Football (Soccer) is probably the most significant thing that has glued my life together over several years.  For the last twenty years I’ve been coaching in USA, but all the while keeping an eye on my first love, Burnley Football Club.

Almost 30 years have passed since I was in the middle of these scenes as Burnley secured their existence in what is still known at the “Orient Game”.  It remains the the most amazing game I have ever witnessed.

Two years ago, almost to the day I was literally out of my mind with joy when my team “little old Burnley” made it to the top league in world football and the English Premier League.  Burnley is the smallest town ever to make it to the English Premier League, so unsurprisingly their day in the sun ended after one season with relegation.  Back to life in the  Championship and the more accustomed place in 2nd tier football.

The club enjoyed the ride in the English Premier League and wanted to go back.  On Boxing Day 2015 Burnley were thumped 3-0 at Hull, and the potential for a quick return looked very much an outside bet.  Today in front of a full house at Turf Moor they won 1-0 against QPR to extend themselves to a 22 game unbeaten run that stretches back to that Boxing Day defeat.  It is a truly remarkable feat, and has secured them a return to the English Premier League.

Many mornings this past season I have shared the Burnley journey by getting up at 4.30am or 7.00am (PST) to listen, watch or connect in anyway I possibly could to share the fortunes of my team.

Today, as Burnley secured that return to the Premier League I was jumping with joy and crying at the same time …football can do that to you…