Clarets want fans to ‘roar team to promotion’

Ahead of Saturday’s visit of promotion rivals Nottingham Forest - who host leaders Leicester City tonight - Banaszkiewicz hopes to entice as many fans as possible to Turf Moor for some key games in the run-in.

In an open letter to fans, he says: “On behalf of myself, co-chairman Mike Garlick and the Burnley FC Board of Directors, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for such great support so far this season.

“I think we all recognise the club is enjoying a fabulous season.

“And as we enter the final few months, and with your unstinting support, we’re ready for one last push.

“Sean and the players are treating us to some of the best entertainment we have seen in years and with some big games still to come, we want to encourage as many fans as possible to come along and make their voices heard.

“Our average home attendance currently stands at around 11,500 and our travelling support is around 1,500; figures we can all be proud of in these times of austerity.

“Can we do better? I think we can and I think we need to do better when we look at who we are going to be playing as we come into the home stretch of the season sitting in second place.

“Promotion-chasing rivals Nottingham Forest, Derby, Leicester and Leeds United are all big games for the club and a big crowd in full voice makes a massive contribution to the atmosphere and in supporting the players.

“Put simply, we need to compete off the pitch and put in a big performance to match the way we play.

“We fully understand that a regular commitment to the club is a big deal for supporters who have tough choices to make about what they spend their hard-earned money on.

“Our prices are already competitive, but to encourage fans to get involved when they can, we have developed the Flexi-ticket scheme.

“Flexi-tickets mean that for a commitment of between four and six games, we will reward you with admission prices that can equate to just over £20 per game.

“Not only that, but you can share Flexi-tickets with family or friends, making this a really viable option where a season ticket wouldn’t quite fit with pocket or lifestyle.

“We also have direct debit schemes available on all season tickets, to further help spread the load.

“Whether you take advantage of a Flexi-ticket or you commit to one game at a time, then I can assure you the warm welcome will be just the same.

“But if there is a time to get involved and make your voice heard, I can think of no better time than this.

“This is Our Town, Our Turf and Our Time: Got To Be There!

“Up the Clarets!”