CULLEN REFLECTS ON ‘AMAZING’ SEASON FOR CLUB AND COUNTRY

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Midfielder reviews success of 2022/23 campaign for both Burnley and Ireland

2023-06-01T12:18:07.157Z

CULLEN REFLECTS ON ‘AMAZING’ SEASON FOR CLUB AND COUNTRY

Midfielder reviews success of 2022/23 campaign for both Burnley and Ireland

2023-06-01T12:18:07.157Z

Josh Cullen didn’t only just achieve promotion and the Sky Bet Championship title in his first season at Turf Moor. The central midfielder also picked up the Players’ Player of the Season & Supporters’ Player of the Season for the Clarets and the Ireland Men’s Senior Player of the Year.

Cullen, who has today been named in Ireland's squad for June's upcoming fixtures, arrived in East Lancashire last summer reuniting with boss Vincent Kompany from their time at Anderlecht over the previous two seasons in Belgium.

The 27-year-old was a vital cog in the side that finished this season on 101 points and won 29 games with the former West Ham man playing all but three matches in the league.

Speaking to Fai.ie/Ireland recently, Cullen said: “It’s been a really good season. I probably couldn’t have asked for it to go much better if I’m being honest.

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“To obviously make the move back from Belgium from Anderlecht to Burnley and go up at the first time of asking was fantastic.

“It was the main objective for the club at the start of the season and to do that the way we did it and play a lot of games, it’s been a really good season for me.”

Following a fine first season at Turf Moor, Cullen was awarded Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season and received both awards at the Burnley Town Hall before the Champions Parade through the town.

“It’s always nice to get the recognition. You put a lot of hard work over the season and a lot of sacrifices.

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“We train hard every day to then be able to perform to the best levels on a Saturday or whenever the game may be.

“It’s really nice to get that recognition not just from all the fans but from your fellow teammates too, it was a really good way to cap off an amazing season.” Said the midfielder.

Alongside those awards and his Sky Bet Championship winning medal, Cullen also received the Ireland Men’s Senior Player of the Year just before Christmas.

Cullen has 24 caps for the Boys in Green after making his debut back in September 2019 against Bulgaria and described receiving the recognition as a ‘proud honour’ for himself and his family.

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The Irishman said: “That was absolutely amazing and an honour for myself and my family. To go alongside some legends of the game and Irish football that have won this award previously is a bit surreal.

“For me to get into the senior squad a couple years ago and make the appearances that I have was a dream come true.

“But for us as a group, there’s a lot more goals and ambitions for us and me personally to achieve in this shirt.

“To receive the recognition was fantastic but it’s all about pushing on and kicking on now and trying to do something special with this team.”

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Despite being born in Essex and representing England U16s in 2011, Cullen's Irish heritage comes from his father's side of the family and the midfielder explains his pride in wearing the green jersey.

“My Irish heritage comes from my dads side. My Grandad is from Manor Hamilton and my nan was from Black Lion County Cavan.

“Sadly, they have both passed away now and don’t get to me see me play and pull on the shirts in the games.

“But I’m sure they are watching from above and I’m sure they would be extremely proud and all my family are really proud that are still here to see the games.

“As players, when we pull on the shirt we are not only representing ourselves but our family and friends too and also representing the whole county and fanbase."

Cullen will be a part of Stephen Kenny's 25-man squad for their fixtures against Greece and Gibraltar in June.