Champions the book

After the defeat at Hull on Boxing Day 2015 Burnley fans might still have had hopes of a top six place but perhaps only the most diehard optimists would have predicted that 23 unbeaten games later Burnley would be promoted as champions.

But after what George Boyd described as a ‘no-holds barred’ team meeting that was hard to take, the players dug their heels in, re-assessed what they were doing, and began the second half of the season with a new resolve - and how it paid off.

Slowly but surely the division leaders were stalked and then overtaken so that three teams played out the final games with all kinds of possibilities and permutations. It became one of the best-ever end of season finishes with Burnley triumphing.

CHAMPIONS tells the story, building up to the climax that ensured Burnley would benefit from the untold riches that the Premier League now brings and Burnley supporters would see star players and star teams for the third time in seven years.

As ever, Dave wanders football’s highways and byways, shares his post and pre match dining experiences, and delves into Burnley’s rich and varied history whenever the opportunity arises with tall tales, old anecdotes and tributes to the old legends.

This book also features: A substantial foreword by Chairman Mike Garlick, An interview with Tom Heaton by kind permission of Henry Winter; a Blackburn fan’s perspective on Rovers/Burnley rivalry, by kind permission of Marcus Raymond and a special contribution from Tim Quelch that provides the finale.

All pictures save just a couple have been provided by supporters on their travels.