Thousands of Burnley fans gathered to celebrate the club’s championship title with the players and boss Vincent Kompany enjoying an open bus parade on Tuesday night.
The Clarets secured an immediate return to the Premier League in Kompany’s first season as manager after being relegated from the top flight the previous year.
Burnley dominated the Championship with 29 wins, 14 draws and just three defeats in their 46 games.
A 3–0 home win over Cardiff on the final day saw Burnley take 101 points to finish 10 points clear of runners-up Sheffield United.
Burnley became only the sixth team to complete a century of points in the Championship.
Burnley supporters lined the streets to celebrate the club winning the Championship title
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany greeted the club’s supporters from the balcony of Burnley Town Hall
Supporters gathered outside Burnley Town Hall ahead of the city’s open-top bus parade
The side enjoyed a private reception at the Mechanics Theater before being greeted by supporters at Burnley Town Hall.
Thousands of fans gathered at City Hall, including Burnley captain Jack Cork and Ashley Barnes to appear on the balcony.
Barnes is on the verge of leaving the club after nine seasons, with the striker making his final appearance on Sunday.
Midfielder Josh Cullen received both the Players’ and Club Player of the Year awards for his role in the Championship title success.
Burnley’s side appeared outside Town Hall to show the championship trophy to the club’s supporters, before starting the bus parade.
Burnley chairman Alan Pace also spoke to fans in the crowd during the festivities.
Recently retired NFL legend JJ Watt also toasted the club’s success after becoming a minority investor along with his wife Kealia, a former American international football star.
Kompany admitted he was overwhelmed by the city’s response when he addressed the crowd.
The Burnley team posed with the championship trophy before starting the bus parade
The open top bus parade started at Burnley Town Hall before traveling to Turf Moor
Kompany claimed that the relationship the city has with the club was not normal in football
Fans wore Kompany face masks after the Belgian oversaw the club’s promotion
Kompany oversaw the club’s immediate return to the Premier League after last year’s relegation
“I think we are all on the same journey, we want to get better and are desperate to get better,” Kompany said.
“I hope what makes the fans most proud is that we put in the hours, we arrive early and leave late, we try to get better every day and we work hard.
“I said I hope we can make our friends proud and it starts with working hard and being brave and being tough.
“I hope the band is there because of the work we do.
“This is special and I think we live every day with the realization of what this club means to the city.
“It’s not normal and we know how privileged we are.
“I think this is a side that unless you’re in the club you don’t see from the outside.”
Kompany signed a new five-year contract with the Clarets last week, with the Belgian pledging his future to the club amid links with both Chelsea and Tottenham.
The 37-year-old said the environment at the club made him proud to extend his contract.
Burnley chairman Alan Pace was spotted speaking to supporters during the title celebrations
NFL legend JJ Watt attended the celebrations after becoming a minority investor in the club
Kompany said he believed the fans recognized the team’s work during the season
Burnley became one of the few sides to secure the Championship title by over 100 points
Supporters took to every vantage point to catch a glimpse of the Burnley side
Kompany then gave a rallying cry to the Burnley supporters ahead of their return to the top flight, urging the fans to make Turf Moor ‘hell’ for visiting teams.
“I’ve been in top-flight football for 20 years, it’s rare that you come across such a good environment with good, hard-working people and a place where people want you to do well.
“I know this is what this place is and I want everyone to know that this club works well from the inside out.
“It made so much sense and I’m so happy to be part of this club and to work hard to get something done in the Premier League.
“I’ll ask the fans for a favor. Next season Turf Moor must be hell for any team that comes to play there.
“We’ll need you more than ever.”
The open top bus parade started at Burnley Town Hall, before moving through the town center towards Turf Moor.