Spicer is now a Claret

The reaction on the south coast to his departure is not good, the fans feel they have lost their most influential player cheaply whilst the Bournemouth club have said they were left with no option with the player having a clause in his contract that he must be informed of any offers over £25,000.

Burnley’s offer triggered that clause and the Bournemouth chairman Peter Phillips said, “We were fortunate to sign a player of John’s talents for £10,000. The deal we struck with John’s agent was only possible if we included an escape clause, though whilst saying that, we have more than recouped our outlay whilst of course securing John’s talents for the last year.

“John is an ambitious player who wanted to play in the Championship or higher, and whilst we are sad to see him leave, we are sure John will be a great success and wish him all the best in his future career.”

So Spicer becomes the third player to join the Clarets from Bournemouth in the last few months, this following their outstanding cup performance back in January.

And how good is Spicer – well, along with Garreth O’Connor he did score at Ewood last season when they but our local rivals out of the Carling Cup.