Burgess has proved the doubters wrong

After eight months in the Shawbridge hot-seat Burgess has taken his Blues side to the FA Vase semi-final and to second place in North West Counties League Division One.

And even if they lose the semi and miss out on promotion Burgess has still proved himself to be a top manager, says his assistant Lee Sculpher.

"Dave was under a lot of pressure because quite a lot of people thought he would fail," said 30-year-old Sculpher. "I think whatever happens with the league or the FA Vase he has proved he has the ability to manage at this level.

"A lot of people questioned whether it was beginner's luck but now it has gone on for eight months."

The Blues won eight of their first ten league games to shoot to the top of the league.

"I don't think the players thought it was beginner's luck," said Sculpher. "The first game or two they were probably a bit apprehensive but then we beat Rossendale away and it changed everyone's outlook.

"Dave is a great man-manager, he knows how to keep the players happy. Sometimes you have to distance yourself but then other times it is right to get involved.

"He knows how to give a player confidence and everyone appreciates that. And training has been very good -- but I would say that because I take it!"

Sculpher, who first joined Clitheroe in 1992, says there is always an expectation that the club will do well in the FA Vase.

"I think Clitheroe have been labelled as an FA Vase team after getting to the final in 1996.

"Every season since then there's been an expectation and you have to be careful the league doesn't get forgotten about.

"Dave and I would much rather win the league but I think the fans would prefer to win the FA Vase; it's a good day out and you go down in history if you win it.

"I think we need to win 10 of our remaining 14 games to win the league, and that will depend on injuries and fatigue. I think it will be either us, Ramsbottom or Rossendale."

Sculpher started the 1995-96 season with the Blues, but moved to UniBond League side Atherton mid-way through the season -- so missed the historic Wembley final, which Clitheroe lost 3-0 to Brigg Town.

"I still don't regret missing out on the FA Vase and going to Wembley because I had furthered my own career and that was what I wanted in the long term," said Sculpher.

"I went on to Bamber Bridge after that and that was the highlight of my career -- until the win at Chippenham last week. That surpassed anything at Bamber Bridge.

"Everyone really wants the FA Vase this season and it would be a massive achievement considering the sides we have had to beat.

"Wimborne were one of the favourites, and we beat them, Chippenham were second favourites, we beat them, and Taunton are the favourites, so we will have to go and beat them too."

"Any cup runs are bonuses but our priority is still the league.

"Dave and I would much rather win the league but I am sure the people of Clitheroe would want us to win the Vase because you get a good day out and once you win it you go down in history."

Currently second in Division One, the league title -- and promotion to the UniBond League -- is a real possibility for the club.

"I think the league is possible but for us to win it I think we need to win 10 of our remaining 14 games and that is a big ask.

"It will come down to injuries and fatigue, because we are going to be playing two or three games a week which will put a strain on resources.

"We only have a squad of about 19 and we have a few injuries at the moment.

"I think it will be either us, Rossendale, Ramsbottom or Fleetwood will win it and if it is us, we will be ready for the UniBond league. I have known Dave since I came to Clitheroe in 1992. I started the season with the club in 1996 but then left to go to Atherton in the UniBond League.

I still don't regret missing out on the FA Vase and going to Wembley that season because I had furthered my own career and that was what I wanted in the long term.

I went on to Bamber Bridge and at the beginning of this season playing for them was the highlight of my career but now the highlight is the win at Chippenham. That surpassed anything at Bamber Bridge.

I think everyone really wants this. This would be a massive achievement for us considering the sides we have had to beat.

Wimborne were one of the favourites, and we beat them, Chippenham were second favourites, we beat them and Taunton are the favourites, so we will have to go and beat them too.

I think it has been a little easier for us because we are not high profile, even in our own league, so going to 'bigger' clubs who might not think much of us has probably helped.