WHEN Everton splashed out £300,000 to sign Burnley captain Martin Dobson in 1974, it set a new British transfer record.

Fast-forward 35 years and that same figure wouldn’t even cover the megabucks monthly salaries of Chelsea and England duo John Terry and Frank Lampard.

The top division that Dobson plied his trade in, captaining the Clarets before his big move to Everton, is unrecognisable compared to the modern day equivalent that Burnley have re-entered after an absence of more than three decades.

“Things have changed completely from my own perspective. Everything has changed from when I played,” said Dobson, who won the old Second Division title with Burnley in 1973, leaving three games into the 1974/75 season.

“I was very lucky to play in a very good, young side with loads of ability and pace all over the field.

“In the 1973/74 season we were always in the top six and finished just outside a European place, maybe because we were a vibrant side with getting promoted the season before and getting a lot of confidence from that.

“But it was more of a level playing field in those days.

“Things have moved on since then. Everything about the game has changed, and money is a big aspect of that.

“All the money available to the big city clubs has made it difficult for the rest.

“The best teams in the 70s were Liverpool and Leeds United. We would beat Arsenal and Manchester United and other teams, but we would also be beaten by them.

“The internationals in the top division were all English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish – homegrown players. Now they come from all over the world.

“The best of what’s available wants to play in the Premier League.”

But Dobson believes there is nothing to fear for Owen Coyle’s class of 2009.

“What an arena to put yourself in,” said the Rishton-born 61-year-old, who is now Burnley’s director of youth development. “What an achievement to get back into the top flight, and what great opportunities for all the players.”