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There had been speculation that there was to be no testimonial but the news was confirmed today although there have been no suggestions as to when a testimonial match might take place or who the opponents might be. I’m sure Paul would love it to be Spurs more than any other club, he supported them as a youngster.
He becomes the first Burnley player to be granted a testimonial since Alan Stevenson twenty-two years ago, Alan’s match was against Manchester City and a match that saw the two managers (Brian Miller and John Bond) take part in a half time penalty shoot out alongside their respective chairmen (John Jackson and Peter Swailes).
Paul has made 234 league appearances for the Clarets since making his league debut in a 2-0 home win against Carlisle in December 1995 although he had appeared in two cup ties prior to that.
Injury and illness have affected his career and he could well now have been pushing towards 400 league appearances but for the serious stomach illness that virtually kept him out for two years and the constant run of injuries that have blighted his last couple of years.
Not many players stay with one club for this length of time and the only occasion when it looked as though he might go was around the time of Stan Ternent's arrival when, alongside a good number of other players, he found himself out of contract.
Clarets Mad would like to congratulate Paul on the news which is fully deserved.