Fletcher: Burnley chairman Kilby is up there with Lord (From This Is Lancashire)

Fletcher: Burnley chairman Kilby is up there with Lord

4:00pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Football By Suzanne Geldard, Burnley FC reporter

FORMER Burnley chief executive Paul Fletcher says Barry Kilby will be a tough act to follow, but insists the club can carry on his good work – especially if they find another Claret to succeed him.

Fletcher worked alongside Kilby for almost four years before standing down from his own Turf Moor role in December.

He believes Kilby’s commitment stemmed from being introduced to the Clarets as a child. And he feels they are the kind of qualities the board should be looking for in appointing a new chairman.

“He is a rare breed of chairman. I’ve come across many in my time who are egotistical and put themselves before the club, but Barry is the opposite. He is never looking for the limelight,” said former striker Fletcher.

“He treasured his position as chairman, which is an unpaid job.

“My only hope is whoever takes over is a Burnley fan – someone who walked through the turnstiles as a child – because those people make judgements with their heart more than with their brain.

“All the board members are fans of the club, so it it’s one of them the club will be well served.

“He is handing over a great club, in a great position on and off the field.”

Kilby’s tenure includes two promotions, most recently in 2009 when the Clarets ended a 33-year exile from England’s top flight.

Fletcher believes it is testimony to the chairman’s careful stewardship that they are in a position to challenge for promotion again.

“We’re sitting nicely in the Championship with a great manager, a great set of supporters and an excellent squad – all that can only point back to the chairman,” he said.

And Fletcher feels Kilby can be put on a par with former chairman Bob Lord for his service to the club.

“He vies for the position of the best chairman that Burnley’s ever had,” he said. “It’s a close contest between him and Bob Lord. Although we were champions under Bob Lord, Barry’s tenure can be measured alongside that for keeping Burnley in the position he has.”