RUNE Vindheim's Nationwide League adventure could be over following his departure from Turf Moor.

The Norwegian defender has left Burnley after it became apparent that he wouldn't figure in Stan Ternent's plans again.

"He's gone. He's looking for another club," confirmed Clarets boss Ternent.

"He did well for us but it was time to move on."

It was something of a surprise when Vindheim returned to Burnley after the summer break, even though he still had 12 months to run on his contract.

However, agreement has now been reached and the former Brann Bergen and Fana player has followed his fellow countryman Frank Kval, released at the end of last season, out of the club.

Vindheim, who would like to stay in the English game, burst onto the Burnley scene in spectacular fashion last autumn when he arrived on trial and made his first-team debut a few days later at Maine Road.

Having looked a class-act in a reserve team game, and given a chronic shortage of fit players, Ternent signed the 26-year-old initially on a non-contract basis.

After making his debut at City, Vindheim scored twice in the next two games, the second one a last-ditch equaliser against Notts County at Turf Moor, to acquire something of a cult status among the Clarets faithful.

He enjoyed a run of nine first-team games but after that started just one more as it became clear that he didn't fit the bill.

And when Vindheim, who played at the back and in midfield, couldn't get into the reserve side at the end of last season as Ternent promoted his younger players, a parting of the ways became inevitable.

Vindheim slid down the pecking order behind the likes of Matty Heywood, Chris Scott and John Williamson.

Winger Brad Maylett was also given an extended taste of first-team exposure but the youngsters will face a test of their character this season with fewer opportunities likely to be open to them within a stronger first-team squad.

"That's why I signed them mostly on two years and some on three years. If they are sensible they will see that people won't go on forever," said Ternent, who will continue to monitor their development closely.

"It won't stop their progress, I hope. It's up to them to force their way in.

"It's not as easy to get in. That's what I want and that's what the chairman and the supporters want."

The influx of new players to create what Ternent hopes will be a promotion-chasing squad means that the focus will be switched away from youth, injuries permitting, at the start of the season at least.

But Ternent stressed: "Youth development is a vitally important side of the club."

Tony Parr has been appointed as the new promotions manager. He was previously head of lotteries at St Helens Rugby League Club and Blackpool FC.

He will run all lotteries including the Claret and Blue bond draw.

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