100 Years - Claret and Blue

The exhibition is being held in the Long Gallery in the Hall and at 7:00 p.m. this evening was officially opened by chief executive Paul Fletcher and manager Brian Laws who unveiled the new 2010/11 shirt.

Besides Fletcher and Laws, there were other notable ex-Clarets in evidence including Irish duo Jimmy McIlroy and Willie Irvine, along with such as Jimmy Robson, Brian Flynn and Ian Britton.

All 34 shirts we have worn are on view, from a knitted replica of the first ever claret and blue shirt through to the new one, which again is a very traditional looking shirt which therefore meets with my approval.

I was somewhat curious to see the 2000/01 shirt on display. It was borrowed from myself and I wondered just how on earth I was able to get into that particular shirt nine years ago. It doesn't look as though it would fit now.

The exhibition is open for the next four weeks and entry is free to Burnley residents, season ticket holders, children or students. Otherwise entry to Towneley Hall will cost £3.70.

It is well worth a visit and it is fascinating to see all the shirts again, and I'd seen Burnley play in all but four of them.

Unfortunately there is no disabled access to the gallery but for the club will provide access to the exhibition for less able bodied people at Turf Moor at a later date.

Below are some of the shirts in the exhibition - and see whether you can spot Brian Laws and Chris Eagles. When you visit, the other players are all there too, and I have to say Michael Duff looks very impressive.