CLARETS ARE NEW CRAZIES SAYS JACK

JACK CORK claims Burnley are the new Crazy Gang.

Cork’s dad Alan was part of Wimbledon’s Crazy Gang during their fairytale rise through the Football League and played in their historic 1988 FA Cup final win over Liverpool.

Wimbledon were infamous for their team spirit and madcap antics and Cork says Burnley have the same strong bond in their dressing room.

“I think my dad would be quite happy to hear that,” said the midfielder (above). “He likes the similarities between us. The way they were as a group, the way they went into games and made Plough Lane their home. That’s like Turf Moor. No one really wants to come here.”

Cork’s dad has a scrapbook from his 14 years at Wimbledon and showed it to his son recently as he reminisced about the Crazy Gang’s heyday.

Burnley also have a strong bond between their players, although their Friday forfeit when players are punished for breaking a code of conduct is tame compared to what Wimbledon used to do.

“I went to his house recently in Brighton and he had the scrapbooks out,” said Cork. “When AFC Wimbledon played West Ham recently, they showed the 1988 FA Cup final after it. The Vinnie Jones tackle in the first five minutes – ridiculous! Some of the stuff they got up to then, we’re not anywhere near that level.”

Burnley have lost just one of their last nine league games ahead of today’s clash with Crystal Palace at Turf Moor and Cork claims keeper Tom Heaton has been key to the resurgence.

Heaton replaced Joe

Hart as No.1 after the Boxing Day drubbing by Everton and Cork says the club captain has given everyone confidence.

“Heats has done really well since he came back,” he said. “He’s saved us on numerous occasions. We are confident we are in safe hands.” Heaton is being tipped for an England recall and Cork claims the Clarets keeper deserves another international chance.

“Definitely,” he said. “If you’re looking at English goalkeepers, then there are not many performing better than him.”