Publisher's Synopsis
This book is the third in the series - Burnley FC, the Premier League Diaries. The book reviews Burnley FC's third attempt at Premier League survival as once again they go toe-to-toe with their far wealthier big city rivals. For a small East Lancashire town club to reach the money dominated Premier League was a feat considered extremely unlikely. However, in 2009 our homespun heroes achieved it, only to suffer the not unexpected subsequent relegation. Undeterred they battled back in 2014 achieving promotion as runners-up to Championship winners Leicester City. Now to fans of the club, if not a resolute management team, this was seen as incredible. Unfortunately, once again, the challenge proved beyond our heroes. Yet, once again in 2016, the indomitable Clarets shrugged off their disappointment and rose magnificently to claim a place in the top echelon of English football for a third time. This time bettering their previous promotions by emerging as worthy Championship winners. This diary tells the story of the third 'crack' at Premier League survival. Would the lessons learnt from the previous two campaigns stand them in good stead to this time withstand the overwhelming odds. Could they achieve the even greater goal of retaining their elevated status. What followed was a strange, sometimes exhilarating, sometimes deflating, but always compelling season of high drama. An extremely lop-sided series of results, giving rise ultimately to the book's title, ensured the outcome was likely to go to the wire. Once again it's a personal account of one man's 'take' on the challenge. As with the previous diaries the action is interspersed with tales of the author's other passion, walking in the northern hills and dales. The intention is to not only to document a memorable season, but hopefully also to amuse with some interesting anecdotes to lighten the mood!
