Turf Beat

Clarets chiefs in fans' firing line

FANS are being offered a rare chance to quiz Burnley's top brass in the build up to next week's derby clash with Preston North End.

Chairman Barry Kilby and chief executive Dave Edmundson plan to meet supporters face to face and receive their bouquets and brickbats.

The forum will take place in the marquee being specially constructed inside the Turf Moor Leisure Centre for next Friday night's gala dinner, featuring guest speakers Alastair Campbell and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

A fully stocked bar will be on hand and a pie and peas lunch provided at the event, which will start at noon.

Edmundson said: "This is all part of the policy of communication between the club and its supporters.

"I said when I arrived that we wanted to be as open as possible in every aspect and build up a relationship between the two parties that has maybe been missing in recent years.

"We are approaching the time when the season ticket packages are set to be announced and I'm sure fans will want to have their say on this matter, among others.

"But I am not expecting it to be a stormy session. We are trying to be positive, throughout the problems we are encountering, and I think the supporters realise that and appreciate it.

"However, along with the good things I know there will be people who want to air grievances and complain about things they see as important.

"It is all part of being open and honest and helping to improve the overall atmosphere at Burnley Football Club."

Only 500 tickets are available for the event, due to space constraints. These tickets, priced at £5 each, go on sale from Monday, March 1 from the Turf Moor ticket office and leisure centre reception.

The marquee is set to be erected inside the leisure centre on Thursday, ahead of Friday's business lunch hosted by celebrity Burnley fan Campbell, who recently resigned as Downing Street Director of Communications.

Tickets for the lunch, which also features guest speaker Mike Forde from Bolton Wanderers, are still available priced at £50 per head.

Meanwhile, the fund-raising gala dinner later that evening is a sell-out, with 530 people each paying £100 per head to raise vital funds for the survival of the club.

Isle be damned! Burnley to miss Manx tour

BURNLEY have confirmed they will will not be heading back to the Isle of Man this summer as part of their pre-season preparations.

The Clarets have not been included among the six teams competing in July's Steam Packet International Football Festival, ending a four-year association with the event.

For the past four summers, hundreds of Clarets fans have crossed the Irish Sea to watch Stan Ternent's men compete against a host of English and Scottish clubs and the part-time hosts.

Last July, Burnley competed against Rotherham, Blackpool, Wrexham, the Isle of Man and eventual winners Rushden and Diamonds in the island's traditional pre-season tournament.

However, the plans for this summer will now need to be redrawn following a re-think by the organisers.

Burnley have made no announcement yet on any replacement tour.

However, given the financial constraints at Turf Moor, I don't think fans can expect to dig out the sombreros just yet!

Almost missed our Royle appointment

JOE Royle caused quite a stir at Turf Moor last weekend following his Ipswich side's 4-2 defeat.

We all waited patiently for Royle to perform his traditional post-match conference in the designated press room between the James Hargreaves and Cricket Field stands.

However, after a quick chat with opposite number Stan Ternent, Royle headed straight for the exit - sparking a hilarious Benny Hill-type scenario as the press pack chased him down the narrow players' tunnel in single file and collared him just before he made a quick getaway.

The poor guys on duty at the players' entrance didn't stand a chance.

Sent to Coventry

TICKET details have been announced for the forthcoming away game at Coventry on Saturday, March 13. The Clarets have been allocated 2,027 tickets for the all-ticket game, priced at £18 (adults) and £9 (concessions).

Six places are available for disabled supporters, priced at £5 and a further £5 for the helper.

Tickets go on sale on Monday morning to season ticket holders (voucher T), Foundation members (via Vanessa Buxton) and shareholders (via club secretary Cathy Pickup).

All remaining tickets go on general sale from Monday, March 8.

It's time to go

BURNLEY Supporters Club have announced travel details for the forthcoming games at Coventry and Nottingham Forest.

Coventry City: Depart Colne bus station 10.30am, Nelson bus station 10.40am, Queensgate 10.50am, Turf Moor 11am; Tim Bobbin 11.10am, Rawtenstall 11.25am.

Nottingham Forest: Depart Colne bus station 3.30pm, Nelson bus station 3.40pm, Queensgate 3.50pm, Turf Moor 4pm, Tim Bobbin 4.10pm, Rawtenstall 4.25pm.

All inquiries to Robinsons Tours on 01254 880305 (day) or Yvonne Hudson on 696947 (evenings).

Monthly meeting

THE next monthly meeting of the Accrington Clarets has been put back one week and will now take place on Monday, March 8 at The Stanley, Stanley Street, Accrington starting at 8pm.

Coach bookings are, however, being taken for the matches at Coventry on Saturday March 13 and Nottingham Forest on Wednesday March 17.

Bookings can be made by contacting Phil Miller on 01254 301605.

Meanwhile, Shooters Clarets are taking bookings for forthcoming away trips to Coventry, Bradford and Walsall.

Anyone interested should contact Phil Speak on 01282 603314 or 07967 834343.

Into the Valley

RONNIE Jepson's Burnley reserve side are back in action this week, travelling to meet Rotherham at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield on Wednesday, March 3 (KO 7pm).

Last week's Pontins Premier League meeting with Coventry, postponed due to a frozen pitch, has now been rearranged at the end of the season. The Sky Blues will now travel to Turf Moor on Wednesday, May 5 (KO 2pm).