BURNLEY Football Club have revealed that Chief Executive Andrew Watson is quitting to join Huddersfield Town.

Watson, 36, had been commercial manager at Everton for five years before Burnley lured him to the club in April 1999 as part of the Barry Kilby-led makeover.

But now he is heading back across the Pennines to his home town club, who were relegated to the third division at the end of last season.

"I have been proud to play a part in the club's most successful period for 25 years," he said.

"It has been a pleasure to work and enjoy a quality relationship with the Chairman and Manager Stan Ternent, who has done a remarkable job, considering the 20 years before he arrived.

"Backed by a quality board, staff and fans, the club is in good hands.

Give us your views NOW...click here.

"I have missed just four games in the last four years, it is a great club to be part of, but the Huddersfield Town job is a chance to turn around the team I supported as a boy, played for for three years, badly, and is my home town.

"It is a chance to make a once great club, great again."

Burnley Chairman Barry Kilby was equally sad to see Watson leave Turf Moor after four years: "Andrew has done an excellent job at the club and we wish him well in his new role at Huddersfield Town.

"He played a major part in the resurgence of Burnley Football Club and his departure will leave a gap in the structure of the club which will not be easy to replace.

"Plans are being formulated to deal with his departure and to continue the progress of the club and experience the success achieved under Andrew."

No further details have been announced on a potential successor.