A LOCAL league chairman is calling on Burnley Football Club to follow Blackburn Rovers and allow grassroots cup finals back on Turf Moor.

The appeal comes from Burnley Sunday League chairman John Pilling following the return of local league cup finals to Ewood Park this season.

Mr Pilling, who is also the vice chairman of the Warburton Youth League has the full support of Burnley and District League secretary Bill Nevison.

Both senior leagues have not played their cup finals on Turf Moor for the past seven years.

Mr Pilling said: "It is every football supporters dream to play on their own club's pitch in a final. And after a seven year absence, I wish to appeal on behalf of the grassroots leagues of Burnley to the board of directors at Burnley Football Club to once again give back the local supporters the 'once in a lifetime' chance to play on the hallowed turf."

Mr Pilling's appeal comes after Sport Extra revealed that Ewood Park was to host two senior and one junior cup final.

And he dared Burnley to do a Blackburn Rovers and let local footballers fulfil their dreams. He added: "The local footballers were devastated when the concession to play on Turf Moor was taken away from them.

"I ask the chairman to, dare I say it, take a leaf out of Blackburn Rovers book and give the junior and senior grassroots footballers an opportunity to once again play football on their Wembley."

Mr Nevison said: "We were all disappointed when we were told that we could not play our cup finals on Turf Moor and I have written to the club every year since to see if we can get them back on there.

"Naturally I would be delighted if we could get our finals back on Turf Moor because it is every footballers dream to play on the pitch of the team they support."