IT’S wonderful to hear that Michael Duff is in talks over a new contract.

He doesn’t get any younger, but he doesn’t look much older either and seems, like a fine wine, to be getting better with age.

He’s done a great job over the last few seasons, but especially last year and this, and hopefully he will help to form the foundations of another promotion bid.

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I must admit, though, that I was surprised to hear that Ross Wallace will be leaving the club.

He is capable of changing games for us.

The key ones that spring to mind are the long-awaited derby win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park last season, and when we needed to score away to Leicester this season.

He is capable of creating goals, and scoring them, and has played his part in some good memories over the last five years.

Steven Reid is another departure after announcing his retirement. We have not seen much of him this season but he has been an important presence in the dressing room and I’m sure his experience has been invaluable to the players, especially the younger ones.

The destination of Danny Ings this summer is not yet officially known, although Liverpool looks the likely club for our young favourite player.

He could have gone out with a bang if he had taken the chances which fell his way in the first half against Stoke City on Saturday, but it was the same old story for him, and for Burnley, this season.

A goal on his final appearance for the Clarets, in front of the Turf Moor fans, would have been a great way to say goodbye to the watching home faithful.

Danny has been quoted as saying a minority of people sent abusive tweets and that it upset him. Some people have short memories as over the last two seasons he has been outstanding.

I sincerely wish him well on his move, for his has been tremendous for this club since his arrival from Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, we go into the final game of the season having scored just once in eight games.

It is clear what our downfall has been.

Sunday’s trip to Aston Villa brings back wonderful memories for me.

I’ve been told from various Clarets fans that it is 49 years ago since I broke Ray Pointer’s club record of 27 goals down at Villa Park.

I believe we lost 2-1, so let’s hope we reverse that and get a win on Sunday afternoon and give us something to cheer about as the relegation has knocked the stuffing out of a lot of supporters.

Although, I do feel that we have the strength to come straight back up next season from the Championship.