SAM Ellis is ready to put old friendships to one side at Elland Road.

Former Clarets assistant manager Ellis will cut a strange figure in the opposite dug-out tonight.

The Stan Ternent-Ellis partnership helped put Burnley back on the footballing map during their six-years at Turf Moor.

But in his new role as right hand man to Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell, Ellis is now ready to plot Steve Cotterill's downfall, along with players he knows so well such as Robbie Blake, Mo Camara, Tony Grant and Graham Branch.

Ellis said: "I'm not being funny, but when it's your job this is just another fixture.

"I had a very enjoyable time at Burnley and I only have good memories of the place because the people and the fans there were very good to Stan and I.

"Burnley Football Club is a big thing in the town and the people treat the club with a great deal of respect.

"The team's changed a fair amount, but we will prepare for them on how we have seen them playing recently and not what I know about the players.

"Things change with different regimes, and they have had some very good results, so we know they are very difficult to beat."

Ellis added: "It's been very enjoyable here at Leeds and with a few more good results, it would be even better.

"It's difficult integrating so many players in such a short space of time, with people moving house and travelling up and down motorways.

"So it might take a while to put things together, but we have some very good players here and the supporters understand the situation at the club."