BURY were today set to lose their desperate fight to hang on to Burnley management target Stan Ternent.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal Ternent has been offered the chance to replace Chris Waddle as Turf Moor boss.

But the Shakers have stated publicly their belief that they can hang on to Ternent who has guided the club from the Third to the First Division.

Chairman Terry Robinson met with Ternent and his assistant Sam Ellis yesterday.

And he was in bullish mood about the prospects of Ternent leading them into the 1998/99 campaign.

Robinson said: "I had about a two-hour meeting with him and his assistant talking about next season about what we are going to do.

"As far as I am concerned they were both perfectly happy with the arrangements we have with them and I would be surprised if they are going anywhere."

Despite Bury's show of confidence it's still thought that a move to Burnley will suit Ternent - unless there has been a dramatic turn-about at Gigg Lane.

The former Hull City boss has had few resources to work with at Bury and, unless there is a major injection of capital, next season's prospects would probably revolve around another fight to retain their First Division status. Ternent will not comment on the situation which he still regards as speculation.

But, despite starting in a lower division Burnley would give him greater spending power, if the proposed takeover goes ahead. That is believed to be prgressing smoothly although the £1 million loan from Peter Shackleton is still not with the club.

The Clarets and Norwich have also spoken to Wrexham boss Brian Flynn who has no desire to leave the Racecourse Ground.

However, he is looking for assurances that the Second Division club can meet his personal ambitions.

If the Robins can come up with a package geared towards a sustained push for First Division football he is set to stay.

But if their financial position means Flynn can't compete with the top clubs then he may look to move on with assistant Kevin Reeves and coach Joey Jones.

Flynn also met with his chairman yesterday and said afterwards: "What has been an important part of our success at Wrexham has been our working relationship and I value that immensely. "Nothing has changed today and I have told him what the latest developments are. I can't really say more than that."

Chairman Pryce Griffiths added: "Our discussions have been very very amicable and we have parted company on very good terms.

"I am now going away to consider what he has said and I will get back to him." And with Wrexham playing Wales today in a game to mark the club's 125th anniversary it would be a fitting platform for former Claret Flynn to confirm his future plans.

Burnley's season-ticket holders who have not received notification offering them their present seats for next season should take their old ticket and or their patron codes to the ticket office.

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