ALAN'S PROGRAMME NOTES: BRENTFORD

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Read the Chairman's notes ahead of the game

2021-10-30T12:28:37.180Z

ALAN'S PROGRAMME NOTES: BRENTFORD

Read the Chairman's notes ahead of the game

2021-10-30T12:28:37.180Z

Alan's notes ahead of this afternoon's game

Welcome to Turf Moor for today’s game against Brentford. I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to the players, staff, directors and supporters of Brentford for our first-ever top-flight fixture against each other.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Sean on his nine-year anniversary as Burnley FC manager today – no one can discount the incredible job he has done with the club in that period so thank you to him.

We host Brentford today having only played each other four times since the turn of the millennium so it’s exciting to welcome a team we play rarely. We last played in the Championship during our promotion-winning season in 2016. What a journey both clubs have been on since.

I’ve been very impressed, as I’m sure many have, by Brentford in their debut Premier League season and as a team full of confidence they’ll no doubt present another major test to Sean and the players as we look for our first Premier League win. However, I’m confident in our team and I’m sure the fans will be in full voice. It was a disappointing result midweek to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup but the game today provides a quick opportunity to move on as a club. It has been a particularly hectic period with three games in a week but I was pleased to see it create a chance for one of our summer signing Connor Roberts to make his debut for the club.

Away from the pitch, I was delighted to lend my support this week to the club’s partnership with Burnley College to become our first ‘Esports Academy’. We see the Esports fanbase growing rapidly and we want to appeal to this young, inclusive audience. Promoting the business of Esports through the College’s BTEC qualification and giving students opportunities through the club’s Esports arm will hopefully foster a closer relationship with local students in our community.

Today is also a game of remembrance where we take the time to stop, remember and show our supports and gratitude to the British and the Commonwealth servicemen and women who have sacrificed so much for us. The players will be wearing poppy-branded shirts which will be made available to purchase in a live auction, with proceeds going to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.