Banaszkiewicz can help take club forward - chairman

The Nelson-born businessman was voted onto the board on Monday evening, after his purchase of the shares of John Turkington, Chris Duckworth, Martin Hobbs and John Sullivan.

The new board is now a streamlined five - Kilby, operational director Brendan Flood, Mike Garlick, Clive Holt and Banaszkiewicz, down from a 10-man board, after Ray Griffiths passed away last year, and vice chairman Ray Ingleby resigned in August.

Kilby spoke of the changes and the need for a more dynamic board: “For some time we have been aware that the board has become a bit cumbersome. We needed to become more streamlined so that we can make decisions quickly and efficiently.

“The other side of the coin is that John is a real identikit for what we want as a Burnley director. He is a genuine supporter who comes from the area, he is a substantial businessman and he can give us stability when needed.

“I am sure this is going to be a good move for the club and we can move forward.

“First and foremost John is a businessman. We need to run this club properly and I think we do, but the experience he has gained by building up an international business is an invaluable asset to the club. His heart is also with the club, so it’s an ideal combination for a new director.”

Banaszkiewicz himself is eager to get his teeth into his new role: “I feel I have something to offer. I am from this area, I have been a Burnley fan for many, many years and I feel we have to make the club a little bit more globally well known.

“I would like to bring to the club a bit of my business expertise, acumen and contacts and hopefully build a very strong future.

“I have invested in the club and I hope to invest in the club in the future.

“One of my early objectives is to get Gawthorpe and the Academy up to scratch.

“In the 1970s Burnley had a huge pipeline of talent coming through the system and I want to replicate that so that everyone knows who we are.

“Maybe we can’t afford a £35m player, but we can find another Jay Rodriguez in the next street!”

Banaszkiewicz, known as John B, is also aware of his responsibility to the club and the fans: “I want to make the board a bit more transparent and have the opinions of players, staff, management and fans.

“We need to know we are going in the right direction, so I am keen to develop that side.

“But it’s quite rare to have a club owned by fans of the club.

“We have maintained key players after coming down, so we are in a very good position to bounce back.

“Obviously the two top teams are creeping ahead and we have to catch them up, so we are going to do everything possible to try and do that.”