Chairman's Programme Notes: Bournemouth

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2021-02-09T13:07:09.512Z

Chairman's Programme Notes: Bournemouth

2021-02-09T13:07:09.512Z

A virtual welcome back to Turf Moor, as the club turns its attention to the FA Cup this evening and our second home fixture against opposition from the south coast in just four days.

On Saturday, the team put in a spirited second half performance against Brighton, with a host of chances late on that could have earned the Clarets a deserved three points.

That said, the point gained is a valuable one, keeping us eight points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, as we head into key fixtures against Crystal Palace, Fulham and West Bromwich Albion later this month.

PL PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BRIGHTON - Image 5

Our focus this evening though is firmly on the FA Cup, with visitors AFC Bournemouth a club in transition following the departure of their manager Jason Tindall last week.

Jonathan Woodgate got off to a winning start as the club’s caretaker manager on Saturday, and the former England defender will no doubt have his side well organised for tonight’s game and make it a difficult tie for us.

While the 5.30pm kick-off behind-closed-doors on a Tuesday evening may not make this a typical FA Cup Fifth Round encounter, the prize for both clubs remains the same with a place in the last eight of the competition for tonight’s victors.

As I have written about previously, the history and heritage of the FA Cup is very special and provides English football with something unique in the global game, with every team at every level of the sport having their own opportunity to compete on the biggest stage.

A win tonight would mark Burnley’s best run in the competition since 2003, so fingers crossed Sean and the players can earn our place in the quarter finals with a strong performance.

Chairman's Programme Notes: Bournemouth - Image 2

Away from the action on the pitch, the club received some good news last week with a planning application to improve several elements of the stadium, including hospitality, approved by the council.

The upgrades include a new state-of-the-art digital screen on the corner of Harry Potts Way and Belvedere Road, which will present a new forward-facing outlook of the club to those passing by.

My team and I have a desire to provide a better environment for everyone who visits Turf Moor, and I am hoping that this initial work will be the first steps in a series of improvements to the stadium as we prepare to welcome back our fans and partners in the future.

Whilst the return of fans may still seem some way off, the fact that more than 12 million people in the UK have now received a COVID-19 vaccine is positive news that hopefully provides a ray of light at the end of this long tunnel.

Until then, I’d like to wish you and your families the very best of health and thank you for your continued support of the club from home.

Enjoy the game.

Alan

@AlanPaceBFC