Clarets boss Stan Ternent has blasted media giants Carlton and Granada for being "immoral" in their handling of the ITV Digital debacle.

And he had a stark warning as he admitted: "If we are left with a massive shortfall, and we are talking about nearly £3million pounds, then there is only one way to get that money back - that is to sell players.

"That is not Stan Ternent's fault, that is not Burnley Football Club's fault, it is not the board of director's fault - the blame lies solely with the digital company."

The prospect of selling prize assets such as Glen Little and Arthur Gnohere is not one Ternent relishes but he, like others in the Nationwide League, is being forced to face that harsh reality.

As the Football League waits to take the two companies to court in a bid to get the money that was promised, Ternent is desperate for a solution to be found as quickly as possible.

Since the end of the season his hands have been tied in the transfer market and he admitted: "In an ideal world I would like there to be a settlement as soon as possible.

"All the clubs want is something to be sorted out that is fair and reasonable, something that will help us get through to the end of next season.

"That will give the Football League the chance to get their house in order ahead of the following season."

The fall-out since the crisis first started has been dramatic, not least Thursday's development with the Clarets first division rivals Bradford City cancelling the contracts of 19 players in order to save an incredible £20,000 a day.

Ternent did not want to be drawn on that particular case as he insisted: "My only concern is Burnley Football Club but by not honouring their contract with the Football League, the TV companies are mucking up footballer's lives.

"These men have got families and they have got mortgages and in my view the bosses are immoral.

"As managers it is us to have to sit down and tell players that we can't afford to keep them or we can only keep them with a cut in their money."

Ternent is well used to working within tight budgets and he is ready to do so again as he said: "The best scenario is we get a deal done and then everyone will have

to cut their cloth according to their means.

"If some clubs have got above their station and are paying too much money that is something they have to look at - but we aren't."

These are anxious times for players, managers and clubs and all Ternent is hoping is that something is resolved sooner rather than later.