Adie Randall, a Clarets hero...

Adie Randall, a Clarets hero

THIS week our column’s spotlight falls on a consummate claret of the ‘90s, who in his five seasons at Turf Moor,

would under magical manager Jimmy Mullen win promotion for a notable Burnley side twice in three years.

His name? Well here in our picture we can see the one and only Adrian John Randall, known to all Burnley fans as

Adie Randall, “The Step-over King”.

Born in Salisbury in 1968, Adie was selected as a full-time apprentice for Bournemouth FC upon graduating from

high school after being noticed by talent scouts.

Adies, who played with Matt Le Tissier, Vinnie Samways, Andy Hinchliffe, and Kevin Pressman, earned two England

youth caps for his midfield prowess. Shortly after the Cannes Youth Tournament, he was a member of the

Bournemouth first team.

Before manager Jimmy Mullen made Adie his first Burnley acquisition in December 1991 for a £40,000 price, Adie

had joined Aldershot in 1988 and played 107 appearances for them.

Although his qualities led him to sign with York City for £140,000 in the winter of 1995, Adie was a clear favourite at

Turf Moor after five fantastic seasons and 150 games for the Clarets.

Due to injuries, Adie had to abandon the game and work as a postman in his hometown of Salisbury. In 2002, he

advanced to the position of postman-driver at our Royal Mail Pendle Delivery Office in Nelson. Adie was given a

football by someone on his first day of work, and we all cheered him on as he skilfully walked the ball around the

office floor without ever hitting the ground.

I’m most delighted to report that working with Adie as a friend and colleague was a true joy since, in his prime,

Adrian Randall provided all Claret supporters a touch of enchantment we’ll never forget. Today, Adie is back down

south with his family.