ALLY Pickering and Brian Reid head a list of 12 free transfers released in a summer clear-out at Turf Moor.

Manager Stan Ternent confirmed today that 11 players wouldn't be offered new terms as he rebuilds for next season.

And a 12th, central defender Reid, is also going after no agreement was reached on the contract he was offered a couple of months ago.

Pickering and Reid are joined on the free transfer list by Mark Ford, Colin Carr-Lawton, Phil Eastwood, Kevin Henderson, Frank Kval, Neil Moore, Steve Morgan, Carl Smith, Paul Graham and Gareth West.

Those offered new deals include Tom Cowan, Ronnie Jepson and Peter Swan.

"I have had to make some tough decisions this time round but that's what I'm paid for and I've made them," said Ternent.

The departure of Reid and Pickering are the two major surprises, although the fact that Reid hadn't agreed his new contract and had lost his place to Chris Brass suggested that a move might be on the cards. Pickering had been one of the Clarets most consistent performers in helping them beat the drop following his free transfer from Stoke last December.

However, Ternent has decided he is not the long-term solution to the right-back slot and the search for a replacement will be stepped up. The transfer speculation season has wasted no time in getting into full swing with Ternent already being linked with a summer move for Bury defender Chris Lucketti.

Reports in the Bury area claim Ternent is lining up a swoop for the highly-rated central defender.

However, that's wide of the mark, despite Ternent's admiration for a player who was the cornerstone of the Bury side Ternent led from Division Three to Division One.

Ternent, who has also been linked with Bury's Nicky Daws and out-of-contract player Dean West, would love a player of Lucketti's quality to strengthen his hand for next season.

But the harsh facts are that the former Rochdale and Halifax man, the subject of a recent £1 million bid from Huddersfield and interest from Bradford and Birmingham, would be out of Burnley's price bracket.

And Lucketti, certain to be sold following Bury's relegation, is likely to want to stay in the First Division if not move higher.

He is quoted as saying: "Obviously you want to play at the highest level possible and I'll just have to wait and see what happens. To be honest I'm just coming to terms with relegation."

The Burnley boss has made greater competition for places within his squad his number one priority and will make signings to that effect.

"I have got my eye on a few players and I hope to persuade them to come. But is has to be in our financial framework.

"I have to sort out one or two players here and that will give me clearer indication of where we are up to and what I can bring in," said Ternent.

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