A LIFELONG Clarets fan from Rishton was the first customer at Burnley Football Club's new town centre shop.

Alan Smith, 45, travelled over to Burnley early today to make sure he was the first in the shop after the champagne opening by club manager Stan Ternent and club general manager Andrew Watson.

After buying the new Clarets video, Rhapsody in Claret and Blue, Alan said: "I started watching Burnley in 1965 and have supported them through good times and bad times. The first match I attended was against Leeds United."

He said: "Coming from Rishton I have to put up with a lot of stick from Blackburn Rovers fans but I can put up with that."

Alan is also a supporter of Accrington Stanley.

Turf Moor in Town is at the junction of St James Street and Bethesda Street right in the heart of town.

Mr Watson said it was a good site and would provide a good service to supporters and would be open six days a week.

He added: "It is important to take the brand into the town centre.

"It will be more convenient for the supporters as they shop in the town centre and the most important thing is that it will improve the club's turnover and profits which will be invested back into the football set up."

At the moment the shop is on the ground floor but there are plans to expand upwards with an outlet offering financial services and a ticket office.

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