ALAN'S PROGRAMME NOTES: ARSENAL

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Read the Chairman's latest programme notes

2021-09-18T10:59:49.458Z

ALAN'S PROGRAMME NOTES: ARSENAL

Read the Chairman's latest programme notes

2021-09-18T10:59:49.458Z

Alan's notes ahead of this afternoon's game

Welcome back to Turf Moor, as we host Arsenal in our third home game of the Premier League season.

The team played well against Leeds United in our last fixture here at Turf Moor three weeks ago, and I think we were all very disappointed not to come away with our first victory of the campaign, following Patrick Bamford’s late equaliser. But the performance – against a side who finished ninth in the Premier League last season – showed the level we can operate at, something that was again on display in long-periods at Goodison Park on Monday evening, before Everton put us to the sword with three goals in seven manic minutes.

The Leeds game proceeded an incredibly busy few days of transfer window activity at the club, and I’d like to thank my fellow directors and all our backroom staff for their part in what was a hugely successful window for the club, with the addition of five senior players, and just as importantly, the retention of key first team personnel.

Our latest arrivals Maxwel Cornet and Connor Roberts both bring international experience to the club and will bolster the squad ahead of what will be another long Premier League season. I look forward to watching them in Claret & Blue, and hopefully seeing their careers blossom here at Burnley, with both secured on long-term contracts.

In addition to the arrival of new signings, it has also been vital to secure the future of our talented management team, and I was delighted to see Sean Dyche sign a new four-year contract this week, alongside assistant manager Ian Woan. We are huge fans of what Sean has achieved at this club and it was important for everyone to get this deal over the line and look towards the club’s future starting with this current Premier League season. I look forward to working closely with Sean and his team over the coming seasons as we seek to raise the bar and build on the solid foundations that have been laid over the past nine years.

Our football development strategy has been further boosted in recent weeks by the appointment of Paul Jenkins as the club’s new Academy Director. Paul is a hugely respected youth coach from his time with Middlesbrough, and he has been a valuable presence at the club for us since arriving in an advisory capacity earlier this year. Paul will be provided with our deepest support, and I can’t wait to see the creation and implementation of a holistic environment for young players that will take our academy to the next level.

The club has also been pleased to secure the return of international football to Burnley for the first time in seven years, with England’s Under 21s facing the Czech Republic on Thursday 11th November in a European Championship qualifier here at Turf Moor. Hosting this fixture is a great honour for the club and the town, and an incredible opportunity to see some of the best young players in the country.

Away from the football side of the club, we have also been delighted by the positive response from supporters to the launch of our third kit for the 2021/22 Premier League season, which is proud to support the Alzheimer’s Society and has been launched during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

The adult shirt is available to buy online and instore now, with the club pledging to donate £5 to the charity for each sold – a donation which is being generously matched by the club’s Principal Partner Spreadex. This is a great opportunity for us to raise funds and awareness for a charity doing fantastic work to support those with dementia and I look forward to more initiatives to support the Alzheimer’s Society that supporters can get behind this season.