WHEN top of the table Burnley took on bottom side Stockport at Turf Moor today, Tony Hancock had divided loyalties.

Hancock played for both sides and so he is hoping that Burnley will go up but at the same time Stockport won't get relegated.

"I really do wish both sides well this season," admitted the 34-year-old. "Stockport gave me my start in football and then Frank Casper signed me for Burnley.

"Things didn't quite work out as I wanted but I do still follow the club. I think maybe they tried to turn me into something I wasn't."

Hancock is delighted to see the Clarets riding high and he believes they can last the pace under the shrewd management of Stan Ternent.

"They have got the ground, got the staff and got the fighting spirit to play at the highest level," he said. "Maybe Stan will be looking to make a couple of signings in the new year because you have to worry about the affect of injuries and suspensions.

"But I can understand why the Burnley fans are getting excited, they are maybe only a few months away from the big time."

It is all a far cry from the time when Hancock was playing fourth division football for the Clarets 11 years ago.

He made the switch from Edgeley Park and admitted: "I was grateful to Stockport for giving me a chance but, with no disrespect, when the chance came to go to Burnley I felt I had to take it. Frank signed me and Mick Docherty was his assistant but it didn't work out.

"Stan used to often be around the club because he was friends with the manager and he has done a great job.

"He has not spent a lot of money or signed any big names but he has got a team together that plays with a lot of passion and a lot of heart. That's what you need and at the moment it is something Burnley has more than Stockport."

Hancock is currently learning the coaching ropes in charge of Stockport side Woodley Sports and he confessed to being surprised that the Hatters had turned to a novice manager to get them out of the mire.

"They are in a very, very difficult situation and I am not sure if it will be a good move bringing Carlton Palmer in," he said.

"He has played at the highest level, played for England but he has never been a manager. I think they needed an experienced manager, someone like Stan.

"In many ways today's game was a real David and Goliath. Stockport fans are as passionate as Burnley's but there is no comparison between the two clubs.

"Turf Moor can hold twice as many fans as Edgeley and that just shows the difference.

"I just hope that Carlton's passion and strength can improve the situation and get them out of trouble.

"If they can stay in the first division and Burnley can get promoted to the Premier League, I will be delighted."