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John Robertson (21yrs) I have been brought up in a village called Trawden
(20 minutes from Turf Moor by car) and have supported the clarets since 1990 (We were in the old fourth division then!).
What was your first game?
My first game was at Turf Moor for a top of the table clash (4th division)
against Blackpool on Feb 22nd 1992. I remember the day well, a 1-1 draw,
with both clubs leading goal scorers at the time getting on the scoresheet,
Roger Eli and Dave Bamber for Burnley and Blackpool respectively.
Describe the most memorable and worst game you've seen and why?
Most memorable, has to be the 2nd division play off final of 94 at Wembley.
One goal down inside 5 minutes to a chris Beaumont header, were followed by two Stockport red cards. Burnley got a grip on the game and goals from David Eyres and our right back, Gary Parkinson saw us promoted into the new first division under Jimmy Mullen's leadership.
As for least favourite, i think the two home defeats to Rotherham in the league (2-6) and cup replay (0-3) take quite a bit of beating. I'll remember that cup of Novemeber 1997 for one thing, a superb Millers goal - it was a
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If Burnley was a Celebrity, who would it be and why?
Jimmy White - big following, always gives 100% but often lose when it's unexpected.
Who do you consider as your current local rivals, and why?
They might be in the Premiership (thanks to Jack Walker's millions) but you can't look past Blackburn Rovers. The away following at Ewood Park just over a week ago proved how much this game means to the Burnley fans.
Who are the best and worst players you have seen?
Best in a Burnley shirt, David Eyres. Superb control, notorious for his 'jinking' runs, scored a bag full and took mean set plays.
Worst in a Burnley shirt (this is a tough one), will have to say Kendall (a keeper we had on loan from Swansea), he played let in 5 in one game - he had a stinker!
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Always been a fan of your Keeper, Mike Pollitt. Always wore the millers shirt with pride, dedicated to the club over a long period and on his day, an excellent goalkeeper.
How did you fare last season?
Poor season, Stan Ternent's last - but with the finances as they were, on reflection, we achieved what we set out to do, survive!
After being skint, You've just splashed out on Ade Akinbiyi, wheres the dosh come from?
£600k, resulting from a healthy run in both domestic cups (our cup games against Spurs, Liverpool and Blackburn were televised too), the sales of Richard Chaplow (WBA) and Robbie Blake (Birmingham) for approximately 3 million pounds and having the smallest squad in the country!
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I'm not sure hes all that great, what about you?
I think he'll be a tremendous asset to our team. He has pace, muscle (he showed that to get sent off!) and is hungry to succeed. He didn't score too many at the Britannia, us Clarets believe that is down to a lack of quality servive - I think Steve C has the right players to provide the service for the Claret number 20!
So what do you think of The Millers?
Good club with loyal fans. I'd be lying if I said I liked the ground, but it certainly has character and i do like traditional stadia. Ronnie Moore did a great job for you but he probably did all he could! Yes, it'll be a miracle if you survive this campaign but I wouldn't be suprised to see you playing Championship football in the not to distant future. Also, fans are very approachable!
Do you think the streakers had a tough time?
Absolutely not, spoilt the momentum of the game against Blackburn when we looked like scoring too!
Is your manager barking mad?
Biased i obviously am, but Steve C is a great great coach. He knows which players he wants, has a great personality and has a hell of a lot of ambition. I'd like to think he'll stay longer than the three years which he initially signed for, but wouldn't be suprised if he is poached by bigger clubs!
Are you happy with your Chairman/Backroom staff?
Bary Kilby (Our Chairman), there isn't a more dedicated supporter of Burnley Football Club. He has stabalised us as a team competing in the top half of England's football ladder, kept Stan Ternent (a legend in our eyes) and he knew when the time was right for new and younger blood. He gives his all for the club. Our PR department is improving but have a lot of work to do!
Which team do you want to beat the most this season and why?
Well there's little over ten games left now, I would love to win away at Molineux next Tuesday, we never seem to win there, but for me it has to be Millwall away. It's a hard place to go and it's our last game of the season - it's really important to end this campaign on a high!
What sort of line-up can we expect from you?
We have just got Dean Bowditch on loan from Ipswich so I predict......
Jensen
Sinclair McGreal Cahill Camara
Oster Hyde Grant Valois
Moore
Bowditch
Subs, Whittingham, Roche, Coyne, Duff and Branch
Predicted score? I'll for 1-0 Burnley - You will make it very tough for us.
We have had no luck infront of goal recently, but Bowditch is a quality
addition to our squad, albeit a temporary one. I think he'll score the goal.
It wouldn't surprise me though if you come away with something, we know what it's like to be fighting for survival down there!
Who's going up?
Sunderland as league winners, Ipswich (automatic) and Derby through the
Play offs.
Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, have a good day on Saturday and good luck for next year.
All the best
JOHN ROBERTSON (jdrobbo on the ClaretsMad messageboard)
MillersMad would like to thank John for his time giving his views, Click Here for the ClaretsMad messageboard