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Out of Asia: Day 7

Posted on: Sun 25 Jul 2010

Fan Power!
Well, the final game of the tour certainly went swimmingly. Not only did the Clarets walk off with the Asian Challenge Cup - John B later told us how he was having nightmares of handing it over to the hosts - but the Clarets seem to have made a lot of new friends.
A whopping 5,196 turned up at the Jelan Besar Stadium to watch Saturday's big game - more than anyone could have hopes for (The Singapore FHM girls certainly did the trick!!).
Tour sponsor John B was naturally delighted, as were the Singapore FA, who put plenty of effort into making the exhibition match a success.

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Dean Marney meets the Clarets' new fans

And manager Brian Laws is confident that after forging new friendships, the club will look to make a quick return to Asia.
He said: "It was a great atmosphere and it rounded the tour off superbly.
"We weren't sure how many would turn up tonight but I hope we have made some friends.
"We feel we have made some really good friends out here and we would like to extend that by adventuring back here in the near future.
"We are certainly looking at that and if it continues in the same vein with the Singapore people have given us, then we will be very encouraged to come back."

Wacky Races!
Here in Singapore, roadworks are everywhere!
Hardly surprising, considering the city is gearing up for a multitude of showpiece events.
August 9 is the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Singapore's independence, and a week later the country plays host to the 2010 Youth Olympics.
And in September, the Formula One circus comes to town for the eagerly-anticipated night race around the streets.
The pit lane block is already in situ, just a stone's throw from the team hotel and in the shadow of the Singapore Flyer - a rival to the London Eye that just had to be bigger - by 5 metres in diameter. Out here, everything is aimed at being the best!

Little Bikey!
Well, we've had the first birthday of the tour when Chris McCann celebrated his 23rd birthday in midweek.
And now we've had the first birth!
Andre Bikey became a father on Saturday morning, when his partner gave birth to little Daniella, weighing in at seven pounds and four ounces.
Congratulations big man!

Dressing Down
The lads enjoyed some pre-match entertainment ahead of Saturday's big game, with a curtain raiser between the country's U18 and U15s.
And they had a ringside seat as the elders beat the junior side that will next month compete in the Youth Olympics 4-0.

Then it was back to the dressing room to prepare for the big one. As you may or may not know, the Turf Moor dressing rooms have undergone a major refurbishment this summer.
However, reports that the upgrade came after news that even the Jelan Besar had better facilities remain unconfirmed at this time!

Calm before the storm!

High Flyers!
When the gongs were handed out, the whistle-stop schedule continued with barely time to eat before heading to the coolest bar in town for a special end-of-tour function, courtesy of John B (who else?)
The location? The 71st floor of the Swiss Hotel for canapés and some magical views!

A magnificent way to round off a fantastic tour!

Destination of Choice!
And the last word goes to John B, who turned up at the hotel to say a few words of encouragement for the lads before the long journey home on Sunday.
Next year, he vowed to send the lads to their pre-season destination of choice, should promotion be achieved.
Or as he put it, it's Accrington or Adelaide; Darwen or Dubai!
No pressure lads …

Ray and John B receive their mementos from Brendan Flood

And as a parting gift, the club's PR and Media manager Darren Bentley collated photo albums of photographs taken on the trip for both John and Ray to sit back and reflect on a job well done!
See you again soon guys - and a huge thank you on behalf of all the players and staff at Burnley Football Club!

Out of Asia; Day 6 Here

Out of Asia; Day 5 Here

Out of Asia; Day 4 Here

Out of Asia; Day 3 Here

Out of Asia; Day 2 Here

Out of Asia; Day 1 Here

 

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