BURNLEY chairman Barry Kilby is ready to step up his efforts to persuade manager Stan Ternent to sign a new contract.

Ternent's current deal runs out this summer, six years after totally transforming the fortunes of the club.

And Kilby is desperate to extend Ternent's Turf Moor reign following a season the manager himself has admitted to being one of his most challenging.

The cash-strapped Clarets currently lie just one tantalising point from safety ahead of Saturday's trip to fellow strugglers Rotherham.

And Kilby is looking for the right result and First Division security to get new negotiations with Ternent off to a positive start.

He said: "It is no secret I want Stan to remain in charge and we have already held various meetings.

"In my view, he is one of the greatest managers this club has ever had. But we cannot begin to dot any I's or cross any T's until we know what the future holds.

"Relegation could cost us around £700,000 and avoiding that has to be the first priority for everyone."

Meanwhile, Ternent is concentrating on footballing matters and the build up to Saturday's cross-Pennine trip.

Striker Ian Moore is fighting to regain fitness to come into contention against the side managed by father Ronnie, while fellow frontman Dele Adebola is finally making progress in overcoming a stomach strain that has dogged him since making his Clarets debut at Bradford over a month ago.

However, one player certain of featuring at Millmoor is teenage midfielder Richard Chaplow, who has been rewarded for a sensational first full season by being named as runner-up to Norwich's Darren Huckerby in the PFA Fans Division One Player of the Season awards.

Chaplow, 19, earned the accolade through the official PFA website to cap a memorable 12 months that has seen him sign a first professional contract and go on to become an integral part of the Clarets midfield.

The Accrington-born youngster's stunning form has also earned him international recognition, making his England U21 debut against Holland in February and then winning a first cap at Under 19 level in Germany last month.

BURNLEY are hoping to burst through the crucial 8,500 season ticket sales barrier tomorrow.

And if they achieve this target, it could pave the way for a more financially secure campaign next season.

The club's discount period for season tickets ends at 6pm tomorrow, with 5,000 Clarets fans having already taken advantage, meaning tickets are being sold at a rate of over 100 an hour.

The Burnley ticket office is open until 6pm tonight and tomorrow night.