Burnley Football Club: English Football Club

Burnley Foundation

Burnley Football Club was founded in 1882, and initially played their home matches at Calder Vale. The club was a founding member of the Football League in 1888. They won their first major trophy, the FA Cup, in 1914. The club’s fortunes fluctuated over the next few decades, with the team experiencing several relegations and promotions.

Golden Era

Burnley FC’s golden era came in the post-World War II era, when the team won the First Division title in 1960 and reached the quarter-finals of the European Cup in 1961. The team was managed by Harry Potts, who is still considered a legend at the club. Burnley FC also reached the FA Cup final in 1962 but lost to Tottenham Hotspur. During this period, the team was known for its attacking flair and exciting football, and its players were some of the most talented in the country.

Near Oblivion and Recovery

After the golden era, Burnley FC experienced a decline, and the team struggled to maintain its position in the higher divisions. The club fell into near oblivion in the 1980s,  and they were relegated to the Fourth Division in 1985. However, the club managed to recover in the 1990s, and won promotion to the Second Division in 1992. The team continued to experience ups and downs over the next decade, but eventually regained its position in the second tier of English football.

Back to Premier League 

In 2012, Burnley FC appointed Sean Dyche as its manager, and the team started to see a resurgence. Dyche’s no-nonsense approach and emphasis on hard work and discipline paid dividends, and the team won promotion to the Premier League in 2014. Burnley FC’s success under Dyche was built on a solid defence and team ethos, and the team achieved a remarkable seventh-place finish in the Premier League in the 2017-18 season.

Ownership

Burnley FC is owned by a consortium led by American businessman Alan Pace. In December 2020, American investment company ALK Capital acquired an 84% stake for £170 million. The club’s previous owner being Mike Garlick, who oversaw the club’s resurgence under Sean Dyche. The current ownership has promised to invest in the club’s infrastructure and build a sustainable future for Burnley FC.

Burnley Achievements

Burnley FC has won several major trophies over the years, including two First Division titles, one Second Division title, and one FA Cup. The club has also won the Community Shield twice and has reached the final of the FA Cup on three occasions. Burnley FC’s most recent success was in the 2019-20 season when the team finished in 10th place in the Premier League.