63 years ago today

[ClaretTony]

That wonderful night at Maine Road that saw Burnley win the league title.

This date became a really sad one for me in 2004 but for Burnley fans, a really special day that we should always remember.

https://www.uptheclarets.com/burnley-fo ... of-england

[gawthorpe_view]

And it was my 2nd birthday, but I don't remember anything about it unfortunately.

[mdd2]

The disadvantage of getting old is that there is not much time left
An advantage provided one keeps one’s faculties is your memories of good things and one of those for me was being hemmed in amongst I think over 60000 fans all mixed up together as those were days when there was no segregation as fans largely behaved with only the odd scuffles.
So I was amongst City Wolves and Burnley fans as the two other factions rooted for a City win
What a night that was and only top that evening after the 42nd league game of the season
Magic

[NottsClaret]

Seems like a distant historical event for those of us who started in the 80s. Never really thought of it as even the same club as a kid, being told we were former champions of England while only seeing us lose to Colchester and the like in the basement division.

Although it was closer in time to when a few of us started going in '86 than the Premiership win for Blackburn is to the present day. Quite the journey for fans who've been around the whole time.

[mdd2]

True Notts from being amongst the greats as one of the greats to despair as not a sleeping giant but pretty much a dead one
And then the Lazarus moment when as if waking from a deep sleep Grewcock and Ian Britton awoke our souls on and off the pitch and we were reborn
First we were there as a newborn from 87-92 when we started crawling followed by some timorous steps from 92-95 and then more falling than stepping out until 2000 when we really started to walk before starting to run with the odd trip but never a fall from 2009
Whilst we may never sit at top table as we once did we are again close and will no doubt nick the odd cream cake off that table in 2023-24
UTC

[Eloise Laws]

Whilst we may never sit at top table as we once did we are again close and will no doubt nick the odd cream cake off that table in 2023-24

Love this quote!

[ClaretTony]

Seems like a distant historical event for those of us who started in the 80s. Never really thought of it as even the same club as a kid, being told we were former champions of England while only seeing us lose to Colchester and the like in the basement division.

Although it was closer in time to when a few of us started going in '86 than the Premiership win for Blackburn is to the present day. Quite the journey for fans who've been around the whole time.

Those historical events are what make our club be it the successes or the failures. I hope in 60 plus years, people will be able to discuss our recent years.

[CleggHall]

Listened to match reports coming through from Maine road on a crackling BBC light programme, then hearing about the team’s triumphant homecoming coach journey back to Burnley. The greatest day of my Clarets supporting.

[mdd2]

Those historical events are what make our club be it the successes or the failures. I hope in 60 plus years, people will be able to discuss our recent years.

Recall what VK said last week
Something like “ this game and result will be remembered for generations to come”
And you know what VK was 100% spot on
If nothing else winning the league at Ewood will be with supporters until the sun goes out

[Here's-Johnny]

"In Hundred years no one will know we've been Here" i was once told! That kind of sticks with you. Loved the smoke filled Turf Moor atmosphere of the night games especially in the sixties and seventies

[Funkydrummer]

As an eight year old I remember very well sitting by a crackly bakelight
radio with my dad and grandad, in my pj's, ready for immediate bed at
the final whistle.

Great memories - god bless them both. xx

[Rowls]

Recall what VK said last week
Something like “ this game and result will be remembered for generations to come”
And you know what VK was 100% spot on
If nothing else winning the league at Ewood will be with supporters until the sun goes out

Yes it’s a game that will be recalled for generations.

A thought has just occurred - there were only slightly more of us inside répond than we had in those dark days in the 80s at home vs the likes of Colchester.

[Dawlishclaret]

I was 14, living in Plymouth with my Dad - who was from Burnley. If I remember correctly, I was allowed a glass of beer for the celebration after the football pink came out with the result.

[Silkyskills1]

One of my brothers went to the game. I was eight years old and there was no chance my mum would let me go. Never realised until just reading it that there was some kind of update on the radio. Would that have been 'on the hour( 8pm and 9pm)' at the end of a news report?
Anyway, it was quite a week with a royal wedding on Friday and Blackburn losing the Cup Final the next day. Did you know Dave Whelan broke his leg in that match?

[Funkydrummer]

Did you know Dave Whelan broke his leg in that match ?

What, another one ?

[sjb]

And it was my 2nd birthday, but I don't remember anything about it unfortunately.

My 2nd birthday the day after and I remember nothing either!

Happy Birthday Gawthorpe!

[Vino blanco]

I was there with my dad. Strangely, I don’t remember a great deal about the match at all: I do remember the crush of the crowd, the floodlights, the noise, Pilky shooting/crossing for the first goal, Meredith almost half hitting the winner, the rest is an absolute blur in my memory. At least I can say “I was there”.

[Brandon]

I was only 8 days old but at least I can say we've won it in my lifetime

[Stalbansclaret]

I was born 1st May 1961....does anyone know if we were still "reigning champions' as at that date or had new champions been crowned by then at the end of the 60-61 season ?
And those imbeciles at Ewood last week chanting "Champions of England..you'll never sing that" !! You can only despair.

[summitclaret]

Listened to match reports coming through from Maine road on a crackling BBC light programme, then hearing about the team’s triumphant homecoming coach journey back to Burnley. The greatest day of my Clarets supporting.

Same here. My Dad said I was too young to go. He didn't come home until after breakfast.

[Foshiznik]

Given i started following the Clarets more seriously in 2001, i've been quite lucky to see one of our more successful periods as a club. Being what we were before that, both on top of the world or in the pit of Division 3, it's what makes us today. I wouldn't swap that for the plastic traditions or achievements of many other clubs.

[Leisure]

Same here. My Dad said I was too young to go. He didn't come home until after breakfast.

A proper away trip!

[FCBurnley]

I was there. Can remember it like it was yesterday. Still the best day of my life although winning the title at deadwood was a close second.

[mdd2]

I was born 1st May 1961....does anyone know if we were still "reigning champions' as at that date or had new champions been crowned by then at the end of the 60-61 season ?
And those imbeciles at Ewood last week chanting "Champions of England..you'll never sing that" !! You can only despair.

Doubt it as Spurs came to the Turf with about 4 games to play and that would be before your birth. We gave them a guard of honour as by then they had become Champions and went 2-0 up by H/T
One of my mates at the time said he wasnt watching that rubbish and left us at H/T and although he claims he actually stayed elsewhere in the ground i have my doubts as second half we battered them to win 4-2, a pattern of scoring similar to our last home game against Spurs in 2009-10 season.
But St Albans you were in utero, alive and no doubt kicking

[Cirrus_Minor]

I was 4 year old and according to my dad attended a few games that season, but can't remember one. I vaguely remember the fuss after winning the league. But for many years after my dad would relive the season in great detail, and has always seemed as if I was actually there.

Wonderful times for the club and the town.

[Royboyclaret]

A very special night....one to cherish.

They say the first time is always the best and, for me, there is no argument.

Sat on Dad's shoulders as that winner from Meredith went in.....no words to describe.

[ClaretTony]

I was born 1st May 1961....does anyone know if we were still "reigning champions' as at that date or had new champions been crowned by then at the end of the 60-61 season ?
And those imbeciles at Ewood last week chanting "Champions of England..you'll never sing that" !! You can only despair.

Spurs won it early in the following season. We played them at home on 22nd April 1961 and gave them a guard of honour having already won it.

[Royboyclaret]

Spurs won it early in the following season. We played them at home on 22nd April 1961 and gave them a guard of honour having already won it.

After which Jimmy Mac scores the most exquisite of all goals to beat them 4-2.

[Royboyclaret]

After which Jimmy Mac scores the most exquisite of all goals to beat them 4-2.

Then we win the final two away games of that season......just how good was this team ?

[Vegas Claret]

before my time but I do have the program from that game

[Royboyclaret]

before my time but I do have the program from that game

Vegas.....that was one special finish to a game.....Mac turns their defenders inside out before slotting the ball into the bottom corner...... a classic Mac goal but in a very special game.

[ClaretTony]

before my time but I do have the program from that game

2-0 down too at half time. Then goals from Gordon Harris & Jimmy McIlroy drew us level before Harris and Jimmy Robson scored two late goals.

[Silkyskills1]

Silly things I remember. A photo in the Evening paper showing,I think,, Burnley's last goal of the fightback with 'Bomber' Harris celebrating and Spurs full back, Ron Henry, on his knees 'in admiration of our fightback' so the report said.

[Carwin261]

When I was a lad (yawn)one of my first away matches was Old Trafford ,when John Connelly scored a hatrick ,no motorway then ,went with my uncle ,and his mate in a Jowett Javelin,and then old bugger got stopped for speeding on the way back,found out at a later date ,that he didn’t have a licence.

[Royboyclaret]

Silly things I remember. A photo in the Evening paper showing,I think,, Burnley's last goal of the fightback with 'Bomber' Harris celebrating and Spurs full back, Ron Henry, on his knees 'in admiration of our fightback' so the report said.

Tottenham may have won the league, but they knew, on the day, they were second best to Burnley.....Even with John White they had no-one to compare to the incomparable Jimmy Mac.

[gawthorpe_view]

My 2nd birthday the day after and I remember nothing either!

Happy Birthday Gawthorpe!

Cheers!

[Vegas Claret]

2-0 down too at half time. Then goals from Gordon Harris & Jimmy McIlroy drew us level before Harris and Jimmy Robson scored two late goals.

it always tickles me when people say Burnley shouldn't be in the Premier League, it's a place for big clubs bla bla bla. Not many teams with history as good as ours ! Not many teams will ever win the league at Man City now that's for sure

[Royboyclaret]

it always tickles me when people say Burnley shouldn't be in the Premier League, it's a place for big clubs bla bla bla. Not many teams with history as good as ours ! Not many teams will ever win the league at Man City now that's for sure

Special night that was, Vegas.....took Dad two hours to drive home to Burnley after the game......but we were on the Town Hall steps at midnight for the return on the team coach.

When are you over for the next match ?

[Vegas Claret]

When are you over for the next match ?

hope to get over sometime next season, not straight forward at the moment but fingers crossed

[ClaretTony]

it always tickles me when people say Burnley shouldn't be in the Premier League, it's a place for big clubs bla bla bla. Not many teams with history as good as ours ! Not many teams will ever win the league at Man City now that's for sure

We’re not a big club but it’s our achievements that put us above similar sized clubs.

[Stanbill05]

When I was a lad (yawn)one of my first away matches was Old Trafford ,when John Connelly scored a hatrick ,no motorway then ,went with my uncle ,and his mate in a Jowett Javelin,and then old bugger got stopped for speeding on the way back,found out at a later date ,that he didn’t have a licence.

I remember my dad getting done for speeding in the late 80s in a 1973 vw transporter long before they were cool and expensive. He sold it for £150 which might be a regret. I think he was proud of the speeding ticket, his defence being he wouldn't have got up the hill nthe other side without some momentum. Happy days.

[Brucefanclaret]

I was 11 and not allowed to go to football. My Mum changed her mind after that win and I’ve been hooked ever since. That was a great team!

[Vegas Claret]

We’re not a big club but it’s our achievements that put us above similar sized clubs.

Just tickles me how people have no issue with Southampton (as a random example) but we've won more than them and yet we get stick, makes no sense

[Lubanski]

As an eight year old I remember very well sitting by a crackly bakelight
radio with my dad and grandad, in my pj's, ready for immediate bed at
the final whistle.

Great memories - god bless them both. xx

Same here, I was eleven, the radio a large object cased in veneered wood with names on the dial like Hilversum and Luxemburg, short wave etc. I was in dream land that we were the Englands top team, I thought we might always be one of those but times changed but I'm still proud of our town club and its supporters.

[gawthorpe_view]

My 2nd birthday the day after and I remember nothing either!

Happy Birthday Gawthorpe!

Happy Birthday SJB!

[longhair]

Don't really remember it,mind you I was only nine months old

[houseboy]

Just tickles me how people have no issue with Southampton (as a random example) but we've won more than them and yet we get stick, makes no sense

I have the same issue with West Ham. Always touted as a big club but silverware haul isn’t great and they have never been champions of England...ever. Always seem to be the darlings of the media though outside the big six.

[ClaretTony]

Just tickles me how people have no issue with Southampton (as a random example) but we've won more than them and yet we get stick, makes no sense

Quite often football supporters base a club’s size on where it was when they first started watching football. So I think of such as Southampton as being a small club.

What is the criteria for being a big club? I always consider us to be a small club that has over achieved, twice during the periods when we won the league and right now with our achievements of the last decade.

[Silkyskills1]

I have the same issue with West Ham. Always touted as a big club but silverware haul isn’t great and they have never been champions of England...ever. Always seem to be the darlings of the media though outside the big six.

But they won the World Cup.

[ClaretTony]

But they won the World Cup.

They claim to have