Mixed reaction

Clarets legend ANDY PAYTON described it as "The end of an era" and backed Ternent to make a comeback elsewhere in the game.

He said: "In some ways I'm not surprised because I'd heard rumours that Stan was going if we stayed up, and staying if we went down.

"But it's still a strange one. Stan has done well to keep Burnley in the First Division but maybe it was time for a change.

"Reading between the lines, it might have been Stan's decision more than it was the club's.

"Perhaps he realised he'd taken the club as far as he could. At the end of the day, it's not easy keeping a team in the First Division and there were no assurances that he was going to get any extra money to spend next season.

"Maybe the club couldn't offer Stan the terms he wanted either, so it could have come down to money in the end.

"I'm sure there will be some mixed emotions in the dressing room right now.

"The players who got picked all the time will be sad to see him go and the ones who he didn't will be glad that he's gone. That's how it works in this business.

"I just hope Stan stays in the game. He's still got a lot to offer and I can see him taking over at a club like Sheffield Wednesday because he knows that division inside out.

"As for Burnley, it's the start of a new era. People are already starting to speculate about who'll take over but I just hope it's someone with Burnley connections.

"We've been down the other road before when Chris Waddle got appointed as manager and it's asking a lot for someone like that to come in and do a job without money to spend.

"That's why I think we should stick to what we know. Brian Flynn is someone who knows all about Burnley and I'd like to see the club appoint someone like him."

Former Clarets goalkeeper CHRIS PEARCE said: "I'm stunned that Stan has left. He was a good honest pro and did a decent job at Turf Moor.

"He was never manager when I was at the club but when Frank Casper was boss, Stan used to come in and help out with training.

"When he took over at Bury, he tried to sign me but I had retired by then.

"I'm really sad to see him go."

Former Burnley centre forward PAUL FLETCHER said: "After spending the last 35 years in football, nothing surprises me.

"I am a great lover of Burnley Football Club and have great respect for Stan Ternent, who has been a great manager.

"I think all we can do is wish him all the best for the future and hope that Burnley are knocking on the door of the Premiership next year with somebody else in charge."

Former manager BRIAN MILLER, who took the club to Football League safety in 1987, said: "This has come as a surprise to me.

"This kind of thing happens in football all the time unfortunately.

"It's always been a difficult club to manage. No manager there has ever had any real money to spend."

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