Footnote: Duffer has retired...

Last updated : 09 May 2016 By The Editor's Chair

Michael Duff has decided to hang up his boots..

Speculation was abound on here that the Clarets' Northern Ireland international was about to announce his retirement. It is now official, Michael has decided to call it a day!

The "Duffer" has been a quite magnificent player for Burnley Football Club in a career that has seen him enjoy a meteoric rise from non-league journeyman to the Barclays Premier League in the Clarets' 2009/10 campaign.

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Photo source: Burnley Football Club.

The photograph depicts Michael at his Turf Moor testimonial game against Bradford City in August 2015.

The Belfast born "Duffer" has played at eight different levels of the domestic game. He originally signed for Burnley as Steve Cotterill's second signing in July 2004. Michael had by then appeared for more than 200 league games in the colours of Cheltenham Town. 

Michael must surely rank as one of Burnley's best ever signings? Bought for a reputed fee of only £30,000, he has played under the auspices of Cotterill, Owen Coyle, Brian Laws, Eddie Howe and of course lastly Sean Dyche.

Young guns Michael Keane, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski are probably now in front of the "Duffer" in Sean Dyche's pecking order.

If the three of them can emulate Michael Duff in terms of commitment, longevity and honesty as a professional footballer, a fantastic career is theirs for the taking!

I can distinctly recall Michael being thrilled at the news of his international recall in February, 2012, following a near four-year omission from the Northern Ireland  full international squad.

During the 2013/14 season, Michael made his 300th appearance for the Clarets. He also notched up 300 appearances for Cheltenham Town ensuring legend staus at both clubs. 

Duffer is the sole survivor of the club's exciting but sadly doomed foray into the Barclays Premier League in 2009. Michael was also pivotal alongside now departed Derby Skipper Jason Shackell at the middle of the Clarets rearguard in the ill-fated 2014-2015 season. 

The "Duffer" has not appeared for the Clarets since Burnley were mauled by the Tigers of Hull 3-0 on Boxing Day. He does however, remain  the only Claret to play twice in the Premier League and started the 2015/16 season with 350 Burnley games to his account.

It appeared to me and lots of others that Sean Dyche provided the "Duffer" with his swansong at the Valley.

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Whatever the future journey holds for Michael, I am totally certain that 100% of all Clarets wish him success, joy and happiness.

He has been a credit to Burnley Football Club, himself and his family during his time at Turf Moor. On a personal note.

I hoped the powers that be would find a way to keep Michael Duff at Burnley Football Club?

They have. The good news is that our cherished "Duffer" will be working with our Academy. Over the moon, I am! (TEC).