CLARETS: I'm determined to stick it out at Burnley: Marco

The gifted stopper has suffered a personal torment since arriving from MVV Maastricht in the final days of Adrian Heath's regime last summer.

A week earlier he had turned down the prospect of regular action in the Dutch First Division, campaigning against the likes of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, to wear the claret and blue.

So what has gone wrong?

One senior appearance in a decidedly low-key Coca-Cola Cup tie at Stoke City has convinced Gentile there is now no future for him under the Chris Waddle and Glenn Roeder axis.

"It was always my dream to play football in England and now I wonder whether it was ever meant to be," reflected Gentile.

"I sacrificed a lot leaving Holland and I was so looking forward to playing for Burnley in the Second Division.

"I knew the move was right the first time I set foot inside Turf Moor, but little did I realise how things were going to change for me.

"Mr Waddle has his own thoughts on who he wants to play and I have to respect that.

"He told me he has enough defenders at the club, but it is pretty clear that the manager does not like me.

"I've really thought hard about it and I just cannot understand why I've not had more of a chance to impress him.

"How does he know how I play if he doesn't see me perform in the first team?

"What can I do, though? I have to think about my family and my future.

"My children have settled at school and I've bought a house in Manchester.

"I'm on a good contract at Burnley and I don't see any reason why I should have to move.

"If needs be, I will sit on that contract for the next three years.

"I don't want to play reserve team football until I'm 30 - but I will if I have to.

"I'm quite determined to stick it out at Burnley."

For a footballer once described as Holland's best uncapped defender by Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit, Gentile's plight has already attracted the attentions of several Dutch clubs, but as yet no clubs domestically. His arrival at Turf Moor was a coup for the Clarets, beating off the attentions of several continental clubs.

And while the transfer was technically a free under the Bosman ruling, Gentile is one of the highest wage earners at the club.

"I could go back to Holland because there are a couple of clubs interested - but I don't see why I should," he added.

"I've signed a good contract with Burnley and I want to play for Burnley. That is how I feel."

It is the second time a move to England has ended in misfortune for Gentile.

A move to Leicester City collapsed with the contract on the table. Gentile had even sold his home in the Netherlands.

"That was a great disappointment for me but what has happened so far at Burnley is just as disappointing.

"I pride myself on my professionalism, training hard and keeping up a good level of fitness.

"But watching from the stands every weekend is difficult for me. No footballer likes that.

"My one big wish is to play football in England.

"But unless things change it doesn't look like it is going to be with Burnley."

While Gentile is unlikely to feature against Wrexham at the Racecourse tomorrow, player-manager Waddle has the added option of bringing Lee Howey back into the fray.

The defender missed last weekend's first Division Two success, a 3-1 win over Carlisle United, following his red card at Brentford on September 27.

Waddle, currently in glittering form, is also likely to feature after shaking off a slight knee injury this week.

Waddle turned in a splendid performance last weekend and added: "I'm really enjoying my football and I'd like to think that I'm worth my shirt at the moment.

"As long as I keep playing like the last couple of games then, hopefully, I'll keep my place.

"I do genuinely believe that we are on the right lines but people who want to see perfect football aren't going to get that yet.

"It is going to take time to get to our final destination but I know we can achieve it."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.