Burnley

This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Burnley.

Here is a selection of your submissions:

G: I love Burnley because I have been a season ticket holder for 26 years until I had to give up going to Turf Moor due to ill health and mobility problems. I still follow the mighty Clarets. I have seen them twice at Wembley for the play-off final against Sheffield United, which we won with a wonder goal from Wade Elliott, and also against Wolves. Burnley is truly a community club and I feel proud to support them whether we are in the Premier league or not.

Paul: Why do I love Burnley? To me it's an easy question. It all started growing up with football - my dad watching it, playing it, just pure father and son time which I still to this day love doing with him.

To this day, Burnley is a family club run by and loved by loyal, humble people who care about not just the club but the fans, the town and everything Burnley stands for: togetherness!

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Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.

Image source, Opta

After only happening once in Premier League history beforehand, and not since 1997-98, all three promoted teams have gone straight back down in each of the past two seasons.

Unsurprisingly then, Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are ranked as the likeliest trio to be relegated by the Supercomputer's model next year - with the Black Cats the only team notto win the title in any of the supercomputer's 10,000 simulations.

Championship play-off winners Sunderland are also relegated the most often of all 20 teams, going down in 66.4% of simulations.

Their fellow Premier League newboys are actually deemed to survive slightly more often than not, with Daniel Farke's side going down in 48.1% of sims, while Scott Parker's Clarets doing so in 45.9%.

As for Wolves, they had a dismal start to last season but improved significantly once Vitor Pereira arrived. Losing Matheus Cunha is a big blow however, and the Old Gold are fourth favourites to go down according to the supercomputer - doing so in 26.4% of sims.

Similarly, Graham Potter's West Ham have sold a key player this summer after Mohammed Kudus switched to Tottenham.

Potter will back himself to get a better tune out of his side after his first pre-season with them, but West Ham are still relegated in 22% of simulations.

Read Opta's full Supercomputer breakdown here, external

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Burnley and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

Here are some of your submissions:

John: Watching Burnley play Spurs about 1960 and Jimmy McIlroy doing his party trick with the ball by taunting and feigning Spurs' Dave McKay at the corner flag.

Then Danny Blanchflower coming over and saying: "Mac, get out of there - he'll have you there all day."

A beautiful memory

David: I love Burnley. I've never been there to see them play but I've always been a fan. My first memory of Burnley was the cup final against Tottenham on 5 May 1962. I had just engaged with football, I was eight years old, I followed the underdogs and I liked their shirts.

I'm 71 now and I still love them. My memories include John Connelly, Jimmy McIlroy, Harry Potts, Andy Lochhead, Ralph Coates, Willie Morgan... you get the picture. I recall the season when Burnley were bottom of Division Four and about to leave the football hierarchy - the anguish, the distress and the elation of surviving. All footy fans know the anguish and the highs.

Burnley have always been my team - best I go and see them soon before it is too late.

Send your pictures and stories here

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

'Why did you fall in love with your club?'

This week, we have asked hundreds of football fans across the world that very question and got hundreds of different answers.

Yes, the themes might be similar - born near a ground; family supported the team; watched a certain player - but the individual story will be unique to each supporter.

The relationship between a fan and their club should not be underestimated, with people ploughing uncountable amounts of money, time and emotional energy into their support for their team.

But what is that makes us love our clubs the way we do?

"A lot of it comes down to our identity," researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs told BBC Sport.

"We become part of this group that means so much to us. It becomes a way to find a community that you're a part of and to find a group of people that, no matter where you are, you could find a pub with other fans of your team. You have that kinship.

"In a world that's increasingly quite lonely, this provides one of the ways that we can have connections so we can have the feeling that we're part of something bigger."

Connection and identity plays a big role in someone's love for their club - particularly when it is a family link.

Many fans talk of being born into who they support - that the connection is so strong there was no other team they could, or would, have chosen.

"The great thing with football is that there's such a strong heritage component to it," Sarver Coombs said. "Often, your grandfather, father, mother or whomever was a fan of the team, so it's part of your family's tradition.

"It's handed down from generation to generation."

The uniqueness of football fandom is something researchers are increasingly investigating.

An article, external published earlier this year in psychology journal Frontiers discusses how football fans often follow follow teams with 'significant attachment and commitment, sometimes to the bewilderment of those outside of the game'.

"With football clubs, you have decades of tradition that you can tap into and it's going to keep coming," Sarver Coombs added.

"Players come and go, managers come and go, shirts change, badges change, but the club itself - the heart and soul of it remains constant. You always have that piece that you're tied to, so the longevity of clubs is a really important part.

"But also, that constant in-person opportunity to be present in a community space really sets football apart from other passions that may be transient or do not have that constant engagement."

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Napoli and Sweden midfielder Jens Cajuste, 25, is leaning towards a return to Ipswich Town rather than move to Burnley or Saudi Arabia. (Gianlucadimarzio.com - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley have agreed a fee to sign midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The 21-year-old is expected to sign a five-year contract having been given permission to complete a medical at Turf Moor.

Ugochukwu has been considered surplus to requirements this summer as Chelsea look to sell multiple players in their so-called "bomb squad" - a group of players including England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell - training separately from Enzo Maresca's first team.

Meanwhile, Burnley are also in advanced talks to sign striker Armando Broja from Chelsea, which could be the third move between the two clubs after defender Bashir Humphreys also moved on a permanent basis for £14m.

Ugochukwu spent two seasons at Chelsea making 15 appearances in all competitions during his first season before joining Southampton on a season-long loan in his second campaign.

The France Under-21 international joined Chelsea in 2023 from French club Rennes in a £23m deal.

We know the relationship between a football fan and their club is a special one so, as we gear up for the new season, we asked you to share why you fell in love with Burnley and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

Here are some of your submissions:

Raymond: I was a nine-year-old East End schoolboy in 1961 when Spurs played Burnley. All my classmates were rooting for Spurs - so I chose Burnley. We lost 3-1 and I remember Danny Blanchflower sending Adam Blacklaw the wrong way from a penalty. I've been an avid Burnley supporter since and I have enjoyed the highs and lows of supporting a 'community based team'.

Send your pictures and stories here

Image source, Getty Images

Scott Parker split his squad across two fixtures on Saturday, with the Clarets beaten 1-0 by Stoke City in a game that saw Josh Laurent sent off on the hour.

Earlier in the day, Parker attended an in-house fixture at the training ground before travelling to Stoke, thus enabling his entire group to amass minutes as the season nears.

"It's another game for us, which I'm pleased with," he said after Stoke's victory, courtesy of Ben Wilmot's goal.

"Obviously, we split the group today, due to just getting minutes in. The number of players we've got, we just needed to get some 90 minutes in legs. We've managed to do that, so that's a real positive.

"Today's game, there were some positives and obviously a bit disappointing towards the end because we're all here, Stoke included, to try and get the best preparation. They're a week out, we're two weeks out and obviously the game didn't turn out like that because of the sending off, which was hugely disappointing. Overall, we looked a little bit tired, and I suspected that, we've had a tough week. But yeah, overall, we've got what we came here for.

"The squad was split again. Obviously, a bit of a disappointment, we had a planned game, but we brought that in-house. That was a good game, I was there this morning, the boys did very, very well. We got 90 minutes out of a few players there as well. Then this game as well which was always planned.

"Overall, the planning of this weekend has changed drastically in the last 24 hours due to circumstances, hence why we came here with a real flat squad. But overall, minutes in the legs, that was a plus."

Image source, Matt

On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Burnley and some of your favourite moments supporting them.

You have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Matt:

"I have so many amazing memories of supporting Burnley. From my first – the nail-biting Championship play-off final at Wembley in May 2009 – to the latest, a sun-drenched day at Loftus Road in April 2025 celebrating our promotion to the Premier League.

"And all the memories have one thing in common – making them with my family. My dad successfully managed to indoctrinate me and my three siblings into supporting the club as kids, and despite the moral ambiguity of signing us up for years of stress without our consent, we'll always be grateful for it.

"Supporting Burnley and experiencing all the ups and downs together has created so many incredible memories, and a bond I'll never take for granted.

"My family are all in different places now - we don't get together as much as we used to - but our love of Burnley keeps us connected. In every goal celebration, every shout at the ref, in every gut-wrenching equaliser, we're all together, always.

"This picture is that for me. May 2016, on the hallowed pitch of Turf Moor, the joy of promotion written on my dad's face, and on mine behind the camera. My dad, the reason our family has this Burnley bond, the reason for all our shared stress and heartbreak and joy, the reason for moments like these. Moments that mean everything. Thank you, dad. Thank you for all the memories."

Join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the Clarets.

Your first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on James Trafford leaving for Manchester City this summer and who might be brought in as a replacement.

Here are some of your comments:

Lee: He was superb for us last season and arguably got us into the automatic spots. But he is unproven in the Premier League and he alone would not keep us up. Great business for us and wish him all the best. Need to reinvest the money wisely to give us the best chance of survival.

Hugh: We will miss you so much - wish you and your family all the best in the future and thanks so much for everything. You have been awesome.

Simon: Big loss but understandable. I want Aaron Ramsdale but he is now being linked with Newcastle so that is maybe unlikely. He is unworthy of his unlucky brand and a fantastic keeper.

Richard: Probably go all out for Nick Pope.

Gav: Trafford has the capabilities to be England's number one - just not right now. Last season flattered him, playing behind a very defensive framework that kept threats away. While his shotstopping is world class, crosses into the box for huge, athletic players are his undoing and Premier League teams all know this. In terms of a replacement, I'm fine with Sam Johnstone or Nick Pope as they are quality and proven operators. We don't need world-class ball players.

Robin: It was inevitable but Trafford and Josh Brownhill leaving just as we make it back to the Premier League? Doesn't bode well.

David: Johnstone or Stefan Ortega.

Jack: I know he's getting older but the suggestion that Johnstone might be coming seems the best option at the moment. I've always thought he's a great goalkeeper.

Image source, Getty Images

Burnley defender Maxime Esteve has signed a new five-year contract at the club.

The 23-year-old has only been at the club since January 2024 but was an integral part of the record-breaking defence established by Scott Parker in the Championship last season.

It is a huge boost for the Clarets after the departure of James Trafford to Manchester City on Tuesday.

"I'm very happy to sign another deal - to me this club is so special," Esteve said.

"When I came here, straight away I thought it was special. My family felt it too. It's the best decision to stay at Burnley, for my progression and to play in the Premier League.

"This club - with the gaffer, with my team-mates - is the best place to be. I'm proud to sign a new deal."

Image source, Getty Images

On Tuesday, it was confirmed that James Trafford had left Burnley to rejoin Manchester City.

Burnley have received a club-record fee for the 22-year-old goalkeeper, who was one of the star performers of Burnley's promotion campaign last season, keeping 29 clean sheets in 45 Championship appearances.

Although his departure was expected by many, how much of a blow is it?

Who can fill his boots?

Get in touch here

Image source, Getty Images

After announcing on Monday that he is leaving Burnley after five years, we asked you to tell us what made Josh Brownhill so special.

Here are some of your comments:

Alan: Brownhill had many great days and a few bad ones playing for Burnley but his commitment was always 100%. He improved year on year, becoming a fantastic player for the club and every Burnley supporter should thank him.

Jack: What I got out of Josh was watching him improve into the player he was last season. He basically learned how to get further forward to give himself more chance to be in the right position. He has a great attitude and I am sorry to see him go.

Michael: Last season, the lad led from the front and got some very key goals at very key times. He always looked like he was enjoying himself and connected great with the fans. I did think he would extend and that shows how important it is to tie contracts up before they can walk away. However, like he says, his next chapter is coming wherever that maybe. Wish all the very best for him and his future club - a proper Claret.

Stephen: A non-stop box-to-box player, who could provide leadership qualities. His best attribute was arriving late in the box in space as that made him so difficult to pick up. While we will miss this ability, we will miss even more his stamina and tenacity in midfield. He will be sorely missed - good luck Josh!

Accrington Stanley are considering a move for Burnley striker Joe Westley, 20, but will be in competition with a number of League Two clubs as well as League One's Wigan Athletic for the Englishman. (Swindon Advertiser, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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Image source, Getty Images

On Monday, Josh Brownhill announced he was leaving Burnley after five years, two promotions and 32 goals for the club.

He has been such a key player for the Clarets, so tell us your best Brownhill moments.

What made him special?

Get in touch here

Image source, Getty Images

Josh Brownhill has confirmed his departure from Burnley after five and a half years with the club.

The 29-year-old's future at Turf Moor had been in doubt but boss Scott Parker had previously said in April he was "hopeful" a new deal could be agreed with the out-of-contract midfielder.

In a statement on his social media,, external midfielder Brownhill said it had been an "unbelievably difficult decision" but that it was the "right time for me to start the next part of my journey in football".

He made 211 appearances for Burnley across all competitions since joining from Bristol City in 2020, scoring 32 goals.

"My decision has only ever been about me wanting to challenge myself further and continue to grow as a person and a professional," Brownhill said.

"I feel that a new project at this point in my career simply allows me to do that."

• Not a Burnley fan? Find and follow your club here

The next move for Brownhill, who was a key player in Burnley's Championship promotion campaign in 2024-25, is still unclear.

In the message he thanked manager Parker and owner Alan Pace for being "supportive" of his decision.

Brownhill added: "To the fans, I really want you to know that I understand and value what Burnley is to its people and will be forever grateful to you all. From watching the community coming together through Covid and seeing how hard you all work to be able to travel around the country supporting your team.

"To wear the captain's armband for this club was a real honour and something I felt privileged to do every day. From big goals in critical moments, trying to drive high standards every day and displaying the values of the community through my work on the pitch - I hope you can see as fans that I have always given my all for this great club and all it stands for.

"Lastly, it really felt like the perfect way to sign off my time at Burnley, by scoring two goals in my last game at Turf Moor, while captaining and being promoted into the Premier League with 100 points for a second time."

There is something unique about a football fan's love for their club.

As once said by the great Arrigo Sacchi: "Football is the most important of the least important things in life".

Tears of joy - and heartbreak. Friendships forged. Memories that last a lifetime.

Sometimes it is there from the beginning, sometimes a moment is what starts it all or takes it to another level.

Wherever it comes from, the love for a club is often there for life.

As a new season edges closer, we want to know why you love Burnley.

When was the moment it all began?

What is your most special memory?

Your first home game? Earliest shirt? A seminal away trip?

Send us your pictures and stories

Burnley want English goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, 32, from Wolves as they look to replace the outgoing James Trafford, who has joined Manchester City. (Sun), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport