IT'S boom time at Burnley as the club kicked off the new season today on the crest of a wave of confidence.

Supporters have backed Stan Ternent's claret and blue revolution through increased season-ticket sales and record replica shirt buys.

And with the commerical side of the club also kicking into gear, corporate business and advertising revenues have both shown dramatic increases.

Ticket sales have gone past 6,400 which is up a couple of hundred on last season and with prices increased this year revenue must be around the £1.5 million mark.

The club has so far sold 3,500 replica shirts, helped by the early availability this season.

And a record number of corporate boxes have also been sold in the North Stand with the figure almost double last season's uptake.

Gound advertising space has also sold out as the business world has recognised Burnley's efforts to get on an upward curve.

"Advertising boards are absolutely booming with every side sold out and outside the ground we are hoping to line up a deal for the Brunshaw Road car park area to have some national poster sites," confirmed general manager Andrew Watson. "It's all down to the optimism around the club and around the town allied to the fact that we've got the staff plan right. We've been busy marketing, promoting and selling the club."

Watson said that businesses and supporters have been very receptive towards the club's marketing strategies which should have a positive effect on and off the pitch. He added: "Everything we are doing is for the team. "It's not like a normal business trying to make profits for the shareholders.

"Our profit is reinvested in the club for the team and stadium facilities." New chairman Barry Kilby is determined that a club of Burnley's size and potential should punch its weight and is looking to double the current commercial revenue of around £400,000 to approach a break-even figure.

Watson believes that's attainable and added: "That's what's driving us on, trying to hit the budgets and generally working very hard. There's nothing fancy about what we're doing - just good habits that most clubs do."

Colne Clarets coaches for Wednesday's Worthington Cup clash at Maine Road leave the Morris Dancers at 5pm, picking up at the usual places.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.