PLAYED FOR BOTH: STEPHEN JORDAN

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Ahead of Wednesday's match with Manchester City we caught up with the former Clarets and City midfielder

2024-01-31T12:00:00.000Z

PLAYED FOR BOTH: STEPHEN JORDAN

Ahead of Wednesday's match with Manchester City we caught up with the former Clarets and City midfielder

2024-01-31T12:00:00.000Z

Ahead of Wednesday's match with Manchester City we caught up with the former Clarets and City midfielder

Stephen Jordan represented both club's from Wednesday's upcoming clash at the Etihad and the former midfielder holds special memories from his time at both Burnley and City.

Born in Warrington, Jordan joined Manchester City's academy system as a youngster and progressed through the ranks, going on to feature 64 times before departing in 2007 to join the Clarets.

Speaking to Burnleyfootballclcub.com, the 41-year-old reflected on his time as a teenager in Manchester prior to his Turf Moor move.

Jordan said: “I remember coming through the academy ranks at City back then and as a young pro I think it gave us a good grounding doing the little jobs like cleaning boots and stuff like that.

“I know it’s all changed now but it was good for us. We had a really good group of players too in the youth team, we had the likes of Sean Wright-Phillips, Dickson Etuhu, Tyrone Mears, Paddy McCarthy and loads of other lads that went on to make it in the game.

“So, I came through with a really good youth team and it was good times when we were coming through. We were winning a lot of games and doing well in the leagues and FA Youth Cup, it was a really good time for us all."

PLAYED FOR BOTH: STEPHEN JORDAN - Image 1

April 2003 saw Jordan make his first team debut for the Citizens and the boyhood City fan described the moment as 'surreal' but admits he wishes he had taken more of it in at the time.

“I think it’s always special to make your debut for any club but as a City fan and coming through the academy, it was a bit more extra special for me and my family.

“It was a bit surreal to be honest at the time and I suppose looking back it was all a bit of a blur and I wish I could sort of go back and take it all in properly.

“Ultimately, City gave me that platform of development and it’s all part of your learning and I loved my time there and have special memories.”

Following over 10 years with the Blues, Jordan then left City and signed for Burnley ahead of the 2007/08 Championship campaign. His second season at the Club proved to be the special one though, not just for the supporters and the town but for himself as the Clarets secured promotion to the Premier League and enjoyed a successful league cup run, which Jordan remembers fondly.

“My contract ended at City and I was looking for a new club, I had spoken to Steve Cotterill a few weeks before and he mentioned that there was interest.

“So, as soon as I knew I wasn’t getting anything at City, I spoke to him and that was it really, I ended up signing fairly quickly at the start of the summer."

PLAYED FOR BOTH: STEPHEN JORDAN - Image 2

When asked to select a favourite moment from the 2008/09 campaign, Jordan explained: “To pick a standout moment would be hard. I would probably say the first season was my best season, maybe the Premier League was overall but in terms of success the first was the best in my career.

“Obviously we got the promotion at Wembley but the last 12 games we were on fire. I was actually injured towards the end but it really was a great season.

“Everyone was writing us off even in that cup tie with Spurs we were 4-1 down in the first leg then were 3-0 up at home and were going through only until the last minute."

“The Arsenal game was another great game as well. We beat them 2-1 I think it was and big Kev (McDonald) got two goals. Another great moment from that season.

“But I suppose even though I wasn’t involved, the final tops the lot. I was injured but wow, what an amazing time. I have never been involved in a team before where we were so confident of winning a game.

“We had played Sheff United three or four games before the end of the season and we beat them 3-0 and we absolutely battered them. We just knew we were going to win."

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Looking ahead to Wednesday's clash as the Clarets travel to City, Jordan was impressed with Vincent Kompany's side's performance in the reverse fixture and is expecting an entertaining contest in Manchester.

“I thought Burnley did really well against City in the last game. I thought from that they will be fine this season.

“There’s no hiding from that I think if Burnley stay up this season, that’s the main aim and that would be good for them.

“It was similar to when we got promoted and the Premier League can be so tough, even when you are playing well you just can’t seem to get the right results at times.

“Wednesday will be tough again but you know, Burnley have got results there in the past and I remember drawing I think it was 3-3 a few years back.

“But, why not? There’s always that chance. I’m sitting on the fence but I think it will be a good game.”