Lancashire | Can Burnley bounce back from relegation again next season?

Burnley fan Andrew Montgomery reflects on another relegation 

Were there any positives from this season?

What was the best moment and why

I take absolutely no pleasure in saying this, but Scott Parker leaving his role as head coach was probably the standout moment of the season. It had become an impossible position for him, and the club should have put both him and the supporters out of their misery much earlier. When the announcement finally came, there was a real sense of collective relief. Even so, it felt like a wasted season.

Who was your player of the season and why?

It is difficult to separate Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony. Flemming delivered the goals, while Anthony was arguably the only player to show consistent effort throughout the campaign. He looked like one of the few players who genuinely wanted to be there and cared about the club.

What about your unsung hero and why?

Nobody from the men's team to be honest. Ross Wallace deserves enormous credit for stepping up as caretaker manager of the women’s team and leading them to the title and promotion to WSL2. In truth, it was the only genuinely positive story to come out of the season.

What was your biggest disappointment?

Almost everything about the campaign has been disappointing, particularly the dreadful performances in both cup competitions. One moment that especially hurt, though, was Josh Cullen’s early injury. His leadership and quality were badly missed and, while it may not have transformed results, his presence as club captain could have helped repair some of the growing disconnect between the club and the supporters.

What needs to change this summer?

The whole club needs a reset because, at the moment, it feels completely lost. There has to be a willingness to start again from scratch.