"I'll probably get slated" - Burnley FC told to make two key Turf Moor changes | OneFootball

The Clarets have played at Turf Moor since 1883, and is one of the most continuously used grounds in the world.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Turf Moor is one of the most recognisable stadiums in all the EFL.

With a capacity of 21,994, what it does lack in size, it makes up with character and history. Burnley have played at the ground since 1883, making it the second-oldest continuously used professional football stadium in the entire world, behind only Preston North End's Deepdale.

Nevertheless, in recent years, the appearance of Turf Moor has changed, bringing it closer to that of more modern grounds. However, some sections of the Lancashire stadium are still similar to that of the original layout.

Its introduction to the Premier League in 2009 was a major talking point, and it became a safe haven for the Clarets throughout the next decade, defeating the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United there during their time in the top flight.

However, some supporters will be hoping to see improvements in the coming years, as Burnley look to leave the Championship behind for good.

Improvements must be made at Turf Moor

English football is littered with old, characteristic stadiums from the Premier League, all the way into the depths of non-league. Turf Moor is no different, with its tightly-packed stands and wooden seats a major difference between itself and its more modern counterparts.

Nevertheless, it can struggle to hold in the atmosphere at times with its open corners, and some parts of its appearance are slightly tattered. Football League World asked their Burnley Fan Pundit, Nathan Rogers, what he would change about his club's home.

"I know it's not necessarily stadium specific, but I feel like our atmosphere can be quite flat at times, it’s all that adage of we only sing when we're winning, and it feels very prevalent this season," he started.

"When it's good, it's great, but when it's not so great, it's pretty flat at Turf Moor, so I’d like to see the atmosphere improve.

"But the second thing I'd like to see is the ground be modernised a little bit. I know I'll probably get slated by the fans for sort of wanting to remove that traditional old feeling of the stadium, but I'm not saying demolish the two older stands, I'm saying can we give them a facelift? Can we get rid of the wooden seats? Can we get rid of the dated look of it all, spruce it up a little bit and make it look a bit more modern?"

Nathan continued: "With the cladding it's got that asbestos-looking roof still on it, and can we make it a bit more acoustically sound, so it actually pushes sound out into the stadium rather than swallow it up like the Cricket Field Stand does?

"I think I'd just like to see it modernised just ever so slightly and just bring it up to date a little bit more for the fans and maybe make it a little bit bigger on one of the sides, maybe the Bob Lord Stand. Just expand it a tiny little bit just to maybe offer some more affordable seating in the long run.

"But those are the two things; the atmosphere and just slightly modernising the older stands a little bit."

Burnley must make Turf Moor a fortress once again

Burnley were relegated back to the Championship at the end of last season, after an extremely disappointing campaign in the Premier League.

However, a good start to 2024/25 has immediately put them in contention for an instant return to the top flight. Despite this, tough times could come about, especially with the competitiveness of the second tier this year, and therefore, Turf Moor must become a fortress.

Scott Parker's side are yet to lose at home this season, winning three of their opening five matches in front of their own supporters, drawing only to Lancashire rivals, Blackburn Rovers and Preston.

The Claret's next run of games at Turf Moor are against sides that are lower down in the table, and picking up positive results in these clashes is a matter of huge importance to their promotion credentials.

Continuing to get fans on side is imperative to Burnley's success, and more victories at home will only help improve the atmosphere as the Championship begins to heat up.