Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it
EUROPA LEAGUE ALAN MARSHALL ANALYSIS: THE LOWDOWN ON BASAKSEHIR
DOMINIC BALL insists dumping Burnley out of the Europa League would be the perfect way to stop his fellow Englishmen knocking Scottish football.
The Aberdeen midfielder knows the low opinion people south of the border have of the game up here.
He even admits to having a few doubts himself before agreeing his first loan deal with Rangers three years ago.
However, Ball was so impressed with the standard of play in Scotland that he’s back for a second spell at Pittodrie and third overall.
Now instead of English Championship football with Rotherham, he is getting ready for a double-header against Burnley and a Premiership opener at home to Rangers.
Ball knows people in England believe Burnley will sport@dailyrecord.co.uk win easily but has warned them to expect a surprise from the side that beat Celtic on the final day last term.
He said: “It’s a matter of belief. We were underdogs for the Celtic game but had that belief we could win.
“There could be a perception they can’t afford to lose but there’s a pressure from our fans to compete.
“They’re a top side but we showed last year we’re a top side too.
“Even before I came up, the perception was the English league is a lot better.
“When the opportunity to come to Scotland first came up I was a bit iffy but as soon as I played I realised there’s some massive teams up here.
“Some people still won’t rate the Scottish league but I’ve come up for the third time and it’s because of the standard.
“Now playing Burnley twice and Rangers is what it’s all about.”
Ball will be hoping for a double celebration in the return leg at Turf Moor as he celebrates his 23rd birthday on the day of the game.
A tie with Turkish side Basaksehir awaits if the Dons can see off Burnley.
However, Ball is well aware of how difficult that will be against a side coached by Sean Dyche as he worked under the Burnley boss as a youngster at Watford.
Ball said: “Sean was my youth-team coach at Watford. He was strong and tough but a good coach. You can see how well he has done.
“At that stage I was dreaming of being a professional footballer, without actually thinking about it happening.
“But what he has done has been amazing.
“His style of coaching, from what I remember, was very composed. He had a lot of authority and got everyone’s attention – he has taken that forward with Burnley.
“Looking at where they’ve finished in the league and the interest in him, he’s obviously doing something right. Players respect him and want to do well for him.”
DOMINIC BALL
YOU could say Istanbul Basaksehir are the Wimbledon of Turkish football.
Basaksehir were founded as a professional club 28 years ago after being promoted from the amateur ranks. Incredibly, when they first took their place in the Super Lig four years ago they were still recording home attendances in the hundreds rather than the thousands. Basaksehir are one of five Super Lig teams based in the Turkish capital but live in the shadow of Galatasaray and Fenerbahce.
The first six years of their professional life were spent in the Turkish third tier which they won in 1997 to step up to 1 Lig.
Basaksehir have never won their top-flight title but came third last season. The club play at the Fatih Terim Stadium which holds 17,500 fans. A size which should be familiar to Aberdeen.
Their star man is former Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Spurs ace Emmanuel Adebayor. Manager Abdullah Avci is in his second spell with the club.