A Happy New Year to you all

Last updated : 31 December 2007 By Tony Scholes

We've three points less than we had at this time last year from one fewer game but there is much to look forward to in the New Year which starts with a trip to Blackpool and then a fantastic FA Cup tie against Arsenal.

The year ending has been one of change at Turf Moor despite the lack of movement in the table. We had that dreadful run that almost saw us drop into the relegation zone before a late flourish saw us pull well clear.

We've had a change of manager. Owen Coyle has been with us just over a month and without doubt we wish him well and hope he has a long and successful career with the Clarets. It is also very appropriate at this time to send best wishes to departed manager Steve Cotterill who helped build the club so much during his tenure. I'm sure he'll soon be back in work.

Clarets Mad have had yet another record breaking year. The fundraising has continued and we held events such as Clarets Madiham II, The Last Supper, and A Mad Ryder Cup all of which helped swell the Clarets Mad Youth Foundation. There will be more to come in 2008.

It just remains now for me to thank those people who have been such a great help in supporting Clarets Mad during 2007 and none more so than Andy Ashworth and Richard Oldroyd whose contributions have been significant and very much appreciated. Andy's coverage of the youth team is second to none whilst Richard's thought provoking articles have very much enhanced the site.

Throughout the year we've had guest match reporters, those who have written profiles for our players section and of course the thanks must extend to everyone who has visited the site and contributed to the ever growing message board including a fine team of moderators.

I would like to wish all of you and your families a very happy and prosperous 2008 and would like to extend those wishes to everyone who is involved with the one thing that brings us all together, day upon day, week upon week, Burnley Football Club. My best wishes to the directors, the manager, his staff, the players and all the staff at Turf Moor and my thanks again for the support received from you.

Let us hope that 2008 really is a special year for us all and Burnley Football Club.