Fans resigned to Burnley’s relegation from English Premier League
Burnley fans expect the worst with the English Premier League (EPL) in its final three months, but hope the club has the resources to bounce straight back up to the top division.
After coasting through the Championship last season – Burnley won 29, drew 14, and lost three matches to win the title by 10 points – it has found the EPL a tough nut to crack and has only managed three wins from 25 games.
It is second from the bottom with 13 points, just ahead of Sheffield United on goal difference. Another promoted side, Luton, is third from bottom with 20 points.
“I had high hopes for Burnley to make an impact in the Premier League considering how it won the Championship last season,” said former Malaysian Palm Oil Council deputy director Izham Hassan.
“It lost to Manchester City in the opening match, but how Burnley played gave me hope.
“But after several consecutive defeats, I had doubts that the team could survive as the players signed were too young and inexperienced for the Premier League.”
Izham has supported The Clarets since the 1970s and feels that Vincent Kompany should have signed three experienced players to guide the youngsters after disbanding the squad that won promotion.
“Kompany is stubborn and persisted with the same players and system despite having seen it fail time and again,” said Izham, who subscribed to the club’s channel to watch its matches last season.
“The team lacks confidence and fighting spirit. There are also reports of unrest in the dressing room. Having amassed only 13 points, it would take a miracle for us to survive in the premier league.”
Philip Gawthorpe, who lives in the United States, was more optimistic. Although resigned to relegation, he and many other lifelong fans believe the club can return to the Premier League in 2025.
“I have followed The Clarets for over 50 years and have seen incredible highs and lows, but one thing that has never changed is the players’ fighting spirit and the loyalty of the fans,” said Gawthorpe, who is in the insurance business.
“This has been a massive learning curve for Vincent Kompany and his squad of young players, and we all believe that this group can turn things around next season.”
Gawthorpe said he was confident Burnley would not follow the path of local rivals Bolton and Wigan, which suffered a financial meltdown trying to stay among the elite.
Burnley play Crystal Palace tomorrow (11pm), with The Eagles also going through a poor patch and under the guidance of a new manager – Oliver Glasner – who replaced Roy Hodgson.
There are only eight Premier League matches this week as Liverpool and Chelsea play in the League Cup final on Sunday.
FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
EPL
SATURDAY
Crystal Palace vs Burnley (11pm)
Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest (11pm)
Manchester United vs Fulham (11pm)
Brighton vs Everton (11pm)
SUNDAY
Bournemouth vs Manchester City (1.30am)
Arsenal vs Newcastle (4am)
Wolves vs Sheffield United (9.30am)
TUESDAY
West Ham vs Brentford (4am)
LEAGUE CUP
SUNDAY
Chelsea vs Liverpool (11pm)
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