BRIAN Flynn today officially joined the race to become Burnley boss.

The former Turf Moor favourite confirmed he is set to be interviewed for the vacancy after making a lengthy shortlist.

I believe Burnley chairman Barry Kilby and his secretive selection panel spoke to two more candidates on Monday.

And by the close of play today, following discussions with Flynn, a line will finally be drawn under the list of men all desperate to become Burnley Football Club's 20th post-war manager.

Flynn said: "There have been developments and I will be speaking to Burnley today, which is excellent news.

"It have said all along that this is a terrific opportunity and it would be a dream come true to manage my home-town club."

Ex-Clarets midfielder Flynn, who has been a free agent since parting company with Swansea in March, cites the rebuilding of a once-famed youth policy as a main aim should he succeed old friend Stan Ternent.

And that is sure to sit well with Kilby, who has already declared that a major priority for the new man in charge.

Flynn added: "Building up the youth side is something that matches my own thoughts.

"It was always the way forward and a part of the club's success down the years, so I would be keen to see it built up again.

"You only need to look at Richard Chaplow, who is a terrific prospect and someone who is a prime example of what can be achieved."

"But at this stage, all I can do is wait to see what happens."

Flynn's name will now come under review along with fellow interviewees such as Steve Cotterill and Steve McMahon.

However, Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore remains the strong favourite - despite a £150,000 compensation clause and suggestions of being back in the running to take over at Leeds.

The crisis club had been expected to announce caretaker chief Kevin Blackwell as their new manager yesterday, but unexpectedly delayed a decision due to developments in a protracted takeover bid by haulage magnate Steve Parkin.

Should Parkin complete his coup, he would be expected to appoint his own man.

However, I understand Moore is no longer interested in the post, whoever assumes control at Elland Road.

That leaves the path clear for Burnley to swoop for Moore, who has just one-year left on his current deal at Millmoor but has already hinted he is ready to step up to manage a bigger club.

Meanwhile, fans can pencil Thursday, June 24 into their diaries.

The Football League have confirmed that the fixture list for the forthcoming 2004/05 will be released that day.