Turf Beat

Clarets fan's passion for life

MUSICIAN likes playing guitar and watching football - so what!

But what sets apart "Footnote*", by Burnley-born guitarist Boff Whalley, is the way he took the very ethos of punk music by the scruff of the neck.

Lived it, ate it and slept it with a gang of mates who went on to become, Chumbawamba.

Who after years living together in a Leeds squat, then against all odds, crafted the World wide hit single, Tub Thumping.

Which eventually his hometown football team would hear, as they took to the field of play.

It's almost a comic book story but having tasted that success, when the multi member band refused to sell out their principals and values to an industry demanding more of the same adds put another dimension to the tale.

The book features recollections of his schoolday trials for the Town team, the gang mentality of 70's football fans as well as the background to the communal life of the band.

Burnley fans will never see, Boff Whalley, taking his seat in the directors box or executive suites, like the Gallagher brothers do down the road in Manchester, but it's clear he shares the same passion for his team.

As the stories unfold and Chumbawamba's sense of humour and mischief come into focus, there are times you begin to wonder just how accurate this account actually is.

Like the the elaborate yarn about where the band's name came from. I for one don't care about names of pop bands and would have rather read his views of the time they they coated, the Clash, in red paint, or more on the reaction to the soaking of Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Sadly for fans it really only just lifts the lid on the life story of Chumbawamba, allowing just the most minimal glimpse into their intriguing world.

Aptly titled, footnote, it's exactly what it says on the can. Mixing the author's memories, short stories, jokes and the odd relevant political moment, which are rolled together in the most hap hazard way.

So despite being both charming and enjoyable it still leaves you wondering just how much you've really gained and how much has been held back.

But then if Boff had conformed to writing the usual pop star autobiography, it wouldn't have been in keeping with the Chumawamba spirit would it.

"Footnote*" by Boff Whalley, published Promona Books.

Round table will remember Chris

MY BETTER half is always ranting on about how Claret and Blue should never be seen together, and, after Tuesday last week I now see where she is coming from.

An hour before kick-off, around 12 members of the Great Britain and Ireland Round Table marched through the press room wearing what can only be described as tailored monstrosities.

A quick investigation revealed that current chairman, Chris Horsfall of Todmorden is a life-long Clarets fan and chose the jacket design for his 12-months in office.

Now I like wearing my Burnley shirt as much as the next man, but somehow, I don't think Round Table regulars will forget Chris in a hurry!

National blow for mascot Bertie

BURNLEY mascot Bertie Bee won't have the chance to prove his superiority this year, as he is forced out of the annual Mascot Grand National, taking place at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday.

For the last two years, both Bertie and his partner in crime, Bumble Bee, have been involved in the race and on both occasions they have finished in the first cluster of competitors over the line.

However, this year Bertie won't be entering the race because of a slight injury to his ankle, whilst Bumble has been typically busy in the Community of late.

"I'm very disappointed not to be in the race this year," admitted Bertie after hearing the news about his ankle.

"I would like to have taken part but if I can't do myself justice on the track, I'd rather not take part.

"I should be back and raring to go for the next home game with Walsall though."

Meanwhile, after being absent for the early part of the season, Bumble is also looking to make his Turf Moor return against Walsall on October 4.

"I have been busy over the first few weeks of the season, but I'm ready to return now and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again when we play Walsall."

Clarets travel

WATFORD v Burnley, Tuesday, September 30. Departure times: Colne bus station 1.30pm; Nelson bus station 1.40pm; Queensgate 1.50pm; Turf Moor 2pm; Tim Bobbin 2.10pm; Rawtenstall 2.25pm.

Prices: non members £18.50; members £16.50; concessions £15.50.

All bookings to Robinsons Holidays & Tours, 01254 880305 day, or Yvonne Hudson 696947 (evenings).

BURNLEY Football Supporters Club travel times to Ipswich Town:

Depart Colne bus station noon, Nelson bus station 12.10pm, Queensgate 12.20pm, Turf Moor 12.30pm, Tim Bobbin 12.40pm, Rawtenstall 12.55pm. Prices -- non-members: £20.50, members £18.50, concessions £17.50.

West Ham Utd -- depart Colne bus station 8am, Nelson bus station 8.10am, Queensgate 8.20am, Turf Moor 8.30am, Tim Bobbin 8.40am, Rawtenstall 8.55am. Non members £20.50, members £18.50, concessions £17.50. Book early for this game as demand will be high.

All bookins to Robinson's Tours and Holidays, 01254 880305 (day), or Yvonne Hudson 696947 (evening).