THE Clarets Supporters Trust is sorry to hear of the decision to stand down at the end of this season due to health reasons.
There are two celebrations at the end of the season 20 years since the promotion in 1992 and 25 years since the Orient survival game. I am sure Barry will also be hoping that we can be in the playoffs and make promotion again to the Premier in May. It would be a fitting way for Barry to end his period as Chair.
It is 14 years since Frank Teasdale brought Barry on the Board and just a couple of months he became Chair of the Club investing some £3 million in the Club. He has been a lifetime Burnley Supporter and is a true Clarets fan. Barry has always been a very open and honest Chair of the Club at a time when financial pressures have increasingly made it difficult for the smaller town clubs. The Ground and Gawthorpe are now in very much better shape than when he took over and the Club has been sensibly and soundly managed.
His great achievement was taking the Club to the Premier and whilst our stay was only one season it did prove that it was something we could do. To see the packed ground that year was a reminder of the Clubs glory days in the 1960’s.
We know that Barry will be giving serious thought as to the future of the position of the Chair at Burnley Football Club and the future direction of the Club. Being Chair of a Football Club is never an easy job but our grateful thanks go to Barry for all the work he has done for the Club - and it really would be great to see him stand down at the end of the season with a promotion! So thanks Barry and all good wishes for your future and that of your wife and family, and also for your future health.