FORMER Burnley loan keeper Gavin Ward has joined the Clarets Second Division rivals Stoke City.

The 28-year-old, who previously played for Bradford and Leicester, would have been able to leave the Reebok Stadium on a free transfer at the end of the season, but Bolton have agreed to his early release.

"It is an excellent opportunity for me to establish myself in a club with ambition," said Ward, who has agreed to a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Clarets boss Stan Ternent was interested in keeping Ward on a permanent basis after his three-month loan spell expired - ironically against Stoke - in November.

However, the keeper's wages proved a stumbling block and Ternent turned instead back to his original target Paul Crichton, who he snapped up from West Bromwich Albion for £70,000.

And while Ward was a big success at Turf Moor, Crichton has proved up to the task of filling the void.

THE headquarters of the Football League this week returned to Preston after a 40-year absence.

The League was originally based in Starkie Street in Preston before moving to Lytham St Anne's.

However, the need for more modern offices for its 34 staff have prompted a return for the League's administration and operations centre into a brand new development in the revamped docklands area of Preston.

Preston North End legend Sir Tom Finney officially opened the new offices at a ceremony, attended by the FA's executive director David Davies and representatives of the Premiership and Nationwide Leagues. "I am sure the Football League is well equipped to serve its member clubs through the next millenium," said League secretary David Dent.

The League's press and communication departments remain in London where they will shortly share a base with the Premiership.

MANCHESTER CITY will be without Jamie Pollock and Paul Dickov for their trip to Turf Moor on Tuesday, March 9.

Pollock is banned after being sent off for the third time this season at Bournemouth a fortnight ago.

And Dickov will serve a one-match ban after collecting a booking to tip him over the limit in the reserves this week.

BURNLEY reserves have an attractive Pontins League fixture next Wednesday night when they entertain Manchester City reserves at Turf Moor (kick-off 7.15pm).

Burnley's draw at Division One leaders Coventry City on Tuesday night means they are still second from bottom. However one win could lift them into a mid-table place!

One player who won't be in the City reserve side is goalkeeper Tommy Wright who yesterday joined Wrexham.

Meanwhile, the Clarets reserve fixture at Port Vale has been brought forward 24 hours to Tuesday, March 16.

SUPPORTERS wishing to purchase tickets for the derby clash with Manchester City on Tuesday, March 9 are urged to do so as soon as possible as there will be none on sale on the day of the game. City have sold their full allocation.

Seats and terrace tickets for the Clarets game at Wigan Athletic a week today are on sale to season ticket holders producing voucher F.

They remained on sale until after today's game against Gillingham before going on open sale on Monday.

BURNLEY'S Football in the Community programme stage Monday and Wednesday soccer clinics with qualified coaches for five to 12-year-olds at Turf Moor from 5-6pm. Cost £2.50 a session.

Build-up courses to the Coca-Cola Award scheme are already underway. Players receive certificates, badge and a progress report and skills grading. Call Nic Harrison on 01282 700011 for details.

The community programme is also taking match-day bookings for Saturday home games, price £10 and £8 to include a match ticket, two hours football and a McDonalds lunch.

The next alternative match-day club is on next Saturday with £7 covering 'Antz' at Hollywood Park, 60 minutes football and lunch at McDonalds.

Junior teams and organisations can receive special discounmts for the match-day club with the chance to play on the pitch at half-time. Call Neil on 01282 700011.

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