BURNLEY fans have backed their club in such a big way on season-ticket sales that they have broken through the official Turf Moor budget figures.

General manager Andrew Watson revealed today that not only were final sales and income set to show a substantial increase on last season, the cash taken so far has surpassed all expectations.

"We had a budget figure for season-ticket income and that has already been exceeded," said Watson.

"That is the most pleasing thing and everyone is delighted."

Numbers have already topped last year's total of 6,300 and income is up, takings being well into seven figures.

But the best aspect of the supporters' financial backing from the general manager's point of view is that it is higher even than the board could have anticipated.

"There has been so much excitement around and this type of thing supports the manager in his efforts to sign quality players, which he has done," said Watson.

"And there is still almost a month to go. We expect to sell more before the start of the season."

On the playing side, Paul Weller will be a welcome addition to the Burnley squad when he returns from Lilleshall this week after undergoing intensive rehabilitation work following serious illness and surgery. But Turf Moor boss Stan Ternent is not expected to take any undue chances with the player, allowing him to ease back into things after his long absence.

That applies to all the squad and Ternent aims to use his pre-season friendlies to full advantage in the build-up to the start of the Second Division campaign, giving everyone as much match action as necessary.

"Things have gone pretty well in training so far and everybody is working hard," said the manager.

"Paul will be back this week and we'll have a look at him then."

Burnley's friendly matches start at Northwich on Thursday.

That is essentially a reserve team fixture but Ternent said there was a possibility of playing one or two senior players.

He is unlikely to go overboard with his selection, however, as he has managed to arrange a private game away to a Premiership club to replace the pre-season match Burnley were forced to cancel with Manchester City.

The two clubs were drawn together in the first round of the Worthington Cup which comes up very early in the new season.

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