Some of the guests. A previously unpublished image.

From a story by Peter Higgs, Pictures by Ron Rennell:
Sir Matt Busby paid tribute to Burnley FC as one of the "wonders of football" when he jointly opened, with Tom Finney, the £60,000 Centre Spot social club at Turf Moor on Wednesday night, 27th November 1974. Three hundred specially invited guests, including 80 VIP's from the sporting world, were present to share the opening night of the impressive new club.

Sir Matt told the audience of two special reasons he had for remembering Burnley with kindness, both incidents when he was starting his career. While on trial at Manchester City who played at Turf Moor, losing 2-1 - he managed to score the goal. He said "I remember the goal-keeper was the late Jerry Dawson." Then, soon after he had won a first team place with Manchester City, they were drawn to meet Burnley in the cup - 2 days before he was due to marry. Burnley won 2-0 and he needn't have worried about a possible replay. "So", he said, " Burnley helped me to get a job and a wife!" He said: "Burnley have stayed high up in the league and have also built a fine ground, in which this social club is the latest addition." Tom Finney also praised the club and paid tribute to Bob Lord and all the staff who have done so much to bring about the success of the club. Mr Lord paid a special tribute to commercial manager Jack Butterfield for the part he played in Burnley's development programme and organising the opening night of the club. Mr Lord also referenced the recent victory against Newcastle which led to the presentation of the match ball to Peter Noble who scored three headed goals in the match.

The evening started with a parade of celebrities including beauty queens, captains, managers and directors from other Lancashire football League clubs, former players stretching back over 60 years. Ex-Clarets among the guests included Andy Lochhead, Willie Morgan, Tommy Cummings, Adam Blacklaw, Brian Pilkington, Colin McDonald, Arthur Woodruff, George Bray, Peter Kippax and Ray Pointer. Eddie Mosscrop, the only surviving member of the Burnley championship-winning team of 1920-21 was there - he travelled from his home in Southport especially to be there. He said: "I'm delighted to be here. I shall never forget the kindness the people of Burnley and Burnley Football Club showed to me those many years ago."