Burnley v Sunderland and Ade Akinbiyi

29 July 2011 20:42
Former Claret Ade Akinbiyi is the first special guest of the 2011/12 season. He'll make the half time draw at the pre-season friendly against Sunderland tomorrow, and that is bound to remind people of his Burnley debut. That debut was in March 2005 and is, without doubt, one of the most dramatic debuts I've ever seen. With ten minutes left, and Burnley trailing 1-0, he was introduced as a substitute for Michael Duff. He was fouled, had a header saved and then got himself sent off for elbowing, head butting and then grabbing George McCartney by the throat. That was all in around two and a half minutes with the red card bringing it all to an end. I wondered what on earth we'd signed, but in fairness I don't think Ade ever gave the club a minute's problem from that day on during his two spells with the club. He was particularly impressive during that first spell and became a massive crowd favourite. He was also a massive favourite in the dressing room with so many of the squad. Yes, it is Sunderland tomorrow and that will be a reminder of that debut. But we should definitely be remembering Luton in November 2005 and one simply awesome performance, or his superb performance alongside Andrew Cole at QPR, or maybe even his last ever Burnley goal that got us to that penalty shoot out at Chelsea. Top man - it will be good to see him back at Turf Moor.

Source: FOOTYMAD