and dreams for their club’s upcoming season, brought to life in a variety of ways and showcased across Sky’s social platforms.
The Sky Sports research suggests Justine’s hopes are shared by the majority of the fanbase, with 61 per cent stating they are feeling optimistic ahead of the new season.
Royal Dyche landlady, Justine Lorriman, represents the Clarets in Sky Sports campaign (Image: Sky Sports)
Justine said she was “absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed” to be asked to represent Burnley in the Sky campaign.
She said: “I think I was chosen because we have been doing a lot at the pub. I am a season ticket holder and I guess I just ticked all of Sky’s boxes.”
From poetry to claymation, every club is showcased in a unique way by a selected supporter, who will tell the story of their team and hopes ahead of the start of the new season.
For her part in the campaign, Justine has written a message on a chalkboard outside her pub, to capture the feelings of Burnley supporters who are feeling optimistic for the new season.
She said: “For my piece, I did a Sky Sports a-board which I put outside the pub. I wrote a bit of a story and spoke about my feelings for the season.
“I spoke about how unpredictable the Championship is and how the next season is going to be a battle for Burnley. There is also the excitement for the local derby and having a new manager.
“It seems to be a really big project and I am just excited to be part of it.”
She said: “I think the Sky campaign is great and long overdue. These club fans will have their own stories to tell and I think It’s nice that Sky is showcasing them.
“I am overwhelmed and proud to have been chosen to be part of this, especially as big names like Danny Dyer are appearing on it too. There were plenty of Burnley fans they could have chosen, like DJ Jordan North, but they chose me.
"I am excited to showcase the pub too."
Justine said she is hopeful about Burnley’s odds ahead of the new football season.
She said: “I think Burnley has a great squad. It will be interesting to see how new manager Scott Parker can settle in. Right now it’s all about focussing on the championship and heading for promotion.
“As a business owner close the football ground, I am just excited to get the buzz of the championship back.”
“Bring on the season – I am really excited.”
Celebrity fan stories include die-hard West Ham supporter Danny Dyer recording a message of inspiration for new Hammers manager Julen Lopetegui, and cheekily requesting that ‘Jules’ build the team around future son-in-law Jarrod Bowen.
Meanwhile, comedian Josh Widdicombe has created a video foreseeing that England legend Wayne Rooney will not only seal promotion for Plymouth Argyle, but also become his new best friend and eventually holiday with him.
The campaign follows new research of more than 5,000 fans of the 92 clubs that reveals an overwhelming sense of optimism across the leagues, with 65 per cent of fans feeling hopeful going into the 2024/25 season – meaning Burnley supporters are less positive than the average fanbase.
Supporters of Accrington Stanley (88 per cent) are among the most positive about this season, feeling optimistic about a promotion push.
Sky Sports football analyst Jamie Carragher said: “The football pyramid is what makes the game so well loved and competitive in this country. I used to experience that love and tribalism up and down the country firsthand!
“At the heart of it, I’m a fan myself, so to see supporters come together with all their talents is fantastic. It really does show you what football means to so many, and I can’t wait for it to all kick off now.”
More than one in 20 supporters believe football is the most important thing in their life – even when compared to their family members, work, or chances of romance. Perhaps that’s why three per cent admit they’d skip a first date to watch their beloved football team.
As part of the campaign, Sky Sports has also produced a video telling the story of all 92 fans narrated by presenter and football personality, Chelcee Grimes commentator, which is available to watch on YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok. Supporters will also be able to get a closer look at the creations from their respective clubs as each team’s fan story will be released on Sky Sports’ social media channels up to Wednesday, August 14.
The EFL season kicks off this week and can be watched on Sky Sports. 128 games being broadcast live and exclusively on Sky throughout the season.
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