Who took our place?

Last updated : 27 February 2004 By Tony Scholes

As supporters looked forward to a change in the pre-season schedule Clarets Mad did wonder just who it was that might be going this year, after all we have been the star attraction in previous years.

We dismissed the problems of last year as reported in Blackpool because we were on the short list and had apparently reached the lofty position of first reserve, waiting in the wings if one of the other clubs dropped out.

Even Wrexham, regular visitors for many years, have been kicked out this time so it was obvious that some big clubs were on their way.

Surely Manchester United or Arsenal haven’t accepted an invitation, somehow I couldn’t see either of them turning out in Peel or the Douglas Bowl. It must be some of the lesser lights in the Premiership then, maybe Souness is taking his lot there.

The answer is no to all those. Clarets Mad have been able to find out just which clubs are going that we are missing out on playing.

Well here goes for this year’s big line up – the six taking part are:

Bristol Rovers, Carlisle United, Isle of Man, Port Vale, Rushden & Diamonds and Swansea City.

We have missed out on a massive international tournament.