Claret goes down a treat

IT was wonderful being at Turf Moor for Burnley’s Carling Cup tie against Arsenal.

Maybe it’s the rich Lancastrian accents that I love or the fact that the ground nestles so close to the town centre. Most of the locals walk to it.

Then there’s the commentary position. It sits high up looking out over the roof of the Bob Lord Stand (remember that imposing figure?) towards the mills and the moorland. The place simply oozes history: A time when football could accommodate champions from such modest surroundings.

And it was terrific to be reminded of the Irish connection to the town for it was announced last week that Jimmy McIlroy is to be given the freedom of the borough. Jimmy, one of the nicest men I’ve ever met in football, is still beloved in Burnley.

It was, too, a great game. We came to marvel at Arsene Wenger’s latest crop of youngsters but they were deservedly beaten by a team that was a credit to the Championship.

I can’t wait to commentate on their semi-final against Spurs and I wouldn’t put it past them to beat a fourth London Premier League club in this remarkable run.