CHAIRMAN'S PROGRAMME NOTES: CHELSEA

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Alan Pace's programme notes ahead of Saturday's game at Turf Moor

2022-03-05T11:18:10.567Z

CHAIRMAN'S PROGRAMME NOTES: CHELSEA

Alan Pace's programme notes ahead of Saturday's game at Turf Moor

2022-03-05T11:18:10.567Z

Please note, due to printing deadlines these notes were written prior to the Southampton game

Welcome to Turf Moor for this afternoon’s game against Chelsea. It’s my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to Thomas Tuchel, the players, staff, directors, and supporters joining us today.

We face another tough home fixture having welcomed Liverpool, Tottenham and Leicester to Turf Moor in the previous few weeks and I have no doubt the fans will be fully behind Sean and the team again.

While it was disappointing to not chalk up a third victory in four league matches on Tuesday night against Leicester it’s been great to see the team rewarded with the recent positive results.

Having drawn 1-1 with Chelsea earlier in the season – one of many good performances against the league’s top teams this season – I’m sure the team will be heartened, and I hope everyone enjoys the game today.

Of course, the events happening in the world today do throw football into context. I want to use this column to again send solidarity and support to the people of Ukraine following the devastating scenes that have been unfolding in the country since the Russian invasion.

I believe at times like this football has the power to unite and send a clear message. We were proud to welcome members of the local Ukrainian community to Turf Moor this week and I want to send my support to all those affected within the local area. We will continue to show our utmost to affirm the message that ‘Football Stands United - No War.’

Ukraine is in the thoughts of everybody connected to Burnley Football Club and we hope and pray for a peaceful resolution.

At this afternoon’s fixture, we are also proud to support disability charity Level Playing Field’s Weeks of Action. The campaign, which is in its 18th year, showcases the work being done by clubs and organisations to improve accessibility and inclusion across sport.

We are committed to improving the matchday experience for disabled supporters at Burnley FC. The two accessible stands in the North East and South East corners are testament to the efforts made to ensure everyone can access and enjoy Turf Moor.

However, we have further plans to make the stadium more accessible such as launching a sensory room to training customer service staff in basic sign language. There is plenty more we want to achieve so we look forward to supporting Level Playing Field’s campaign today.

This coming Tuesday, 8th March, we will also be celebrating International Women’s Day.

To mark the annual event celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women we will be sharing the stories across Club channels of the diverse range of female staff members who make up Burnley FC.

Players from our women’s team are also at Turf Moor today visiting the Clarets Store and FanZone while Captain Lauren Bracewell will join Phil Bird for live commentary on Clarets+. Activities to celebrate the event will also continue tomorrow when the women’s team welcome Wolves Women to Lancashire FA’s County Ground.

Finally, I want to congratulate Jordan North on completing his Rowing Home challenge for Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day. Jordan set off on Monday in a battle of endurance, rowing 100 miles of canals between London and Burnley. What an incredible challenge for a wonderful cause. Well done, Jordan!

As ever, thank you for your continued support. Best of luck to Sean and the team this afternoon.

Up the Clarets!

Alan

@AlanPaceBFC