BURNLEY boss Stan Ternent does not doubt Blackburn Rovers' credentials to mount a promotion challenge this season.

But he has queried their installment as outright favourites to win the First Division.

Rovers are 11/4 with William Hill to win the title and seal a return to the Premiership.

But Ternent believes that in a highly competitive division there are several other sides in with a genuine chance of topping the table. He said: "I'm not having a go at Blackburn. My job is here and I'm only interested in Burnley.

"But I'm just saying it will be a very tight and competitive league. "The favouritism may not be misguided but Bolton and Barnsley were in the play-offs last season and what about the clubs that came down?

"I think the reason Blackburn are favourites in the bookies' eyes is because they have spending power."

The Clarets are 33/1 to finish in top spot in their first season in Division One since their one year stay in 1994/95.

That's a big ask but Ternent is looking to build on last season's promotion triumph and make the most of their opportunity.

"That's what we've worked hard for and now we've got to work hard to maintain it," he added.

"We've made progress and we've got to continue to make that. People have different perceptions of progress but mine would be to establish ourselves in the First Division.

"That's not to say that if we could get another promotion we wouldn't take it."

Wolves today told Wigan that former Clarets assistant boss John Ward has no interest in the managerial vacancy at the JJB Stadium.