Post by QPR Report on Apr 22, 2009 16:29:45 GMT
"...HAVE YOU HAD PLAY-OFF EXPERIENCE BEFORE?
Yes, I’ve got mixed memories. When I was at QPR we were beaten at the Millennium Stadium back in 2003, I think it was, but I was in the Watford side that beat Leeds in the Championship play-off final a few years ago. It would be nice to think I could get to another final with Burnley.
Clarke Carlisle - Burnley - Exclusive PFA interview with Burnley's Clarke Carlisle By Mark Shail April 22, 2009
Last night’s 1-0 win for Burnley against Sheffield United was a huge result for the Clarets as it consolidates their place in the Championship play-off positions. That victory for Owen Coyle’s men has opened up a four-point cushion between themselves and seventh-placed Swansea and a top six finish is now very much in their own hands.
One of the key performers for Burnley this season has been defender Clark Carlisle and once again he was on top of his game last night to help his side keep a clean sheet against the in-form Blades. Givemefootball’s Mark Shail spoke exclusively to the 29-year-old former QPR, Leeds and Watford player to get his thoughts on last night’s win and also reflect on what is turning out to be a great season for the Turf Moor outfit.
YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THAT WIN AGAINST SHEFFIELD UNITED?
Yes, it was a fantastic result especially given the pressure we were under after both Preston and Swansea won at the weekend. If we had lost the gap we would have been just one point but to stretch it to four is great. We didn’t want to go into the last two games having to win both matches but we know there is still work to do.
IT LOOKED TO BE A VERY TIGHT MATCH?
It was tight, Sheffield United were extremely direct because they have a certain way of playing but we managed to nullify what they were trying to do and I thought we showed some quality when we had the ball. It was a difficult game but we managed to hold out for a very important win.
BURNLEY HAVE PLAYED A LOT OF GAMES THIS SEASON, HOW ARE YOU FEELING PHYSICALLY?
When you consider our runs in both the FA Cup and the Carling Cup we have played a huge amount of games but personally I’m feeling fine. Obviously you tend to feel less fatigued when the team is on a good run but it is testament to the squad’s fitness levels that we have been able to cope very well.
HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH OWEN COYLE?
As a manager, he is a pleasure to play for. He is always so positive and focussing on what our strengths and positives are rather than our negatives or the opposition’s strengths. He gives our flair players such as Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles the licence to go and express themselves and it is working.
HAVE YOU BEEN SURPRISED BY THE CLUB’S SUCCESS THIS SEASON?
I’m sure there are people on the outside that have been surprised, especially bearing in mind last season, but it hasn’t surprised me. We’ve only got a squad of 17 or 18 professionals, which is probably one of the smallest in the division, but there is quality and tremendous togetherness amongst us and we have managed to show consistency for most of the season.
HAVE YOU HAD PLAY-OFF EXPERIENCE BEFORE?
Yes, I’ve got mixed memories. When I was at QPR we were beaten at the Millennium Stadium back in 2003, I think it was, but I was in the Watford side that beat Leeds in the Championship play-off final a few years ago. It would be nice to think I could get to another final with Burnley.
www.givemefootball.com/championship/clarke-carlisle---burnley
Yes, I’ve got mixed memories. When I was at QPR we were beaten at the Millennium Stadium back in 2003, I think it was, but I was in the Watford side that beat Leeds in the Championship play-off final a few years ago. It would be nice to think I could get to another final with Burnley.
Clarke Carlisle - Burnley - Exclusive PFA interview with Burnley's Clarke Carlisle By Mark Shail April 22, 2009
Last night’s 1-0 win for Burnley against Sheffield United was a huge result for the Clarets as it consolidates their place in the Championship play-off positions. That victory for Owen Coyle’s men has opened up a four-point cushion between themselves and seventh-placed Swansea and a top six finish is now very much in their own hands.
One of the key performers for Burnley this season has been defender Clark Carlisle and once again he was on top of his game last night to help his side keep a clean sheet against the in-form Blades. Givemefootball’s Mark Shail spoke exclusively to the 29-year-old former QPR, Leeds and Watford player to get his thoughts on last night’s win and also reflect on what is turning out to be a great season for the Turf Moor outfit.
YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THAT WIN AGAINST SHEFFIELD UNITED?
Yes, it was a fantastic result especially given the pressure we were under after both Preston and Swansea won at the weekend. If we had lost the gap we would have been just one point but to stretch it to four is great. We didn’t want to go into the last two games having to win both matches but we know there is still work to do.
IT LOOKED TO BE A VERY TIGHT MATCH?
It was tight, Sheffield United were extremely direct because they have a certain way of playing but we managed to nullify what they were trying to do and I thought we showed some quality when we had the ball. It was a difficult game but we managed to hold out for a very important win.
BURNLEY HAVE PLAYED A LOT OF GAMES THIS SEASON, HOW ARE YOU FEELING PHYSICALLY?
When you consider our runs in both the FA Cup and the Carling Cup we have played a huge amount of games but personally I’m feeling fine. Obviously you tend to feel less fatigued when the team is on a good run but it is testament to the squad’s fitness levels that we have been able to cope very well.
HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH OWEN COYLE?
As a manager, he is a pleasure to play for. He is always so positive and focussing on what our strengths and positives are rather than our negatives or the opposition’s strengths. He gives our flair players such as Robbie Blake and Chris Eagles the licence to go and express themselves and it is working.
HAVE YOU BEEN SURPRISED BY THE CLUB’S SUCCESS THIS SEASON?
I’m sure there are people on the outside that have been surprised, especially bearing in mind last season, but it hasn’t surprised me. We’ve only got a squad of 17 or 18 professionals, which is probably one of the smallest in the division, but there is quality and tremendous togetherness amongst us and we have managed to show consistency for most of the season.
HAVE YOU HAD PLAY-OFF EXPERIENCE BEFORE?
Yes, I’ve got mixed memories. When I was at QPR we were beaten at the Millennium Stadium back in 2003, I think it was, but I was in the Watford side that beat Leeds in the Championship play-off final a few years ago. It would be nice to think I could get to another final with Burnley.
www.givemefootball.com/championship/clarke-carlisle---burnley