BURNLEY have identified their man - but the fans will be kept in the dark a little longer to know Chris Waddle's successor.

It should be worth the wait, though, as their number one choice Stan Ternent remains the firm favourite to land the job.

After a series of interviews this week it's believed that the Clarets board have a preferred choice as the new manager at Turf Moor.

The appointment will have to wait a few more days yet as the details are ironed out but the indications point firmly to Ternent as the man to restore Burnley's fortunes.

The Bury manager's credentials are well documented following the rise of the Shakers from the foot of the Third Division to safety in Division One.

That track record and Ternent's ability to get the best out of players appeals to the Burnley board and his in-depth knowledge of the club's playing strengths would make it a smooth transition.

Bury are not throwing in the towel in their bid to keep Ternent at Gigg Lane and chairman Terry Robinson met Ternent today.

The Burnley position was sure to figure on the agenda along with Robinson's proposals to keep his manager - described by majority shareholders Hugh Eaves as Bury's best ever - at the club with a new deal. But as Ternent is currently working without a contract at Gigg Lane they are powerless to stop him moving on if he wants.

Before today's meeting Robinson said that he had no idea if Ternent would be joining Burnley and added: "As far as I am concerned we have a working agreement here and he is our manager."

The Shakers could be fighting a losing battle, however, with Ternent thought to be keen on taking up the challenge of turning Burnley into a promotion force.

While Ternent remains the first choice, Wrexham boss Brian Flynn and Macclesfield's Sammy McIlroy look to be the two other prime targets after the board had trimmed the field to make their choice and Sam Allardyce had been counted out of the equation.

"We have probably seen everybody we are able to see, although there's maybe the odd person who has been away. Everybody we have seen are outstanding candidates," said director Bob Blakeborough. Burnley are understood to have spoken with Flynn but they would face a three-way fight to secure his services if the Ternent option fell through.

Norwich City have also approached Wrexham to talk to the former Burnley midfielder, while there is no guarantee he would be willing to walk away from the Racecourse Ground.

Flynn, preparing his side to face Wales in a game to mark Wrexham's 125th anniversary tomorrow, said: "The chairman says he does not want me to leave Wrexham and it will take a very good reason for me to go.

"I will be keeping him closely informed of developments and I hope there will be something more to say within the next 48 hours."

Macclesfield are equally keen to retain the services of their manager McIlory after the former Manchester United midfielder led them to two successive promotions.

"Sammy is here and our manager and there is no further comment at the moment," said chairman Alan Cash.

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