VETERAN keeper Chris Woods has been released by Burnley boss Stan Ternent after initially being offered a new contract by the old regime at Turf Moor, writes PETER WHITE.

Ternent's predecessor Chris Waddle had offered the 38-year-old former England keeper another 12 months before the player-manager's shock departure.

But the new boss has decided otherwise and after "amicable" discussions with Woods, he has now left.

"He had been offered a contract but we sat down and talked about it and he has been released," said Ternent today.

"It was all very amicable but we had three keepers and for me that is one too many."

Woods began the season in the reserves as cover for Marlon Beresford but, when the latter was sold to Middlesbrough, he took over the first team jersey and his experience was a factor in Burnley's successful fight against relegation.

Another veteran, 35-year-old Tony Parks, then took over the reserve team slot as back-up and his efforts earned the offer of a new 12-month contract at the end of last season.

Parks was the first player to accept the terms on offer when Waddle discussed new contracts with the players in May.

Ternent has not drawn up any plans to sign another keeper at least for the time being.

Before he does anything like that he wants to take a close look at his playing staff who report back for training next week.

Once he has seen them at close quarters, he can judge where his strengthening priorities lie. The departure of Woods should help the manager with his wage bill when it comes to any wheeling and dealing over the coming weeks.

The club today responded to a legal threat from a group of fans to try and oust the board and at some suggestions in a letter to their own solicitors.

Chairman Frank Teasdale said today: "The chairman and board categorically rejects the allegations of financial mis-management made in a press notice and letter issued by Mr Andrew Ronnan.

"The allegations...are totally unfounded.

"The club is financially stable. While we respect the views of all our supporters, the club cannot be pressurised by a radical view.

"Burnley FC is not reliant upon income from creditors or supporters.

"It is a commercial business. Issues concerning the long-term running of the club are a matter for the chairman and board and a full financial picture was given at the last AGM.

"We do not accept that Mr Ronnan has a legal case and believe that it would not be in the best interests of either party to initiate legal action."

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