Cork’s going crazy
MEMORIES: Cork JACK CORK says Burnley are the new Crazy Gang.
Dad Alan was part of Wimbledon’s madcap bunch during their fairy-tale rise through the Football League and played in their historic 1988 FA Cup Final win.
Wimbledon were famous for their antics and spirit and Cork says Burnley have the same strong bond.
“I think my dad would be quite happy to hear that,” said the 29-year-old midfielder. “He likes the similarities between us.
“I can see similarities, the way they were as a group, the way they went into games and made Plough Lane their home.
“They made it tough for teams to come to, similar to how we make Turf Moor.
“No-one really wants to come here and we make it known.”
Cork’s dad has a scrapbook from his 14 years at Wimbledon and showed it to Jack recently.
Burnley also have a strong bond between their squad, although their Friday forfeit when players are punished for breaking their 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. “Then when AFC Wimbledon played West Ham, they showed the 1988 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 says keeper Tom Heaton has been key.
“Heats has done really well since he came back in,” he said. “He’s saved us on numerous occasions and gives us that confidence of knowing we’re in safe hands.”