9:29am Friday 13th November 2009
By Jon Livesey
ON-SONG Clarets striker Steven Thompson has struck a chord with staff at a Nelson recording studio with his rendition of an indie anthem.
The centre-forward is already a firm favourite among the faithful at Turf Moor after his match-winning volley in last season’s play-off semi-final win over Reading.
But the 31-year-old Scot is equally renowned among his team-mates for his musical talents, which include singing and guitar playing.
And he wowed staff at The ACE Centre by belting out his version of Just Looking by Welsh rockers, The Stereophonics, during a special recording session.
The former Scotland international said he began learning to play the guitar as a 19-year-old after being given the instrument by his dad.
According to the former Cardiff striker, his musical performances are usually restricted to private gatherings with family and friends.
But he admitted that his musician alter-ego does make an appearance on other special occasions as well.
He said: “If we have friends over for a few glasses of wine the guitar usually comes out.
“We had a party in the hotel after beating Chelsea in the Carling Cup last year and all the players joined in with a bit of a sing-song.”
Steven was given the chance to use the newly-opened recording studio after a meeting between Gary Dowson, who manages Burnley FC’s By Official Appointment scheme, aimed at improving links with local businesses, and Phil Storey, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust.
The striker, who lives near Gisburn, said: “The recording studio is fantastic, it’s unbelievable. The whole building is really impressive. It’s good to have something like this right on our doorstep.”
Mr Dowson said: “It’s great to help local businesses and get players using their facilities.”
As part of the By Official Appointment initiative, Clarets boss Owen Coyle has also been kitted-out with a new suit from Scruples, Barrowford.
Pendle Leisure Trust’s Inside Spa facility at Wavelengths in Nelson has also just become part of the scheme.
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