Brian Halford reflects on the day in 1976 that Kenny Burns annihilated Derby County at St Andrew’s with a four-goal
explosion.
I believe that I would be more effective in a new role. When a player makes such post-match statement, it’s usually
an attempt to justify a subpar performance. The classic “played-out-of-position” argument to justify his recent
“mare.”
Alternatively, it may just be an honest evaluation of the player’s perceived areas of strength.
And Kenny Burns’ observation that he would be better off in a different position after virtually single-handedly
demolishing Derby County with a four-goal burst at St Andrew’s was undoubtedly true!
Having played as an amateur with Glasgow Rangers before joining Blues in 1970, Burns had become a victim of his
own versatility.
His powerful, aggressive presence could be used up front or in central defense with similar effectiveness.
He began the 1973–74 season in the back with Roger Hynd and ended up helping Trevor Francis in attack after Bob
Latchford was moved to Everton. He was at the front for the majority of 1974–1975 and in the back for the majority
of 1975–1976. at 1976–1977, he returned to the front.
Burns felt that his strongest position was on defense, thus he favored that position. However, his play versus Derby
on October 2, 1976, did not help his case. He exhausted the Rams’ defense to the point where Colin Todd, a highly-
regarded player who had submitted a transfer request the day before, was replaced at halftime.
Not much hinted at what was to come. After seven games, Blues had only won two, albeit one of those victories came
against Aston Villa, where Burns scored one goal. The side of Willie Bell made more promises than it kept. But it
delivered, big-style, against a Derby squad without the vital Roy McFarland due to injury.
“The sensational scoreline did not truly reflect the ease with which a team desperately trying to reclaim the old glory
was exposed by bubbling Blues and blockbusting Burns,” the Mail wrote.
It took just eight minutes for Burns to strike when he headed home a cross from Gary Jones. Then came a goal which
suggested he belonged very much in the opponents’ box as he left three defenders standing and fired home a great
finish. On 31 minutes, Burns’ hat-trick was bagged when he sidefooted home Francis’s cross.
Leighton James pulled one back for Derby but, with Charlie George ineffectual, Dave Mackay’s side never threatened
a comeback. Burns rattled in his fourth in the 71st minute before John Connolly made it 5-1 three minutes from time.
Blues’ only regret was that they could not find the net again to earn them a sports car to be donated by a fan if they scored six.
“The Scot made mincemeat of the man delegated to keep him under control,” asserted the Mail. The man minced
was poor Peter Daniel, deputising for McFarland.
Burns, though, had noted with interest that his team-mate (centre-half) Joe Gallagher had hobbled off injured in the
second half. Maybe there would be a vacancy at the other end of the team next time?
“I am happy with my form in attack,” he said. “But over the season I reckon I would perform better in a different
role. I still think I am a better player at the back. But, having said that, I really enjoyed this game.”
Mackay, meanwhile, barred his team from talking to the press after the trouncing but did offer praise to one chap
who did not make it on to the scoresheet. “Trevor Francis made a magnificent contribution,” he said.
And so Derby, thrashed 5-1 by Blues, went away to dust themselves down – and in their next league match
hammered Tottenham 8-2. And then in Tottenham’s next league match they beat Blues. Funny old game!
Read more news:https://sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply