BURNLEY bosses have played down reports of a rift in the camp following a training ground bust-up between manager Stan Ternent and defender David May.

National newspaper reports over the weekend claimed that Ternent may face FA charges following an alleged assault on the player in the run-up to Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to Coventry.

However, I understand the altercation was far less dramatic than portrayed. And the fact May was named as a substitute less than 48 hours later, and took his place on the bench alongside his manager, is further indication that the fracas was blown out of all proportion.

Chairman Barry Kilby said: "I spoke to Stan ahead of the game and as far as I am concerned it's a storm in a teacup.

"My door is always open to anyone who feels differently, but to me the matter is done and dusted."

Passages from Ternent's book, 'Stan the Man' were also re-hashed in Saturday's report to add more fuel to the fire.

But the Burnley boss laughed off the matter in his post-match press conference by handing an inscribed copy of the book to the Sun reporter at the centre of the storm.

Ternent said: "I have no comment to make other than to give this book to the reporter and thank him.

"It says:

Happy Xmas. 'Thanks for the plug'.

The Sun. 13th December '03

Love xxx Stan.

PS: It's out in paperback January '04. Perhaps another mention?"

Ternent preferred to reflect on a poor display against the Sky Blues that ended a four-game unbeaten run.

Robbie Blake's 12th goal of the season could not cancel out a Patrick Suffo strike and a Paul Weller own -goal on a miserable afternoon.

Ternent said: "It was very disappointing."