STEVE McMahon has NOT quit Blackpool to fill the managerial vacancy at Burnley.

McMahon left the Seasiders "by mutual consent" last night after four-and-a-half years in charge at Bloomfield Road.

The former Liverpool and England midfielder is already a hot tip to replace Stan Ternent at Turf Moor.

But after speaking to McMahon, I can reveal his departure is totally unconnected with the Burnley post.

Neither have the Clarets board made any approach for the former Swindon boss, who has two promotions on his CV from 10 years in management.

Burnley chairman Barry Kilby is away from the club on business until the weekend, meaning initial discussions with any candidates are unlikely to take place before next week at the earliest - assuming a shortlist is even drawn up at this stage.

However McMahon, who was constantly at loggerheads with 'Pool chairman Karl Oyston during his turbulent reign, now seems certain to be interested in succeeding Ternent in the Turf Moor hot seat.

He is fiercely ambitious and has made no secret of the fact he wants to manage at a higher level.

Speaking after severing all ties with Blackpool, he said: "It is a sad day for me. I've been here four and a half years and that is a long time in management, but we have had success at this football club and I think both on and off the pitch the club is going forward in a big way.

"But I am very ambitious and believe me, I have been frustrated for a while.

"Everybody knows that and I think it is everybody's interests that we get a fresh start.

"It has been difficult and we have come to the conclusion that it is better for both parties to mutually agree to leave.

"I don't know what the future holds. I've not got a crystal ball or a magic wand and if I had I'd walk into a job tomorrow!"