Clarets summer hiatus

Last updated : 28 June 2016 By The Editor's Chair

The period between the sheer unbridled euphoria of winning promotion to the Premier League and awaiting the arrival of the Swans on August 13th, for me seems longer than usual.

 A reflection on the Clarets' summer hiatus...

889534-1.jpg (320×270)

The talismanic Joey Barton has decided on a future in Scotland and has now departed Turf Moor. If he wants one last career move back to a French club it might not have been a bad idea, following the result for the "Leave" campaign.

Scotland wish to remain in the European Union, Jimmy Krankie will seemingly stop at nothing to get her wish. Matt Gilks has also followed Barton's path to the Scottish lowlands. Ibrox Park is now awash with former Clarets. Who would have ever thought Burnley Football Club would become the mighty Gers feeder club?

They even have the Clarets' former Director of Recruitment in the shape of Mr Frank McParland at their disposal. Speaking of former employees, the much reviled Owen Coyle cited "family reasons" before boarding "Do One Airlines" to exit MLS outfit Houston Dynamo.

The revolving managerial doors at Ewood Park welcomed the self acclaimed "Moses" in, before the jilted Texans' coffee had time to go cold.

889534-2.jpg (650×689)

Speaking of "ins", Ashley Westwood, Charlie Adam, Oliver Norwood and Joe Ledley are all rumoured to be in the frame to strengthen the Clarets' midfield options. Adam and Norwood look odds-on favourites to be on their way to Turf Moor but only time, money and agents' influence will tell.

889534-3.jpg (231×264)

Local Burnley lad Oliver Norwood had a cracking Euros for Northern Ireland and he can now focus his intentions on joining a Premier League outfit in which to ply his trade. Stephen Ward was exceptional in his endeavours for the Republic of Ireland and was unlucky to meet "on fire" host nation France in a place for the quarter finals of the Euros.

Stephen's Euro performance was a timely reminder of his importance in Burnley's impressive post Boxing Day promotion charge. Another impressive defender for the Clarets last season was former Manchester United starlet Michael Keane.

Captured by the Clarets from the Red Devils for a fee in the region of £3 million pounds, Keane is now the subject of intense interest from Claudio Ranieri at Leicester City. It is understood that Burnley have dismissed out of a hand a £10 million pounds opening offer from the Foxes.

It will be interesting to see if the League Champions wish to further test the Clarets' resolve with an improved offer. Ben Mee, Keane's central defensive partner is also rumoured to be on the Tony Pulis radar. We all know that Ben is a "Top, top player" Tony! 

Talking of radars, Burnley have tabled an offer for Hungarian defender Tamas Kadar. A fee in the region of £1.5 million pounds has already been offered. Should the pound continue to fall following the Brexit financial crisis, this offer might need topping up before Tamas arrives at Turf Moor.

Tom Heaton presently on duty as camp follower to Roy Hodgson's English Barmy Army must be getting totally fed up of 5 star hotels and luxury travel back and forth across France? Young Nick Pope of Charlton Athletic is the Clarets' desired understudy to the third choice England shot stopper.

An opening bid for Pope has already been refused by new Addicks' gaffer Russell Slade. It is understood that Burnley will be returning to test the resolve of a manager who has a well earned reputation for playing hard ball in transfer negotiations. 

Former Villa playmate of Matt Lowton, Ashley Westwood is also on the Clarets' "Wish List". Unfortunately, the wages paid by the relegated Villains seem to be the major stumbling block in allowing Matt and Ashley to reunite at Turf Moor. Financial framework and all that.

Peter Coates the Stoke City Chairman will allow Mark Hughes to decide whether Charlie Adam heads north to Turf Moor. After watching the most amazing scissors kick ever seen on British television, it might also be worth having a taxi for two with Xherdan Shaqiri splitting the Uber fare.

Shaqiri is probably the nearest player on the planet to the much revered ex-Claret Robbie Blake. "Dream Team" springs readily to mind?

Inbound transfers are still very much on the "to do" list but it is not officially new contract time until July 1st. The Clarets are expected to shed a couple of fringe players but news of offers for recognised first teamers is a bit of an unexpected turn of events.

The pre-season shenanigans look to be of seismic proportions as far as Turf Moor is concerned. Looks like Sean Dyche is about to get busy? (TEC).