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What's been going on that we have missed? There has been some football competition on the television from the Far East that was won by a team from South America. Nothing new there then and our congratulations to Brazil on winning the World Cup once again. They were deserving winners without doubt with some outstanding players. But who was it that told us the Germans would have no chance this time?
Closer to home and former Burnley manager Adrian Heath has been appointed assistant manager to Peter Reid at Sunderland, replacing former Blackburn manager Bobby Saxton who has been given another role. I can tell you that Heath's appointment has gone down like the proverbial lead balloon with the Mackem fans who have never taken to Heath during his two spells with the club.
He is the only former Claret to have been promoted as far as we know in the last two weeks. There was a suggestion that Kevin Russell had been promoted at Wrexham but we have checked with the Welsh club and all that has happened there is that Denis Smith's coaching team have all now been given contracts. Rooster has been assistant manager since Smith took over but had been working with his player contract.
Even closer to home and three of the youth team, namely Earl Davis, Andrew Leeson and Andy Waine have now signed the contracts they were offered at the end of their scholarship. They have all become full time pros at the Turf on one year deals.
Mark Rasmussen has joined Gordon Armstrong and signed a new deal. Ras joined last summer on a one year deal and he has been offered a further year by Stan. Also joining the full time ranks is 16 year-old Welsh schoolboy international Rhys Carpenter. Although joining alongside the scholars Carpenter has signed a three year contract with the club.
Some weeks ago we told you about the new scholars set for Turf Moor and they all started yesterday. They are Gary Carter (from London), Adam Jones (St. Asaph), Daniel Pitham (Coventry) and Ryan Townsend (Western Australia). Clarets Mad have already seen Carter and Townsend in action for the youth team in the Merit League last season and would like to welcome all four to Turf Moor as they join on a permanent basis.
We will be catching up with other things such as the Team of the Last Ten Years, Clarets 100 Great Memories and the transfer news in the First Division just as soon as possible.
It is good to be back, and thanks to the many of you who contacted us during the last two weeks either via the feedback or directly through our email address,
claretsmad@ntlworld.com