A very special guest tonight

Last updated : 23 January 2007 By Tony Scholes

Jimmy left Burnley for Stoke in controversial circumstances almost 44 years ago and tonight will not be the first time he's been here for this particular fixture. He's previously received the warmest and most enthusiastic reception from four sides of the ground and although that will be reduced to three sides tonight I expect the reception to be as welcoming from both sets of supporters.

Hopefully it is something of an omen, for Jimmy was last at the Turf back in November when we played Leeds, as part of the television programme charting the football link between Burnley and Northern Ireland. On that occasion we won 2-1, and it is the last time we won a game, so maybe he will bring the luck of the Irish with him again tonight.

There is much to read about Jimmy on this site, he is regarded by just about everyone as the greatest player ever to wear our famous Claret & Blue shirt, he was voted our cult hero on a BBC feature a couple of years ago, and headed the twenty-five players on the Wall of Legends outside Turf Moor.

Now, can you just inspire another Burnley win please Jimmy?