I HAD a wonderful day at Turf Moor on Sunday — and what a surprise it was to receive a plaque in recognition of my goalscoring record set some 50 years ago.

I thought I was just there to make the half-time draw. I was not expecting that at all but it was lovely to have the presentation made by Barry Kilby and he had some very kind words.

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I must admit that it made for a very emotional occasion for me.

I must thank the club’s Veronica Simpson for being an excellent hostess and lining up one surprise after another.

And it made it extra special for me that my family — my three sons, eight grandchildren and wife Rita — could share in the day.

I would also like to thank the Burnley fans who gave me a terrific reception when I went out onto the pitch.

These are memories that will stay with me forever.

Unfortunately we did not get the three points to go with it. The battle between two of my former clubs was, as expected, a tight one and a draw was probably about the right result.

I predicted that outcome during the week, and it was good to see the Clarets get straight back into the game after Brighton got off to such a quick start.

It did not take us long to respond and I knew that when Andre Gray stepped up to take the penalty kick after a foul on Michael Keane he was not going to miss it.

That is Andre’s ninth goal for Burnley this season — and 11th in total — so he just needs a few more to beat my record.

I scored 29 in the League for the Clarets in 1965-66, a record that still stands, but Andre could be the man to set a new one 50 years on. I really think he can do it and I would be the first to congratulate him.

The rest of the game was a very hard-fought encounter, with plenty of positives for Burnley — not least seeing George Boyd get back to his former self with a very good performance alongside Joey Barton, who really caught my eye.

Hopefully we will have Sam Vokes back for the trip to Cardiff City on Saturday.

I thought Rouwen Hennings showed some good touches but I do not think he is quite up to the pace of this game yet.

That will only improve the more he plays, of course, but I thought Saturday was a game in which Sam could have really made a difference.

As for my wonderful glass plaque, it has got pride of place alongside one I received for being inducted into the Northern Ireland Hall of Fame.

The only difference is that on the international one, my name is Billy. The selectors always called me that.