HAVING been at Turf Moor rather than Elland Road on Saturday I only saw the reception for Rio's return to Leeds on the telly.

But it did not appear half as bad as had been predicted and it certainly did not look as savage as the treatment of Sol Campbell when he went back to Spurs with Arsenal.

But at least he could end last season by showing Tottenham fans his medals having won the Double. The way things are going at Old Trafford, Rio will be lucky if he needs to pack his passport for a European campaign.

The simmering hatred that was evident for "Judas" Ferdinand at the weekend was in stark contrast to the reception a former Claret received on his return to Turf Moor hours later.

The standing ovation and chants of support for Stoke striker Andy Cooke were no more than he deserved in recognition of seven seasons of sterling service.

With more than 50 League goals in 171 appearances, his place in Turf Moor history is assured and he will always be a welcome visitor.

In fact that can be said for most players to pull on the famous Claret and Blue. The feeling among fans seems to be "once a Claret, always a Claret".

Whenever they return, be it Steve Davis with Luton, Paul Crichton with Norwich and Alan Lee and John Mullin with Rotherham, they know their efforts for Burnley will be recognised.

The strongest link between the home fans and former players comes in the shape of the popular half time draw.

Veronica Simpson's efforts with the ex-Clarets Association ensure that former stars get their moment of recognition on the pitch and at the weekend Vince Overson received a great reception from fans all round the ground, thanks to his years of success with Stoke.

Big Vince is now on the staff at Turf Moor and so he will have known what to expect but the warmth of the welcome often comes as a surprise to the players who have become strangers having left the area.

Last season legendary keeper Alan Stevenson could not believe the ovation he received, despite the fact that for more than a decade he had been a loyal servant of the club.

Of course the reception for former Blackburn players is markedly different and Kevin Davies could not have picked two worse games with which to start his Millwall career - Burnley away following Portsmouth away.

As an ex-Saint and ex-Rover he might have been advised to postpone his switch a few days!