Keep Believing

John Mullin in action at Scunthorpe two years ago

Fingernails will be bitten to the quick on Sunday. I daresay most people will have access to transistor radios, and Turf Moor will see a level of tension not displayed since we played Plymouth Argyle in 1998.

There is, of course, one major difference this time: instead of fighting relegation to the basement division, we are instead battling for the chance to join the Premiership elite. And no matter what the result on Sunday, that is worth remembering.

There will inevitably be recriminations stemming from a performance at Grimsby that was inexcusable. There will also be many who believe that the game is up. But those thoughts do no-one any good going into a game where belief and unity both on the pitch and in the stands can be as good as a goal start in a game we simply have to win, and win well.

Privately at least, we love the tension and the nervous energy of a dramatic finale; it is the drug that we, as football fans, crave. Fans remember a season spent battling relegation with much more affection than a season of mid-table comfort, as long as it is ultimately successful. It is the feeling of relief mixed with pure joy at the final whistle when things go our way that makes being a football fan worthwhile.

In the last fifteen years, Burnley have needed a last day result, or combination of results on four occasions: Two years ago against Scunthorpe, two years before that against Plymouth, in the play-off final in 1994, and unforgettably, in 1987, against Orient. The good news is that we have been successful on each of those occasions. But none have had quite the number of permutations possible on Sunday, all of which have been discussed at length elsewhere this week. For the sake of optimism it worth noting that Coventry are bottom of the form league, with just one point in their last six games, and below even Stockport in that particular table, whilst both Grimsby and Sheffield United are on promising recent runs. For the sake of balance, I should add that Stockport have lost their last 6 away games, although Coventry aren't too much better off. But don't just concentrate on Norwich – there is half a chance that Sheffield United, with a couple of former blues in their side, could come back to haunt their former manager at St Andrews, and deny Steve Bruce the win that Birmingham need.

Most of us would do anything if they thought it would guarantee us a successful conclusion on Sunday. I know blokes who would wear a dress, if it would have the desired effect, and others who would stay away from the ground if needs be. But, sadly, none of these things work. One of the most frustrating parts of being a fan is the knowledge that we are helpless, that we cannot alone influence the result. We go to the game in hope, and study all the possibilities in the run-up to the game, but we are entirely in the hands of the players and management not just at Burnley, but at six, or maybe even eight different clubs in this league.

And Glen celebrating

There is, though, one thing we can do, together. We can manufacture an atmosphere as good as a twelfth man, and keep the players going regardless of other results. The Clarets-Mad ‘wear your colours with pride' campaign can only help foster an atmosphere that intimidates Coventry, and inspires our lads, from the very first whistle. In the last home match, against Gillingham, the Longside choir found their voices at a time when the game was drifting away from the Clarets – and it was no coincidence that within five minutes, we were rewarded with a goal. The crowd really can make a difference.

Sunday will throw up some intriguing decisions for Stan, both in terms of team selection and approach. Will he keep in touch with events at Carrow Road? If we are 2-0 up with ten minutes to play, we would surely play in a different manner if Norwich are winning 3-0 to that if they are only drawing. Secondly, he has to decide whether to introduce the extra attacking dimension offered by Paul Gascoigne into the match. Personally, I would gamble on a midfield composed of Little, Grant, Gascoigne and Paul Weller, who could be asked to play on the left of midfield with a brief to get into the box and support the front players, with Lee Briscoe attacking from left-back. This line-up would give as the attacking armoury capable of getting the vital early goal that would put all the pressure on Norwich, and settle our supporters whilst unnerving theirs. The destination of the first goal could be crucial in swinging the balance either way.

It will be tense, it will be tight, and for almost two hours, it will be sheer hell. But I'd rather be in our position to that of Coventry, who have nothing to play for, or that which we found ourselves in four years ago. I would, however, take a repeat of the end result that day - if only for the feeling at the final whistle. And if anyone is thinking of wearing a dress, then I suppose anything's worth a try. Just don't pin too much hope on it, and make sure it's Claret and Blue.