CLARETS boss Stan Ternent believes the Turf Moor critics have a major part to play if Burnley are to make a dramatic push for a play-off place.

The manager accused some supporters of affecting his players' performances.

But Ternent still believes that, with the correct backing from the new board and the fans, a play-off place is still not an impossibility.

He told shareholders at the annual general meeting that some players could not handle the enormity of Burnley Football Club.

Ternent said: "I think you people here, plus some of the supporters, do not let them play. Or they are not good enough for you.

"Some players cannot handle Burnley Football Club.

"That is a big stage because of the expectation level.

"If I could get what I wanted right now, there's still a lot of points to play for and anything could happen." He added that a more realistic target was to reach the First Division within 18 months.

Burnley entered today's home fixture with Walsall 12 points behind Gillingham, who currently occupy the sixth spot which ensures a play-off slot in May.

Ternent faced questions about the confidence of some of the players, and Andy Cooke in particular. And he admitted: "I think Andy has lost his confidence.

"It is just not going for the kid on Saturdays and I think his frustration is borne of a lack of goals.

"Goalscorers have to score goals and Andy has to come through that one himself."

Cooke's name was also featured in questions about the team's poor disciplinary record. And Ternent revealed that he had already collected around £4,500 from his players in fines.

He added: "Players are instructed and fined for dissent and retaliation or some other stupidity.

"You can take a horse to water... That's as far as it goes but I do not condone it."

On the injury front Ternet revealed that Paul Weller was way in front of schedule in his battle against an inflammation of his stomach.

He said: "It's a tough time for the kid. He won't play again this year but in three weeks time he will have the second operation."

But there was more good news that Paul Smith would be back in action before the end of the season.

Ternent added: "He has an ongoing problem with his knee.

"He wasn't fit to play this season which I found out about. In fact he has had both his knees sorted out."

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