FAMOUS Clarets fans today sent out a rousing rallying call to the people of Burnley and urged them to get behind the team and roar them into the play-offs.

Messages of support for Burnley's bid for Premiership glory came from the length and breadth of the country -- with the Prime Minister's right-hand man Alastair Campbell even cutting short a Downing Street briefing to wish the Clarets good luck.

Mr Campbell, who will be watching his beloved Burnley on Sunday when they play Coventry at Turf Moor to secure the coveted play-off place, said: "Although the last few weeks have not been brilliant, it's been an incredible achievement to get to where we are. I wish the team the very best of luck in taking this last step into the play-offs, they deserve it."

The call came as the team prepared for the crunch game against Coventry which kicks off at Turf Moor at 2pm tomorrow. The Clarets could grab a place in the play-offs if they win or draw depending on how rival first division teams perform. Almost 20,000 Burnley fans are expected to attend the game, which is a sell out.

Town centre manager Lisa Durkin said she expected a quiet shopping day as Burnley ground to a halt with people attending or listening to the game at home.

She added: "I'm not expecting Burnley town centre to be busy at all tomorrow and especially between between 2pm and 4pm, when the whole of Burnley will no doubt be watching or listening to the game.

"Burnley have everything to play for and deserve to get a place in the play-offs. They've got to be on their best form on Sunday. The atmosphere at Turf Moor will be electrifying -- I can't wait. The fans will be behind them all the way. If the result goes the right way, I'm sure Sunday night will turn into a great party in the town centre pubs. Good luck lads."

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "I would love to see the team in the play-offs. They have had their best season for more than 25 years and although they've had a tough time since Christmas they deserve to make it through. I would urge the whole of Burnley to get behind them and shout the team on."

Childhood fan and former press secretary to PM Margaret Thatcher, Bernard Ingham, added: "I really hope they get into the play offs it would be nice to see premiership football being played at Turf Moor next season.

"Although I don't get to see them play very much any more I still have a soft spot for the club and I wish them all the best."

Bishop of Burnley Rt Rev John Goddard said: "I wish Burnley all the luck in the world and every success in their play off bid on Sunday.

"I must thank the way the club has taken a very big community role and I know the community as a whole will be behind them on their big day."

Burnley mayor Jack Alston said: "I hope for the best and it's all we can do at the moment. I get invited to their matches every week and hope they get through."

Council leader Stuart Caddy added: "I am really looking forward to the game and I wish them all the success in the world. It would be a tragedy if the team were in the top six for so many games this season and then didn't make it through at the final hurdle -- but I'm confident they can do it. I wish Stan and the boys all the best."