Commentator Praises Scott Parker’s Strong Start with Burnley

BBC Radio Lancashire commentator Scott Reid has characterized Burnley’s current performance as a “really good start to the season”. The Clarets currently occupy fourth place in the Championship standings, trailing the automatic promotion positions by four points. This achievement comes despite significant changes to the squad following their relegation from the Premier League, with the team having suffered only one defeat in their most recent 12 matches. Reid elaborated on his assessment during an appearance on BBC Radio Bristol’s Sound of the City show, prior to the Clarets’ match at Ashton Gate on Saturday. He stated, “I say that because of the challenges Scott Parker has had,” adding, “The squad he has got now is not the squad he had when the season started. They’ve had 17 players leaving and 16 players arriving, so they’ve had a huge turnover of players since Parker came in.” Reid concluded, “I think when you factor in that he’s basically having to piece together a new team and try and get results, it represents a really good start by him.” Among the players who began the season at Turf Moor but departed before the summer transfer window closed were Wilson Odobert, Vitinho, Dara O’Shea, Wout Weghorst, and Luke McNally. Despite Burnley’s consistent performance maintaining their competitive standing, the team has faced limitations due to a scarcity of victories and goals. They are currently ranked 11th in the league for goals scored, with a total of 18, and their six draws represent the joint-second highest number in the division. Reid further commented, stating, “Undoubtedly, they’re not scoring anywhere near the volume of goals they would want and being as creative as Burnley fans would like them to be.” He recalled, “But they went to Luton on the opening day of the season and scored four times and the following game they scored five times, so you’re thinking it’s a free-scoring Burnley side, a bit like [Vincent] Kompany’s Burnley side.” However, he clarified, “But those two opening games of the season, what he’s got now is not that squad.” He continued, “Those players have gone, so I think he’s had to be just a little bit cautious, make them difficult to beat, make them organised, which is what they are.” Reid acknowledged that “It’s not been an easy watch at times but the Burnley supporters are hoping the groundwork is in place for them to be a little bit more open and attacking as the season progresses.”