IF THINGS had taken a different course this summer, Clarets midfielder Lennie Johnrose could have been playing against them for Blackpool tonight.

But having turned down a contract offer from Seasiders boss Steve McMahon, Johnrose is in the Burnley squad for the Worthington Cup first round tie at Turf Moor.

And his blunt assessment of the rival managers was said with a big smile: "They are both completely mad, it is as simple as that.

"Mind you, I think all managers have to be a bit crazy or they wouldn't do it. It is not an easy job at all because almost no matter what happens you will come in for some stick.

"But they are different characters as the manager here is a lot more animated than Steve McMahon. He is very much a man of few words.

"I know I could have been playing for them because I was offered a contract and didn't sign it. I am now back here for a month and we will just have to see what happens.

"It is an uncertain time and whether it is down to finance or performance if it is extended, I will just have to see how it goes. But I know there are a lot of players in a lot worse situation than I am and I am just glad that I have been playing games."

Despite his recent insight to the Blackpool camp, playing a number of pre-season games and training for several weeks, Johnrose does not expect to have his manager asking him for any advice.

"The gaffer knows his stuff and he doesn't need any help from me," he said. "He has his scouts and lots of experience.

"But I do know they have got a good side with a lot of good players. They have a couple of older lads to help the younger players on and they play good football.

"Their current form shows they are not a bad side and they have gone five games without conceding a goal - we could do with doing that.

"At this stage of the competition it is not always the most exciting of games but there is no doubt that the fact it is a local derby will add a bit of an edge to the match.

"But whoever we were playing it would be the aim to extend our interest a bit longer."

Johnrose was the man who made way for Glen Little in the weekend victory against Derby, the club's first of the season but he said: "I thought we deserved the win.

"The confidence has always been in the squad and I think we all felt that in the second half against Sheffield United we deserved at least a draw.

"Then we worked very hard against Crystal Palace, we have kept working hard in the week and we got our rewards at the weekend."

Johnrose may have to make do with a seat on the bench if Stan Ternent opts to start with the side that finished so well against Derby and that will mean he is down on the touchline with the two "mad" managers.

At 32 he may not be too sure what he will be doing in a few weeks time given the state of his contract but there is one job he is definitely has no intention of doing.

"I'm not mad enough to be a manager," he said with another grin. "No way!"