Football Ground Guide: Fans Review, Burnley FC

Turf Moor - Burnley FC
Burnley v Middlesbrough
Championship League
Saturday, September 10th 2011, 3pm
Geoff Hooton

I was really looking forward to the game as I'd never visited Turf Moor before and Boro were looking to make it seven away wins in a row the last away defeat being at Burnley, back in April.

Travelling was easy as being based North of the border, we took the train from Glasgow, changing in Preston (50 minute wait) and were in Burnley by 12.30.

We followed the directions provided in the Guide, from Manchester Road Railway Station. They turned out to be excellent and by 1pm we were having a pint in Burnley Cricket Club right next to Turf Moor. I think that is where the Police prefer the away fans to drink. Mainly Boro fans there but also some Burnley fans (colours are allowed) but a nice relaxed atmosphere. As it was a warm dry day many fans sat outside. A good selection of beers at about £2.80 a pint. Didn't explore the top level of the pavillion but saw a lot of folk eating the food - burgers, chips etc and didn't hear any complaints.

Other fans have described the ground pretty well and the view we had (block 10) was good. The concourse was a bit dim but OK although only small old style TVs showing Sky - has the flat screen not reached Burnley yet? Didn't have a drink but the pies were fine at £2.50 - usual prices I think.

It wasn't a classic game but Boro ran out as comfortable 2-0 winners thanks to an early goal in each half. Boro had about 2,000 fans there and they made such a noise that the atmosphere was great, so much so that I couldn't hear anything from the Burnley fans.

There was a large Police presence around the ground and cricket club but it was very laid back. The stewards at the ground were excellent (lots of smiling faces) and one even wished me a safe journey home. Boro fans were allowed to stand throughout the game (not my personal preference) but it's not a steep stand and I felt perfectly safe. The stewards even helped some elderly fans to find seats where they could sit with a unobstructed view.

After the game leaving the ground was easy and on the route back to the station there is a huge Tesco's where you can stock up with whatever for the journey. Didn't see many Burnley fans wearing colours and also didn't feel threatened in any way. Some Police at the railway station but no problems between the relatively small numbers of Burnley and Boro fans.

Back home in Glasgow by 10pm and a thoroughly great day out. Even if we had lost I would have nothing to complain about (apart from the Boro team) and I would certainly go back to Turf Moor.

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