Burnley

I have had some superb hospitality at Ian and Viv’s. The food has been great and I have even been the guinea pig for the Christmas dinner menu, but all good things have to come to an end. Viv took me back to Rochdale this morning and I set out over the hill to Burnley. The wind and rain had subsided for a little while but it wasn't long before I had to stop and don the wet weather gear again. As I made the slow climb up the Pennines again I came across a whole Primary School being shepherded down the pavement by their teachers. One boy about 7 shouted encouragement to me as I tackled the long climb. Come on LAD you can do it! Me called a lad by a 7 year old- what next!?

I got to Burnley about 10am and was told that Steve Cotterill had gone on a run but the catering manager offered to take me around. We met an ex player who signed my shirt. He was a Burnley legend but I can't read his name! He said his older brother had played for Hereford in the 80's. Began with O! We went pitch side and took some photos, then Steve Cotterill appeared on his way to training. He admonished me for not being there at 9.30am as arranged but agreed to have a picture taken with me before he rushed off to training. The catering manager was a real fan and talked with enthusiasm about the clubs history as he showed me pictures in the board room of Bob Lord and playing legends. He was also a keen cyclist who had arranged various events. But it was time to move on to Accrington.