Clarets boss Stan Ternent has been overlooked for the Nationwide manager of the month award for August.

Despite taking Burnley to their highest standing in the League since they led the old second division in 1973 as they moved top of Division One with a 3-2 win over Bradford City at Valley Parade on Sunday, Ternent has had to bow to Grimsby boss Lennie Lawrence.

Ternent's claims were strong, especially as Lawrence's side did not top Division One until the Mariners 1-0 victory over Barnsley at Blundell Park on Saturday, September 1.

And Clarets fans are disappointed with the outcome.

Angus Williamson of the Clarets Independent Supporters Association said:

"It is very disappointing. I know they have had a good start but so have we.

"It's been brilliant for us. I do remember him getting overlooked last season as well.

"I wouldn't say Stan has a big budget. It probably reflects the fact that we were expected to start better than Grimsby - and they have done well.

"But that shouldn't have any bearing on it. It should be the team with the best results whatever. I do not know the exact record but I would have thought Stan should have won it."

Paul Smith of Boundary Clarets said: "I think Stan deserved it. Only the Manchester City result might have let us down but if we'd have had 11 men we'd have won that one.

"The fans thought that a few times last season he should have won it and he was always pipped at the post and it looks like this year will be the same.

"He hasn't done a lot wrong and neither have the players.

"But Stan will win it in the future and anyway we want to win the big one, the Manager of the Year."

However, Ternent's side's four wins in five League outings has not proved enough in comparison to the Mariners ten points from five games which lifted them top, albeit for 24 hours only, for the first time since the 1982-83 season.

Winger Glen Little, who starred at Bradford scoring twice, is again being linked with Premiership outfit Sunderland, but Ternent is set to fight hard to hold on to the 25-year-old and is believed to be looking for a £6million fee.

Black Cats boss Peter Reid is believed to want to bring in a right-sided midfielder following Don Hutchison's departure to West Ham.

Little, along with Blackburn Rovers target Lucas Neill from Millwall, and West Ham's Trevor Sinclair are believed to be on his list and that he wants a player on board in time for Saturday's home clash with Rovers.

Experienced centre back Mitchell Thomas could be the man to solve Burnley's centre back headache.

The 36-year-old has not kicked a ball in anger this season, but could be set for a return in tomorrow night's Avon Insurance League Premier Division reserve team clash with Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park.

Thomas has missed the opening six League and cup matches after straining an abductor muscle in pre-season and his return to action could be timely.

He returned to full training last week and if he plays tomorrow night it could put him in line for a recall against Rotherham United at Turf Moor on Saturday.

Striker Tony Ellis is looking as though his addition to the Clarets squad will take on a degree more permanence.

The 36-year-old, who appeared to be heading for a Conference club after being released by Division Three outfit Rochdale at the end of last season, impressed in a trial spell with the Clarets this summer and his winning goal against Bradford, his 179th League goal in over 500 appearances, could have ensured his short-term agreement with the club will be extended.

"Tony is playing very well, he is a bright player and extremely fit," enthused Ternent.

"I know what he is capable of, he is a proven goal scorer and I will be looking to make him an extended offer."