Issue 37 April 2021 Inside this issue: • Peter Pike looks back at the last year

• Treasurer’s return of football cryptocurrency warning

• Bill published The fans to counter online abuse In our winter newsletter, we had a piece entitled The Prime Minister’s roadmap towards a post- ‘Football without fans is… different’, and so it Covid future includes a return to supporters in • The season has remained. Matches have rolled into one and stadiums. From 17 May, up to 10,000 supporters so far: one victories have not tasted quite so sweet, with the will be allowed and originally, this would have member’s view soulless grounds remaining empty for over a year found Burnley at a loss. Our final home game now, for us at least. Burnley and Newcastle are of the season was 15 May, against Liverpool, • Tributes to the only teams to have had completely empty followed by a final game away at Sheffield United. outgoing stadiums over the last year. Arguably, these two Luckily, the ’s chief executive Burnley CEO teams are having disappointing seasons and it confirmed plans to have fans in grounds for the is no surprise that both usually enjoy vociferous final two matches of the season, in order to allow • Len Johnrose home crowds that will their players onto victory. all clubs to host their fair share of supporters. joins our Both clubs will eagerly anticipate the return So the penultimate round of games will be honorary of fans in May, with the government’s latest moved to 18–20 May. The Liverpool game will members announcements providing long-awaited hope for be our one and only chance at hosting fans this clubs and fans who have missed out on so much season. It will be a cathartic experience for those • Report on over the past year. Although we have enjoyed lucky enough to be in attendance and let’s hope FSA’s VAR our fair share of brilliant moments this season, that the roadmap goes ahead as planned. Many meeting notably away victories at the Emirates and , of us have fallen slightly out of love with football just imagine how much sweeter they would have this year, but the return of fans to stadiums will tasted were away fans in attendance. give us back the sport we love. Bring it on! ’

STOP PRESS *** STOP PRESS *** STOP PRESS *** STOP PRESS Clarets Trust slams ESL plans The Clarets Trust issued a press statement is opposed by the Football Supporters condemning the ESL plans: Association and the Government and almost ‘The Clarets Trust is very strongly opposed every organisation representing football in to the proposal to make a Euro Super League. this country.’ The so-called big six who appear to be signed We welcome the subsequent announcements up to this proposal are acting purely for their by each of the clubs that they have reconsidered. own greed and not in the interests of their Burnley FC Chairman Alan Pace called for supporters or indeed of football as a whole in the government to appoint an independent this country. regulator to protect English football with ‘This proposal must not be allowed to go legislation. We will work with the FSA, the Club ahead and the quick it is dumped into the and others to ensure nothing like this can dustbin of history the better.This proposal happen again’. Issue 37 April 2021

Chairman’s statement

Big changes in the strangest of times

What a year! On 7 March 2020, Burnley On 30 December it was announced drew 1–1 with Spurs. Little did we know the Directors had sold their bulk of the then that the next twelve months were shares to a new team led by Alan Pace. going to be quite historic for the Clarets The new owners hold about 85% of the in many ways. David Baldwin had just Club with 1700 shareholders holding the left to take over as Chief remaining minority stake. The new Board Executive for the English Football League. have borrowed against the security of His successor Neil Hart had been in a the Clubs’ assets. Two of the old directors similar post at the very successful Burnley have remained on the Board. Strangely, Community Project, BFCiTC, for several the former Directors – particularly Mike years. Now Neil has just left Turf Moor to Garlick – now have the money to invest in move in a new direction. the Club which they did not have before! Within days of that draw, the The Trust have met Alan Pace several football season ground to a halt as the times. He is keen to work with fans and government took steps to try to control We want fans back, but people locally. He stresses the long-term the spread of Covid-19. Unfortunately, we also want to be in commitment to the Club. He intends the death toll started to go up. Lockdown control of this virus to improve the facilities at Turf Moor and all the other restrictions were to be and give the fans an improved match- tried, and chopped and changed as the day experience. The Board are keen on year progressed. Without all these actions restrictions be? Even for next season there bringing the women’s team into the Club the outcome would have been so much are still so many issues to be resolved. and recognise this will need improved worse but we are still all wondering when So that memory of the Spurs game slips training facilities: not easy, maybe, at the we will return to normal, whatever that further away. We obviously want fans Gawthorpe site on National Trust land. might be. Vaccinations are now taking back in the grounds but we also want to This is all a massive change for place rapidly but Covid-19 has not gone be in control of this appalling virus. Burnley who have a long history of local and will not go completely. The Clarets did not replace the three ownership, and of close links to the town. In May the season restarted; the players that had left the Club in the It is obviously the biggest ever change Clarets had a good run and ended up in summer window and there was no in the history of the Club. What would 10th place. All games had to be played action in the January window. Some Bob Lord think? While they did not splash behind closed doors: a few were held with fans wanted a change in ownership money in the January window, very few strictly reduced crowds but a second wave and late in the year rumours started other clubs did either. The new owners, of the virus soon brought this to a halt. that two different overseas buyers were with Alan Pace acting in an Executive role The new season started and 11,000 interested in buying the Club. Burnley until a new Chief Executive is appointed, Burnley fans bought season tickets, but had done a great job in getting into the are saying all the right things. Hopefully still no crowds were allowed. Neil Hart Premier League and the Board had been the Trust will be able to work well with the must have spent so much of his time running the Club well using the money new Board. We all want the Club to be a dealing with Covid-19 issues which cost generated by promotion to invest in it. success and we wish the new owners well. the club tens of millions according to Neil Work had been done to improve Turf Let us remember the good things of the – lost money at the gates, reduced sales Moor and substantial investment made past and also the present as we all work of kit, reduced sponsorship, etc. in the training ground. Debt had been to secure a great future for the Clarets. We might get a game or two at the eliminated and the ground had been Come on Burnley – up the Clarets! end of the season at which some fans are bought back. The rumours persisted and Peter Pike allowed, but how many and what will the ALK became the favourites. Chair, Clarets Trust

Chairman Secretary Board Members Trust Corporate Trust Peter Pike Liam Hallinan Jane Pike Members: Officers Vice Chair Membership Officer Andy Tatchell JD Wetherspoon Terry Hephrun Martin Barnes Maggie Lishman Lancashire Telegraph Treasurer UHY Hacker Young Nigel Cotterill Moorhouse’s Brewery Issue 37 April 2021

Socios: our Online harms Treasurer bill published Online abuse has been around for cautions a long time, but recent events have brought this into the public domain: Hear the word cryptocurrency and you Arsenal’s Willian Borges da Silva and instantly think of Bitcoin, but there are Eddie Nketiah, Manchester United’s other cryptocurrencies on the market and Marcus Rashford MBE, Anthony Martial one that has been built around sports and Lauren James, and Chelsea’s fans is causing a lot of concern across Reece James have all been subjected to Europe. online racial abuse. Referee Mike Dean Socios.com is advertised as a fan received death threats and Burnley’s engagement mobile app which has been received online hatred built on the Chiliz Blockchain. aimed at his pregnant wife. Some fans will remember last year when Socios pulled out of a partnership Referee Mike Dean with West Ham United after a fan received death threats backlash, Socios has finally released a statement and that they ‘wanted to deal The Football Supporters Association with bigger clubs’. (FSA), of which the Trust are members, To avoid all the cryptocurrency Fan tokens: Nigel has serious concerns have recently created a working group terminology that will confuse a lot to coordinate and engage with social of fans, Socios has relabelled each randomly placed on a map near your media companies and the government. cryptocurrency block as a ‘Fan Token’. location, you must go to that location Our treasurer, Nigel Cotterill, reports. The Fan Tokens are then given a $ sign and with your phone’s camera turned The government has published followed by a reference to your club. on to capture that token on your mobile the Online Harms White Paper which Manchester City has become the latest phone screen, the randomly placing of proposes that social media and tech club to sign an agreement ($CITY Fan tokens is a serious concern that instantly companies will be overseen by an Tokens) and according to Socios Chief needs addressing. independent regulator; ambitious plans Executive Alexandre Dreyfus several more I personally have screenshots where of accountability for tech companies Premier League clubs are in talks. to gain a free fan token the app has and a new regulatory framework asked me to trespass on private land, for online safety setting out the There are no national onto a builders merchants yard where responsibilities of social media and guidelines and heavy plant machinery and trucks are in tech companies. Currently social media very little protection operation, a main goods train track and companies are too slow to react to even – on a weekday – a primary school! reports of online abuse, and indeed With the clubs’ advertising and PR sometimes never act at all. The Fan Tokens are purchased by and machines going into operation, it is easy One of the biggest concerns is that used by fans that can enter competitions, for fans to oversee the pitfalls that this social media companies allow their be part of a VIP meet and have a chance creates. Furthermore, these fan tokens are users to remain anonymous. Twitter to vote in polls, but some past polls are still a cryptocurrency and as ruled by the have defended this, saying ‘Everyone meaningless such as What player would European Union are an asset. has a right to share their voice without you like to run the Club’s Twitter Account Unlike with your bank, there are requiring a government ID’; then for a day or What song is to be played on no national guidelines and very little contradict themselves by saying the PA system when your team scores. protection in your Cryptocurrency ‘We will continue to challenge this Any Club can do these polls, competitions (Fan Token) investment. Educating the abhorrent behaviour at source’. But and arrange a player meet for free fans so that they fully understand this how can Twitter challenge people when on their website without the need to terminology and the Fan Token concept they allow anonymous accounts? monetise fan engagement. is paramount and so far, apart from a The FSA Working Group are The Socios app offers a daily token few supporters that actively engage on producing an action plan to present to hunt where you will be able to hunt social media, official information from FSA Members. The plan will be filtered for tokens, but serious concerns have Football’s reliable & credible sources has down to supporters who can unite and been voiced around this. The tokens been severely lacking. confine online abuse to history. are automatically generated and Nigel Cotterill Issue 37 April 2021

magic have been produced by this hard- Magical moments and working squad, the Clarets are clearly short in quality and have been left behind by teams such as Aston Villa, West Ham results that must not United and Wolves in the past few years. The bright sparks certainly shone in be named recent months, allowing Alan Pace and his partners a sense of optimism for what No Nay Never podcaster and Trust member George Poole strikes may be possible if they deliver upon their a philosophical tone as he looks back on the season so far promises. Perhaps the brightest moment of the season came on a cold night Looking back on the season so far we Brighton, ’s men had taken at Anfield, as we derailed Liverpool’s should take inspiration from JK Rowling, three clean sheets from five games. With title challenge and put an end to their and look through the perspective of Mee’s return came the rejuvenation 68-game unbeaten home run. It was a Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s of performances, alongside results, as historic night for the Clarets and will be Stone, in which Rowling presents her December continued with 7 points from remembered for many years to come, readers with the Mirror of Erised (bear 4 games. Acutely impressive was our 2–1 with cult hero Ashley Barnes firing home with me on this). The Mirror of Erised win at home to Wolves, which delivered a penalty in the final 10 minutes. is unique in that it reflects the deepest Ashley Barnes’ first goal in more than a After our first victory at Anfield since and most desperate desires of the heart, 1974, the week that followed was for example, Harry sees his deceased undoubtedly the best of our season thus parents. For us to look back on this season far. In a fashion most unlike ourselves, truthfully, we must ask ourselves, what we dispatched three goals in each game are our deepest, most desperate desires to first defeat Fulham in the FA Cup, for a successful Burnley season? before providing a remarkable series of The season began in a rather mixed comebacks to punish Aston Villa with a fashion, with contrasting fortunes for 3–2 win. It finally looked as though a long the Clarets in the league and cup. While overdue cup run would be delivered, but early progress was attained in the EFL the fifth round brought a disappointing Cup with victories over Sheffield United defeat at home to Bournemouth. and Millwall, including a stunning Josh An emphatic 3–0 win away at Crystal Brownhill strike at The Den, the league Palace papered over the cracks of what season began with two defeats at the was a poor February, with performances hands of Leicester City and Southampton. mixed and points hard to come by. After we received our annual battering Still, this squad can grind out a result from Manchester City in the cup, bringing when needed and following a series of our run to a sombre conclusion, another draws and a tremendous performance measly performance was greeted with to win 2–1 away at Everton, it appears defeat in the league. A 3–1 loss away at Sean Dyche has worked as though another season of Premier Newcastle United ensured the Clarets wonders in getting us League football is within sight. At the had lost their opening three games in to our position time of writing, we sit on 33 points and the top flight for the first time since 15th, with relegation a distinct worry as 1927–28. We had to wait until the end year and came amid rumours about the Fulham languish 7 points behind us. of November for a first league victory, American takeover being concluded. Think about the Mirror of Erised with Chris Wood’s winner quickly followed With the end of a torrid year for again: is 15th–17th place what you wish by another hammering at the hands humanity came both New Year for from Burnley? To be honest, I feel of Manchester City. Another season celebrations and an announcement that disheartened and frustrated by a lack of came and another 5–0 away defeat was Clarets fans had eagerly awaited, on the progress. When I look into the Mirror, I inflicted: let no one tell you that 2020 31 December it was announced that the see a team capable of challenging for was a completely unprecedented year. club takeover by ALK Capital had been the top 10, with the odd tremendous Perhaps the first real spell of cheer for completed. With the club sitting 16th season and maybe a cup run. Sean Dyche us as fans came just a couple of weeks in the league and promises of January has worked wonders in getting us to the before Christmas, as a more resilient investment coming quickly from Alan position we are in; let’s hope the new Burnley side – thanks in large part to the Pace, things were certainly looking rosy. board allows him to build on his success return of – managed to come However, January investment was not and provide inspiring seasons to come. away from Arsenal with a tremendous delivered, and the club’s stagnation Budding writer? Let us know if you fancy 1–0 victory. Since the 0–0 draw away at continued. Although odd moments of contributing to a future newsletter! Issue 37 April 2021

Tributes as Neil Hart departs

Len Johnrose to join our Honorary Members Clarets Trust would like to wish former Chief Executive Officer, Neil Hart, all The Trust is delighted to announce that Len joins a distinguished the best for the future. Neil, who took we will be adding another person with on the role in March 2020, departs the strong links to Burnley FC as an honorary list of Burnley legends club to pursue new opportunities. The member. Recently, we asked Len Johnrose Trust has had plenty of dealings with if he would consider being Neil in his roles at the club, including his our latest addition to the Burnley FC legends excellent work with BFCiTC. ranks of Clarets Trust. are some other people Alan Pace said: ‘With the significant We are pleased to say who are sadly no longer impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, that he accepted. More with us: Brian Miller the last year has involved several on this will follow in due (and then his wife Mary challenges in overseeing a Premier course, once we finalise Miller) and Jimmy League football club, and I’d like to the arrangements McIlroy. recognise Neil for the work he’s done for the handing over We are sure you will at Burnley and in the local community. ‘ceremony’. join us in welcoming While overseeing the club in the interim Len joins a Len to the Trust, and period, the board and I will begin the distinguished list: Barry wish him every best wish search for a new CEO immediately and Kilby, Jimmy Robson, possible for his struggle will update supporters in due course.’ Martin Dobson, Paul ahead. If you have not Once again, we would like to wish Fletcher, Stan Ternent yet read his book, Finding Neil all the best, and thank him for and Willie Irvine. In a Way, we can certainly working with the Trust in the past. addition to these recommend it!

Trust member Q&A a hit with the fans

Clarets Trust members were invited to Club strategy around recruitment and The board feel this is an excellent channel join the February Clarets Trust Board development of academy players; and to communicate with members and will meeting for a question-and-answer Club communications. In addition to this, be looking to host another Q&A in the session with the Board members. Around Peter updated the group that the Trust coming months, possibly on occasion ten members joined the meeting on board had already met with the new with Club representation. Zoom. Several colleagues submitted Chairman, Alan Pace and that there is a Please keep an eye out for website questions in advance, which were commitment to continued dialogue. updates and emails. If you have answered by Trust Chair Peter Pike. These, The opportunity to join the board and specific questions ahead of any and other questions raised during the call ask questions was very well received, scheduled Q&A please email touched on key themes such as: Takeover especially for those members who joined [email protected] and position of small shareholders; from locations far from East Lancashire! http://claretstrust.easysearch.org.uk Issue 37 April 2021

Network members expressed concerns around unintended consequences of VAR VAR: Report on FSA such as spontaneity/goal celebration, delayed VAR reviews and so on, all having a negative impact. Riley told the group evening with Mike Riley that PGMOL are continually working to reduce impact of VAR and have already reduced the time for VAR intervention (average VAR check now takes 32 seconds, and touchline reviews around 82 seconds). ‘The spontaneous joy question is an interesting one,’ Riley told fan reps. ‘We have seen examples where one set of fans celebrate a goal while the other fans are dejected and then, when the decision is reversed, the opposite occurs.’ Communication in stadia was raised The Football Supporters Association (FSA) League’s VAR process, its remit, the as a concern. PGMOL are continually hosted a meeting with Professional Game impact it is having on Premier League working with broadcasters on the amount Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) General football as well as the wider discussions and quality of information supplied. Manager Mike Riley, and deputy Adam ongoing with FIFA and International There is more that can be done with the Gale-Watts to discuss the use of VAR in Football Association Board (IFAB). use of big screen messaging. the game in February; PGMOL being the He also explained that VAR is the Laws of the game are set by IFAB, and body responsible for match officials in most significant change to football in a VAR protocol is administered by FIFA, English professional football. Clarets Trust lifetime. It will take some time to fully which somewhat limits what English Board representatives Liam Hallinan and harness the benefits and fine-tune the football can do with VAR. But PGMOL are Martin Barnes attended. operation; it took 5–7 years to reach continuously in discussions with FIFA and The online meeting was part of the existing levels in cricket and rugby. other countries to review operation and new commitment to dialogue between Reflecting on VAR performance, Riley how it can be implemented. supporters and the football authorities noted that VAR corrected more than Supporter feedback is vital. The Clarets following the FSA’s AGM last year, where 100 ‘Key Match Incidents’, an average Trust sit on the FSA Network Meetings. fans’ concerns about VAR’s impact on the of three per round of fixtures, increasing Please contact us via secretary@ game were flagged at conference. accuracy from 82% in 2018–19 to claretstrust.co.uk to raise any matters. Riley provided the network with a 95% in 2019–20, concluding there is You can also join the next Member Q&A detailed breakdown of the Premier ‘undoubted benefit’. with the board, to be announced soon.

Clarets Dates for your diary Date of AGM: 2 June Trust Closing date for nomination for elections: 28 April 30 Deerpark Rd, Burnley, Lancashire BB10 4SD Closing date for Player of Year Votes: 1 May Voting will be possible online via the ClaretsTrust.co.uk member area only. PHONE 07958 143757 (Martin) EMAIL [email protected] Aims and Objectives of the Clarets Trust WEBSITE The aim of the Clarets Trust is to ensure the present and future success of www.claretstrust.co.uk Burnley FC as both a football club and a community club. TWITTER We intend to do this by pursuing the following objectives: @ClaretsTrust • The purchase of shares in the club to promote supporter involvement FACEBOOK • The provision of a democratic voice for the fans through supporter ClaretsTrust involvement • The promotion of Burnley FC within the community • By identifying/evaluating schemes likely to benefit the Club and/or its supporters