Burnley's winless streak at Turf Moor has now stretched to an entire year, a dismal run highlighted by a 2-1 defeat to Wolves last Friday. The loss, which saw fans chant against chairman Alan Pace, shows a broader pattern of struggle across the ownership group's clubs, with Spanish side Espanyol also languishing near the relegation zone.
Supporters voiced their frustration during the Premier League fixture, with chants of “Alan Pace, get out of our club” audible and a “Pace out” banner displayed in the Cricket Field Stand. Stewards attempted to remove the banner, leading to police involvement. Some fans also reported heavy-handed security searches at the turnstiles, which they said disproportionately affected women and children. Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff noted the supporters' right to be angry, referencing the full year without a home victory.
Espanyol's form has mirrored Burnley's troubles. The La Liga side lost 1-0 to Atletico Madrid on Saturday, leaving them 14th and just a point above the drop zone. Since Pace’s takeover was completed, Espanyol have won just 11 of their last 39 league games, a win ratio of 28 per cent. Combined, Burnley and Espanyol have lost 43 of their last 81 league matches, winning only 15 for a joint win rate of 18.5 per cent. Catalan journalist Alberto Martinez said the project has delivered little. "High expectations for growth were created, yet nothing has materialised in any area - whether in sports, commerce, or investment," he stated.
Martinez suggested the club's problems are structural, linked to a lack of resources for squad strengthening, with manager Manolo González under pressure. The Clarets were relegated last season, while Espanyol survived relegation only on the final matchdays.
The so-called strategic partnership between the clubs is under intense scrutiny. While Pace told a Burnley Fan Advisory Board meeting that the group "continues to assess a variety of projects," tangible benefits are hard to see. A loan link with Scottish side Dundee has gone quiet, and a potential link with Belgian club KV Kortrijk was considered but not pursued. Player exchanges have yielded minimal first-team impact: Quilindschy Hartman has started just two league games for Espanyol, while Lluc Castell has played only one minute for Burnley's senior side.
Pace has previously pledged that each club would retain its independence, stating football "belongs to its people." He assured Burnley supporters the club remains the group's primary focus, but only while Premier League television money is available. The appointment of Monchi as sporting director at Espanyol, and the expected arrival of Diego Lopez in a similar role at Turf Moor, are seen as attempts to stabilise football operations.
For Burnley, the immediate concern is their Championship plight. They sit 22nd in the league table with just eight points from 11 games, having scored 16 goals but conceded 21. Their recent form of one win, two draws, and two losses leaves them 15 points adrift of leaders Swansea. The focus now shifts to ending the miserable home run, with the next opportunity to break the streak coming in an away fixture against Lincoln on Saturday, 24 October.
Background and full detail: burnleyexpress.net
