GILLINGHAM manager Tony Pulis is backing Burnley to be in the Second Division play-offs next season - provided they avoid relegation this time around.

It was a remarkable viewpoint to be expressed by a man whose side had just thumped the Clarets 5-0 with striker Robert Taylor scoring all the goals.

But Pulis, who was celebrating the biggest away win of his career, believes Stan Ternent will get it right at Turf Moor and is hoping to back his judgement with hard cash.

Pulis said: "I think that Stan needs time. Without a question of a doubt he will turn it around and I would love to have a bet now that next year they will be in the top six.

"I said to Stan I hope you just stay up this year because the bookies will give you big odds next year and I'll be one who puts some money on it."

The Gills boss naturally paid tribute to Taylor whose goals kept fourth-placed Gillingham on course for the play-offs, despite an injury worry.

Pulis added: "Bob's got a hernia problem and we are trying to wrap him up in cotton wool and you've seen why we need him. He's very important to us.

"It's a terrific achievement and he's well pleased. He took a bit of stick from the supporters when he first came in but he's won everyone over now. But I thought it was a terrific team performance. We were on the front foot from the start and took the game to Burnley and created some good chances."

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