SATURDAY was a great day for the Burnley faithful.

A convincing 3-0 victory over Dario Gradi's Crewe side was followed by the launch of the Clarets Trust in the James Hargreaves Suite.

Kevin Wright, Supporters Direct representative, shed some light on their involvement, insisting: "The basic definition of a trust is a democratic, not for profit organisation of supporters.

"We are committed to strengthening the voice for the supporters in the decision making at a club and also strengthening the links between the club and the community it serves.

"Supporters Direct are there to help fans form trusts by offering advice on what form it should take and how to get it off the ground.

"Having worked with fans all over the country we advise them on what works and what doesn't and give examples of good ideas from other places.

"In this way, they avoid going up blind alleys and instead spend time on things that will be positive and make a difference.

"We have now been involved with 118 clubs, including some from Scotland and Wales, and all the information gained can now benefit the Clarets Trust.

"I have no affinity with any of these clubs, but the amazing thing is the language and feeling of the fans is exactly the same."

Tony Scholes, a member of the Clarets Trust working party, has been involved in the setting up of the Trust from from day one.

He told me. "During the Oldham crisis I was talking to a friend and said 'What would happen if we got into this state?

"'We need to get something done before we get to the next level', and that's how it started.

"I got in touch with Kevin in January to start the ball rolling, did some research into the scheme and had a fantastic response from the fans.

"I feel Burnley Football Club is the focal point of the town. It always has been and for that reason alone, I have always felt that the fans must have their say. They talk football- and they talk sense."

Dave Roberts, another of the working party, added: "I spoke at the open meeting about six months ago and the fans had a decision to make. Did we go ahead with the trust or not?

"We got a unanimous yes and 15 to 20 fans got involved immediately to set things in motion.

"I'm a lifelong Burnley supporter and even though I lived and worked in Liverpool for a few years, my love of the club has never diminished.

"Tony and I had a chat about 12 months ago and the topic of our conversation was, 'Why aren't the fans more involved with the club?'

"We then held discussions with Supporters Direct and found it's a viable way forward.

"In January we met up with Dave Edmundson, the Chief Executive, and all the other representatives of the supporters groups and Dave agreed that getting the supporters more actively involved was certainly the way forward.

"Since then, Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and manager Steve Cotterill have given their full backing.

"Lots of hard work has already been done but after the launch, there's lot more to do. However, the fans' involvement will make all the difference."