BURNLEY have clarified the reasons why they are the only East Lancashire football ground not to be hosting the 2005 Women's European Championship.

Ewood Park, home of Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool's Bloomfield Road and Preston North End's Deepdale are among the five stadia being used for next June's prestigious tournament.

UEFA officials have since explained that, despite hosting a FA sanctioned England Women's international friendly against Australia last year, Turf Moor did not meet the more stringent requirements required by the governing body.

I understand that dated changing rooms and a cramped tunnel area were two main concerns of UEFA officials, who this week named The City of Manchester Stadium and Warrington Wolves' home ground as the remaining stadiums.

However, Burnley chiefs are at pains to point out that necessary maintenance work at Turf Moor next summer would have had to be put on hold had they made it onto the shortlist.

Burnley FC Chief Executive Dave Edmundson explained: "Circumstances have changed since we originally applied to become a host ground and, in the end, it was decided that there was a real possibility of some development and renovation work going on at Turf Moor next summer.

"Obviously hosting such a major tournament would have squeezed that time frame. It was always going to be UEFA's final decision on whether to include Burnley Football Club or not, but we did stress to them that if alternative facilities could be found, we wouldn't be too upset about it."

However, the move has left Burnley-born Rachel Brown, currently England's number one goalkeeper, feeling decidedly jaded.

Rachel, a die-hard Clarets fan, admitted: "It's a shame and I'm a bit gutted to be honest.

"The fact Burnley have already hosted an England game shows we are able to put on a good show and it's disappointing from a personal point of view.

"But at least we've still got all the games in the North West, which is just as easy for the Burnley fans to come and see."