Burnley fans cling to hope as relegation looms large. The Clarets have slumped to 15th place in the Premier League table, racking up 11 points and a dismal goal difference of -22. A single win could lift them above their relegation rivals but it would take nothing short of miraculous.
Despite the bleak outlook, fans remain steadfastly positive, buoyed by memories of Burnley's recent past glories. For Mark Bentley, who has held a season ticket for over a decade, the pain of relegation is tempered by the knowledge that he will get to enjoy another Premier League season.
"It still feels like we're in the top league in the world," says Bentley, matter-of-factly. "I know some people say it's boring, but I don't agree. It's better than nothing and it brings a level of excitement that you just can't replicate at this lower level."
Burnley's fans have shown remarkable loyalty to their club, with attendances dipping below 20,000 on only two occasions in the league this season. Yet despite this apathy, there remains a deep affection for the team among supporters.
"I was wearing my Burnley shirt on holiday and someone wished us well," Bentley recalls. "It's those little moments that make it all worthwhile."
However, Scott Parker's decision to opt for a conservative approach has alienated some fans who crave more entertainment from their team. The manager's pragmatic tactics have yielded 12 wins in 76 games but also generated criticism from supporters.
"It's just not the same as under Kompany," says Paddy, another season-ticket holder. "You want to be watching exciting football and Parker's approach just doesn't deliver that."
As Burnley continue their battle against relegation, there remains a glimmer of hope among fans. The arrival of Wolves at Turf Moor on the final day could prove pivotal in the rest of the campaign.
"It adds a bit of jeopardy for us," Bentley acknowledges. "We can still get something out of it and make sure we don't end up bottom."
Ultimately, Burnley's fate hangs in the balance. Relegation would mark a return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight. However, as Mark Bentley so succinctly puts it: "It's better than nothing."
Despite the bleak outlook, fans remain steadfastly positive, buoyed by memories of Burnley's recent past glories. For Mark Bentley, who has held a season ticket for over a decade, the pain of relegation is tempered by the knowledge that he will get to enjoy another Premier League season.
"It still feels like we're in the top league in the world," says Bentley, matter-of-factly. "I know some people say it's boring, but I don't agree. It's better than nothing and it brings a level of excitement that you just can't replicate at this lower level."
Burnley's fans have shown remarkable loyalty to their club, with attendances dipping below 20,000 on only two occasions in the league this season. Yet despite this apathy, there remains a deep affection for the team among supporters.
"I was wearing my Burnley shirt on holiday and someone wished us well," Bentley recalls. "It's those little moments that make it all worthwhile."
However, Scott Parker's decision to opt for a conservative approach has alienated some fans who crave more entertainment from their team. The manager's pragmatic tactics have yielded 12 wins in 76 games but also generated criticism from supporters.
"It's just not the same as under Kompany," says Paddy, another season-ticket holder. "You want to be watching exciting football and Parker's approach just doesn't deliver that."
As Burnley continue their battle against relegation, there remains a glimmer of hope among fans. The arrival of Wolves at Turf Moor on the final day could prove pivotal in the rest of the campaign.
"It adds a bit of jeopardy for us," Bentley acknowledges. "We can still get something out of it and make sure we don't end up bottom."
Ultimately, Burnley's fate hangs in the balance. Relegation would mark a return to the Championship after just one season in the top flight. However, as Mark Bentley so succinctly puts it: "It's better than nothing."