Alan’s notes ahead of this afternoon’s game
Good afternoon and welcome back to Turf Moor for today’s game against Crystal Palace.
As ever, it’s been a busy few weeks since we last had a home fixture, and we arrive this afternoon following back-to-back away trips in the league and our exit from the Carabao Cup at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening.
We knew our return to the Premier League wasn’t going to be easy, competing at the highest level never is. However, I’m a firm believer that it’s the challenges, and the reaction to adversities, which makes a team stronger.
The focus, determination and fight within our squad, coaching staff and all involved is there. Now more than ever, it’s important for us to stick together and show the characteristics so synonymous with our great football club and town. Grit, determination and hard work.
This afternoon’s game is our Remembrance fixture, as we honour the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.
An important date in the calendar, we will be marking the occasion with several activities leading up to kick-off, including a rendition of the Last Post and we welcome former veterans who will lay wreaths, alongside Crystal Palace representatives before the game.
Supporters will also find a Veterans Foundation stand in the Rapidz Fan Zone, alongside Burnley FC in the Community, who together deliver a Veterans Programme to support former and current members of the armed forces across the region.
After several games on the road, I’m pleased to be back at home this afternoon. Home has never been more important to us and following feedback from the Fan Advisory Board and supporters, we released a statement earlier this week announcing new measures aimed at helping improve the entertainment value and matchday experience at Turf Moor.
We will be introducing safe standing areas, newly improved music playlists, additional use of stadium LED and big screens, and new measures allowing flags and banners, where appropriate, to be permitted inside the stadium.
We’re hopeful that the introduction of these initiatives will have a positive impact on contributing to that Turf Moor fortress that we all desire.
We can all play our part Clarets, as Vincent and our team need us. I believe together, we can make our home just that, a fortress from kick off to the final whistle.
UTC!
Alan
The Chairman’s programme notes can be found in today’s matchday programme, which is available to purchase at the game or online here.
