When you've been out of the top flight for 33 years then looking forward
hardly expresses how we are feeling in Burnley. Excited is very much the
word and we've felt like that for the last eleven weeks since we beat
Sheffield United in the play off final at Wembley.
Do you think your squad is ready for the Premier League?
Is any newly promoted side ever ready for the Premier League? It is an
inexperienced squad in terms of top flight football and the signings over
the summer haven't really addressed this. With the smallest budget in the
division we've elected to bring in younger players.
What players of your's should we watch out for?
Robbie Blake is still a big influence in our side and on his day is more
than a handful for any side at any level. He destroyed Spurs last season in
the Carling Cup. Wade Elliott scored the goal that got us into the Premier
League and playing either wide or in the centre of midfield he can cause
defences problems when he runs at them.
What do you think of Stoke City?
I'd suggest Stoke are a club quite similar to ourselves but one year ahead
of us in terms of Premier League football. I don't think anyone can question
the performance last season in the top division when everyone expected them
to be in the bottom three.
Would you settle for a point, or is a win a must?
A point would be a good result, a win would be even better, but no way is a
win a must at this stage of the season. It will be a tough game, but one we
can certainly get something from.
Are there any Stoke players you would put in the Burnley side?
I'd probably have Rory Delap in for the throws, and there's no doubt that
Ricardo Fuller, although a player disliked at Burnley, is an excellent
player.
What is your score prediction?
If we defend well we could just come out of it with a 1-0 win - maybe Martin
Paterson to score against his old club.