The Longside Reference

 Steve Cotterill was unveiled as the Burnley boss on the 3rd June 2004, and immediately set about strengthening the thread bare squad left him by his predecessor Stan Ternent, while in the meantime re-establishing his own managerial credentials.

The former Cheltenham Town and Stoke City boss, beat of reported competition with Ex England and Liverpool hard man Steve McMahon Claret Ian Moores father Ronnie Moore and Claret and Wales legend Brian Flynn to get the job.

When Cotterill signed that three year deal in 2004, he was on of the best qualified coaches in the league having obtained a UEFA'A' licence.

Dave Thomas writes about his time at Burnley the highs, and the lows. From the 'Huddle at the end of the Blackburn game in the cup, to the donations for netting at Gawthorpe. '

 Dave's articles are so in-depth, they had to be cut into three parts,

Chapter One, "Following in the footsteps" where his Burnley career started.

Chapter Two " Treading Water" how lack of funds and Burnleys precarious position affected the Clarets.

And Chapter Three "Steve Cotterill and the Last Supper" how it all came to an end.

Compelling reading, and for a man who is now back in management with Portsmouth a look back at how he changed the Clarets (for the better).