Irony and subtlety are in short supply in East Lancashire this week. As the title of the most recent Burnley blog will testify, grown up, intelligent men may lose some perspective and all rational can be thrown on the scrapheap. In defense, the novelty factor of the fixture is having a huge part to play in the build up.

The media, as is usually the case, have used this rare opportunity to dust down their reference books and educate the country as to the meaning of the rivalry. From Frank Keating's historical piece in Wednesday's Guardian, to the Mirror's view that this is the most vicious derby in England, each publication will have their own slant in the build up. But if ever a game did not need any hype, this is one. There is no need to give it some snappy title(as sky love to do) or create an artificial atmosphere by playing some ridiculous gladatorial music as the players enter the arena. This is a throw-back game to another era and is just as much about the towns as the teams.

My Grandfather, who went to Ewood for more than 50 years, told me stories of how it use to be when both sets of fans stood side by side, which is hard to believe now. Things changed in the 70's and 80's and I have very hazy memories of the problems of 83 but going to Ewood as a kid in the 80's was sometimes fraught with danger and trouble seemed to occur on a weekly basis regardless of the opposition.

The 80's also gave us the hot August nights of the now deceased Lancashire Cup.This 'friendly' competition was a consolation for the lack of league meetings. I went to Turf for the first time in 88 and witnessed one of the greatest goals never caught on camera scored by Tony Finnigan (remember him?) Ironically, it was also in the 80's where terrace humour was at its best and most cutting. I remember a bloke who used to stand in front of us on the Blackburn End wearing a Burnley hat with comedy dog poo stuck to it. Reasonably amusing at the time, he would probably be cautioned for incitement now.

It's strange to look back and remember that some nouveau fans in the mid 90's believed United to be our main rivals. "We only hate Man. United" was the cry from some quarters of the Blackburn End. That used to make my blood boil. It's equally the case that some supporters of other clubs always believed that Bolton were our main protagonists.We all know however that the atmosphere at some Wanderers games has been akin to that of a village cricket match.

Sunday is a great chance to show the wider football world that we can make some noise and can frighten the opposition at Ewood. Every man, women and child should sing their hearts out and stand up if they want to. I am sure those who dislike the practise will be sympathetic on this one occasion. The atmosphere has every right to be intimidating.So let's raise the roof (without ripping it off!) and any lunatics on both sides of the divide please stay at home. Remember, the media would desparately love to see another West Ham/ Millwall.

I have said in previous articles that Burnley's promotion would indirectly give Rovers publicity that they would otherwise not have had. This is turning out to be the case and it will get greater throughout the weekend. Sam's main job this week will not have been to talk tactics but to ensure that every member of the squad is aware of the importance of the day.

Just enjoy the occasion because it may not happen again for some time to come.