There was no stopping Burnley last season as they surged gloriously to the Second Division title. They turned in a season of determined and consistent performances. And one of the main architects of that title triumph was their midfield star Martin Dobson. Dobson's inspired performances had a lot to do with Burnley's emphatic success. But it was not so long ago that Dobson was far from happy with his progress in the tough, competitive world of top-class soccer.

In 1967, Dobson had been put on Bolton's free transfer list without ever getting a chance to establish a first-team spot. But Burnley, who were then a First Division outfit, spotted the potential of this near six-footer and signed him up. He was a striker in his early professional days after a successful schoolboy career. He was then switched into the back four but was also a great success when he moved into midfield. Obviously Burnley had another young star-in-the-making on their hands. There can be no other club that have turned out so many top class players on such limited resources. Dobson is just another in their long line of successes.

He is tremendously good in the air and possesses a fine shot. His prowess is unquestioned. He has stepped up to the captaincy at Burnley and the extra responsibility has done his performances the world of good. Dobson has almost 200 League games under his belt and he, has scored nearly 50 goals. And all that despite breaking a leg in a pre-season game at Middlesbrough in August 1970. That, and his release by Bolton, have been the saddest moments in this Blackburn-born star�s career.

But one of the happiest was in 1970 when he picked up an England Under-23 cap against Bulgaria. Now Martin is hoping for a full England place. He's 25, but still has time to impress England team boss Sir Alf Ramsey. And now that Burnley have regained their spot in the First Division, Dobson's superb talents will be given even more chance to shine.

For Dobson is not just a maker of goals. He can score them as well, as Second Division defences found out to their cost last season. Even from a midfield position, Dobson finished the season as Burnley's second leading goal-scorer behind Paul Fletcher. He found the target 12 times altogether and a lot of those goals clinched vital points in Burnley's title chase. He grabbed all-important winners against Bristol City, Brighton and Swindon - winners that made that Burnley promotion dream come true. After that free-transfer upset and that broken leg nightmare, life looks just great again for Martin Dobson.

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