Burnley Football Club is respected throughout the soccer world and there are supporters all around the world, in every walk of life.

This also includes the public spotlight and Burnley have built up a band of famous supporters down the years, which, in some cases, has brought more publicity to the club.

There are many different and varied reasons for the following people supporting the Clarets, whether they have lived in the town, been influenced into their support or simply fallen for the famous claret and blue shirts of the club.

Perhaps the famous Claret who has been in the public eye most over recent years is Alastair Campbell, the former press secretary of the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Campbell then became Director of Communications and Strategy for the Labour party and is an extremely keen Claret. Having left the Labour Party, he now keeps himself busy contributing to newspapers and offering his thoughts at a political commentator.

Alastair became the media head for the British and Irish Lions' tour in New Zealand in 2005. He was also responsible for bringing along Mr.Blair to a Burnley match several years ago at Hartlepool United. Burnley lost 4-1, so the superstitious supporters amongst the Clarets contingent will be happy if the PM stays away from Burnley on a matchday in future!

Another famous Burnley supporter is of a similar ilk, but from the other end of the political spectrum. Sir Bernard Ingham, the former press secretary to ex Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, is also a fan, although Mrs. Thatcher is a renowned supporter of our local rivals from down the road, Blackburn Rovers.

Also in the world of politics, Liberal Democrats Shadow Education Spokesman and MP for Harrogate, Phil Willis, is a keen Burnley supporter, who was born in the town.

Former editor of the Daily Sport, Tony Livesey, is also a regular contributor to the matchday magazine at Turf Moor.

Tony Livesey ... Voice of the People!

Tony is now a regular face on television and radio, hosting his own show on Radio Lancashire and appearing as sports presenter for North West Tonight on BBC.

Elswewhere in the world of television, the Clarets are also well represented with famous weatherman John Kettley, a self confessed Burnley fan. Kettley is originally from the Todmorden area and has stayed true to his roots, often dropping Burnley into his weather forecasts.

Peter Salmon, the former Director of Sport at the BBC is another influential Burnley supporter, who has also converted BBC newsreader Anna Ford to the Claret and Blue cause.

Another famous face from television who supports Burnley is Eric Knowles, the well known television celebrity and presenter of 'Antiques Roadshow.'

Bid TV star Andy Hodgson is more well known for shifting various items through auctions on the digital television channel, but he is a keen Claret.

Continuing the TV theme, American born broadcaster, entertainer and writer Amy Lame is another celebrity to follow the Clarets.

Despite living in London for the last 11 years, Amy was taken in by the Clarets after attending a Boxing Day game with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2002 with her partner.

She used to present the breakfast show on BBC London and has also appeared on Celebrity Fit Club, when she donned her Burnley shirt to play football on prime time television.

BAFTA winning filmmaker Stewart Binns is another well-known face in the media world. He produced the excellent ITV series, 'Britain at War'. Stewart was also involved in the making of 'Rhapsody In Claret And Blue,' which is the official video of the history of Burnley Football Club. Clarets fans can catch up with Stewart as a regular contributor to the matchday magazine

Richard Moore, who has starred in 'Band Of Gold,' 'Heartbeat' and is perhaps best known as 'Jarvis' from Emmerdale, is another Claret and a regular at Turf Moor for games.

Former 'Auf Wiedersehen Pet' and 'Inspector Morse' star Kevin Whatley also follows the Clarets, despite hailing from the north-east. He used to travel down to games with friends of his during the 1970's and admits he still keeps a keen eye out for Burnley's results.

Coronation Street's Sam Aston, 'Chesney Brown' is also a regular face at Turf Moor, once the cameras stop rolling, although thankfully he leaves Schmeichel at home!

From the same world of TV soaps, Steve Halliwell, AKA 'Zack Dingle,' from Emmerdale, has been spotted at Turf Moor on a matchday.

In the world of sport, Lancashire and England cricketer Ian Austin, who hails from Baxenden, near Accrington, is a regular at Turf Moor, while British Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson (right), despite not being a firm football fan, is a native of the town and follows the team's interests.

Another sports star who has a passion for Burnley is Bradford Bulls, Great Britain and England rugby player Stuart Feilden. He currently lives in the Hebden Bridge area and is often seen at Turf Moor.

Rising England and Lancashire cricket star James Anderson is another regular at Turf Moor. James even used to work in the ticket office on a part time basis, although he admits to having a soft spot for Arsenal too!

Finally, Chumbawumba may not have had too many hit singles since the anthemic 'Tubthumping,' was released, but a couple of members of the band are in tune with Burnley and watch the Clarets on a regular basis.

As you can see, Burnley Football Club are well represented in the 'celebrity circles,' and who knows, there could be more famous fans out there yet to declare their love for the club.

If you know of any famous Clarets fans we haven't mentioned here, then please email us at info@burnleyfc.com