Let's beat Preston for our fans, says Burnley star Fox

9:00am Thursday 9th September 2010

By Chris Flanagan

DANNY Fox is determined to win Saturday’s clash with local rivals Preston North End as a gift for the Burnley fans after savouring the importance of derby matches during his time with Celtic.

Fox played in the Old Firm derby against Rangers during a six-month spell north of the border last season and understands that, even though Burnley versus Preston does not receive quite the same worldwide attention, it remains a red letter day for the Turf Moor support.

The Clarets will go into the 5.15pm kick-off as favourites, with visitors Preston currently 16 places below Brian Laws’ side in the early Championship table, but the 24-year-old left-back knows victory will have to be earned.

“Form goes straight out of the window, it’s one of those games,” said Fox.

“Derby games are about bragging rights for the fans and they produce the best atmosphere as well.

“It’s one every player wants to play in. I think everyone is looking forward to it.

“If you ask the fans of any club, they will say their derby is the biggest in the world.

“I’ve played for Everton’s youth team and reserves against Liverpool, but the Celtic-Rangers one was different class for the atmosphere and what was at stake.

“For the fans going to work the next week, if they have the bragging rights that will be great.”

Burnley lost their last game at Swansea City but have taken seven points from four games to sit fifth in the table after relegation from the Premier League in the summer.

Saturday’s match marks the start of a busy schedule of seven games in 22 days, including the Carling Cup clash with Owen Coyle’s Bolton at Turf Moor on October 21.

“We've had a good start to the season, although we had a few chances to take a point from the Swansea game,” said Fox, who joined Burnley after Coyle’s departure in January.

“I'm enjoying every minute of it and winning breeds confidence for any player.

“The midweek games come thick and fast in the next few weeks and we just want to keep our form going and hopefully get three points on Saturday.

“The Bolton game will be one for the fans and I'm sure they'll give Owen Coyle a lot of abuse.

“I don't know really know him, he didn't sign me, but obviously a lot of the lads worked under him and he did a teriffic job here.

“We need to go into Saturday just focused on this game, though, and hopefully we can get the three points.”