TERRY VENABLES today remained tight-lipped about any possible involvement with Burnley FC.

A close friend of Peter Shackleton revealed the Burnley takeover bidder's strong links with the former England coach, writes PETE OLIVER.

And when I asked Venables whether Shackleton had approached him about taking on role at Turf Moor Venables replied: "I have nothing to say."

The ex-Spurs and Barcelona boss confirmed that he had met Shackleton and presumably the Burnley takeover had been discussed at some point as Venables added: "I am not up to date on the situation."

Venables is looking for a management job with his contract as Australia's national coach coming to an end.

He has been expected to return to Crystal Palace but a move to Selhurst Park is dependent on a successful £30m takeover by Mark Goldberg.

And chairman Ron Noades has been quoted as saying that Goldberg's chances of meeting Friday's deadline are only 50-50.

If Noades retains control he is expected to appoint Gerry Francis as boss which would leave Venables in the market place. Shackleton's friend Brian Coxon disclosed Venables' contact with the man who is heading the proposed Turf Moor takeover.

A former employee of Robert Maxwell, Coxon met Shackleton when Maxwell was in control of Derby County.

Shackleton, who headed the Landau-Forte technical college in Derby, had close educational links with the club.

Coxon said: "I know Peter knows Terry Venables and I think he has been talking to him for quite a while.

"Peter probably met him through golfing in Spain, I don't know.

"We pull his leg a lot in the pub about the Burnley managerial situation.

"I think Venables wants to become involved in football again in his own right this summer. "I also understand that the other man wanting to buy the club (Ray Ingleby) was also interested in Venables."

Lawyers were today still trying to tie up the lose ends of Shackleton's £12 million takeover package so that money could be released into the football club's account.

And businessman Coxon believes Shackleton has big plans for the future at Turf Moor.

He added: "Peter is very much a dreamer, but that may be a bit unfair.

"I think he wants to create an ethos around Burnley Football Club that will be respected throughout football.

"He wants to make it a centre of excellence and has certain strong beliefs.

"Peter is not happy with some of the reward systems for players and always had a similar view in education.

"He was involved in payment based on effort and attitude and he is happy to pay more for quality.

"But I do not really know his dealings at Burnley and I am not involved.

"I am happy for him because he is such an idiot Burnley fan."

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