MARK Yates has backed Burnley manager Steve Cotterill to put Burnley back on the map.

Yates, who spent two seasons at Turf Moor early in his playing days, will now work behind the scenes after being appointed reserve team manager and first team coach.

And the 34-year-old former Clarets midfielder believes Cotterill is the right man to restore Burnley to former glories.

Yates, who skippered Cheltenham while Cotterill was manager at Whaddon Road, said: "I enjoyed my time working under Steve and I know it's going to be hard work at Burnley because he is a very demanding man who insists on the best from everyone and gets it.

"I'm not saying it will be easy because it is a tough division, but with a manager like Steve - and the staff and players he is bringing in - I get the feeling things can happen here.

"It might just take a little time for that to happen and we are under no illusions about the task ahead of us, but with someone like Steve we will get there.

"He is a thorough man who leaves no stone unturned and I just know he will be a success.

"He will give so much to the club, the community and the fans and hopefully people will respond to that."

Yates joins new assistant Clarets boss Dave Kevan in completing Burnley's youthful managerial makeover under Cotterill.

And he revealed he had no hesitation after being headhunted to take over coaching duties at his former stamping ground.

Yates, who made just 13 starts for Burnley under Frank Casper and Jimmy Mullen, added: "It's nice to be back and I have great memories of the place.

"It wasn't a wholly successful time for me on a personal level, but to be part of the squad that won the Fourth Division championship is something I will always remember and now I want to try to bring more good times back to the club.

"It's been a whirlwind few days. My wife has just had a baby boy, I was sitting my UEFA 'A' coaching course at Lilleshall and the next day Steve was on the phone asking me to come and join him.

"There was no hesitation. People say you should play as long as you can, but clearly opportunities like this don't come around too often, so there wasn't a decision to make to be honest."

Kevan, who will operate as Cotterill's right-hand man after leaving youth team duties at Stoke, added: "It feels good to be here.

"It's a great privilege for me and I'm looking forward to working with Steve again at a smashing football club.

"We had a great relationship in a short time together at Stoke and we kept in touch after he left.

"I have always derived a great deal of pleasure from working with players and obviously I am here to support Steve and do my best for Burnley Football Club."

Delighted boss Cotterill, who this week also made Ipswich defender John McGreal his first major signing, beamed: "It's been a profitable couple of weeks.

"Dave brought through some very good kids at Stoke and I took to him the moment I arrived at Stoke. He is a good character and he will work hard for this club.

"Mark has done the rounds in the lower leagues and he was a leader on the pitch at Cheltenham and a loyal servant to me."