The Longside Reference

Burnley's first season in Division Two for 24 years began at Cardiff on 14th August and the Clarets had to come from two goals behind to secure a point. The second match of the season, at home to Luton Town on  21st August, marked the farewell of one of Burnley's favorite sons. John Angus' Burnley career had begun in September 1956 and included the First Division Championship success in 1959/60, and the disappointment of the FA Cup defeat by Tottenham Hotspurs in 1962 as well as the clubs European exploits.

As the season opened up it was apparent that the Clarets were a little way short of bouncing straight back into the top flight. There were high spots however, including a 6-1 thrashing of Orient on 28th September  in which Arthur Bellamy helped himself to a hat-trick. There was also an exhilarating 5-2 win over Middlesborough on the 13th November.

By the turn of the year an inconsistent Burnley were frustratingly short of making a strong promotion challenge. An important signing was then made in January that was to strengthen the defence short-term as well as for some considerable time in the future. Alan Stevenson made his Burnley debut on 22nd January at Orient after signing from Chesterfield.

The season reached its low point on 12th February. A 0-2 defeat at home had the fans seething and demanding the resignation of manager, Jimmy Adamson. An erratic spell followed with a thrilling 5-3 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Turf Moor on 26th February followed by four defeats and a draw in the next six games. At Easter, with six games left, the Clarets were hovering just above the relegation zone.

The corner then seemed to turn with the season ending with six straight wins, and Burnley finished in a respectable 7th position.

The scene was set for a memorable season to come.

Taken from Burnley v Scunthorpe Match Programme, 12th December 1989, extract compiled by Ray Simpson and Wallace Chadwick