STEVE Cotterill has forced himself to sit through a series of video nasties to identify Burnley's failings.

The new Clarets chief gets his first chance to put players through their paces when pre-season training kicks off in earnest on Thursday.

In the meantime, Cotterill has meticulously scrutinised hours of video footage from last season to familiarise himself with the squad he inherited from former boss Stan Ternent.

And with Burnley's badly breached defence an obvious concern, it comes as no surprise to learn that is the one area he has concentrated his initial search for new recruits.

The Clarets conceded an alarming 77 league goals last season - a total only surpassed by Wimbledon, who were effectively relegated with a third of the season still remaining.

Cotterill revealed: "I have looked at enough tapes from last season to know where we need to strengthen.

"A few areas stand out and there are enough players out there. Whether all of them are good enough is another thing and that's one of the reasons why things are not moving quickly."

Already, two signings have been secured, with a mystery man set to be unveiled later this week to add to the capture of former Ipswich Town centre back John McGreal.

A third player is now weighing up an offer from Cotterill to join the Clarets ahead of pre-season training, when a midfield trialist will join the squad on Thursday in an attempt to win a contract.

Naturally, the Burnley boss is keeping all names close to his chest for fear First Division rivals with bigger budgets might cherry pick his targets.

But Cotterill remains confident he can secure the signatures of all the men he wants to build his side around.

Meanwhile, former Clarets defender Dean West appears to be on the verge of signing a deal with Lincoln City.

The Imps are regrouping after their promotion hopes were dashed by Huddersfield in the play-off semi-finals in May.

And West, one of four players released by Burnley in the wake of manager Stan Ternent's departure, is expected to agree terms with City later this week following talks with manager Keith Alexander.