ROLL up and place your bets. The great race to become Burnley manager is on.

Many names have been banded about in recent weeks, with Ronnie Moore still standing out to me as the obvious candidate.

But there's another name not yet in the frame who I believe should come under serious consideration.

I first gave it some thought when I read the chairman's comments about the possibility of a pairing being put in charge of first team affairs.

And if you are looking for an old head to accompany a young, up-and-coming manager, then look no further than Howard Wilkinson.

I know many fans will scoff at the suggestion and say he's a has-been who is past his sell-by date, but in tandem with Steve Cotterill they could be Burnley's dream ticket.

Sure, Howard no spring chicken, but his knowledge and contacts book is probably second to none after years of management and then in his capacity as a technical advisor to the Football Association.

He would be ideal sat behind the desk, punching numbers and leaving the training to Cotterill, who comes highly recommended on the training field.

I liken it to the time I got my first coaching job at Oldham under Jimmy Frizzell.

He was considered old hat back then, but he got on the phone and I got on with the training.

All the time he was in overall charge and control and such a partnership could work at Burnley.

As I said, Cotterill has nothing but praise from anyone who has worked with him on the training field and 90 per cent of any success can be attributed to organisation.

Having two men would not be a burden on the club either.

After all, haven't we just got rid of two men in Stan and Sam?

There is money being invested in the club again and it is a chance to take a whole new direction.

We clearly need someone in as soon as possible because the market is now flooded with players looking for deals.

So it is a stunning opportunity for someone to come into a First Division club with a clean slate and mould their own instant team.

Phil Brown is the other name who seems to come out of nowhere.

The assistant Bolton manager is another highly qualified coach, so I would not be wholly adverse to seeing him come in.

There is no doubt he and Sam Allardyce have done a remarkable job turning Wanderers from a club of Burnley's stature to an established Premiership force in the space of a few short years.

There was a time when Charlton were being touted as the example for all ambitious Nationwide League clubs. Not any more.

That honour now lies with Bolton Wanderers - and who wouldn't want what to emulate just what they have achieved?