PETE OLIVER analyses the main contenders for the vacant Turf Moor manager's post

"THERE IS no more important appointment than the new manager."

Those were the words of Burnley chairman Frank Teasdale in the aftermath of Chris Waddle's sudden departure from Turf Moor last week.

And that being the case, one of the last decisions of the current board will be one of their most crucial.

A year ago they were hailed as having made an inspired choice in drawing Chris Waddle into the world of management.

No doubt the board would like the same plaudits this summer.

But the bottom line is not how good the next manager looks on paper, it's whether or not he can deliver the goods.

Naturally that's not lost on the Clarets board who have insisted that a proven track record at Burnley's current level is the key.

And so it should be.

For while I believe Chris Waddle's side had turned the corner and was destined for better things, it's equally true that playing at the top level of the game does not necessarily prepare someone for the day-in, day-out slog of Second Division management. The potential new managers likely to be under the closest scrutiny are therefore those that have done it the hard way, learned their trade at the bottom and come up smelling of roses.

To those out of work or with ambitions of progressing further up the managerial ladder, then Burnley must be an attractive proposition.

Home support of almost 17,000 for the final day salvation against Plymouth enforced the view that the Turf Moor club is currently one of the game's great under-achievers.

The man that awakens the slumber will be duly acclaimed but, just as importantly, the new manager will know that Burnley have the capability at the very least to establish themselves as a First Division club.

And, if the untold riches the fans are promised by the men pushing a takeover duly unfold, then who knows what can be achieved?

That's for the future though. More pressing problems concern turning a side that avoided the drop into the Football League basement only because another club didn't win their last game into a promotion-chasing outfit.

Inevitably new faces will follow a new manager and the summer recruitment will be crucial in shaping Burnley's fortunes for the 1998/99 campaign.

Bringing the best out of the current squad - and making sure young players like Paul Weller stay at the club - will also be vital with a goals against record of 65 one of the first areas likely to be addressed. Burnley looked to be well served up front and the return of John Mullin could well stay on the agenda if Stan Ternent gets the nod.

However, for Andy Cooke's long-term future to be at Turf Moor, the new regime must start off on a positive note.

And Glen Little will also be looking for evidence that his value is recognised as he mulls over a new three-year deal.

There's a massive job to do but the challenge is there for the right man to take a big club back to a bigger stage.

The board's job is to choose the right man. Here are a few of the options - and their pros and cons:

STAN TERNENT

FOR: Extensive coaching and management experience. Has taken Bury from the Third Division to the First. Gets the best out of players at his disposal. Lives in Burnley, knows what the club is all about and is familiar with the playing strengths of the club. Readily available and thought to be keen on the job.

AGAINST: Reputation for long ball game in early days at Bury but to counter that he had cut his cloth accordingly, maximised his players' strengths and has results to prove it.

SAM ALLARDYCE

FOR: Has previously taken a club (Blackpool) into the Second Division play-offs and has just led Notts County to a run-away Third Division title triumph. Knows the bottom divisions inside out and knows what it takes to succeed. AGAINST: Is under contract at Notts County and may want to finish the job he's started after turning round a relegation the previous season.

BRIAN FLYNN

FOR: Former Burnley favourite as a player, Flynn lives in the town. Has transformed Wrexham from Third Division strugglers to Second Division play-off challengers with slender resources. Excellent knowledge of the division.

AGAINST: Already in a job. Hasn't quite taken Wrexham the final step to promotion but on resources has done as well as any.

SAMMY McILROY

FOR: Worked wonders at Macclesfield after winning promotion to the Second Division on a shoestring at the first attempt. Fostered superb team spirit and maximised players' potential. Tipped to go on to better things.

AGAINST: Yet to have the chance of proving himself at Second Division level.

NEIL WARNOCK

FOR: Track record speaks for itself. Won five promotions and knows what it takes to get a side out of any division. Excellent public relations. AGAINST: Hasn't stayed long at recent clubs to take the team's development further.

DAVE MERRINGTON

FOR: Former Burnley player with vast coaching and management experience. Runs a tight ship and keen to do things 'the Burnley way' from top to bottom. While at Southampton helped develop Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier.

AGAINST: Hasn't managed at Second Division level but as Wolves chief scout has seen a number of games this year.

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