CHRIS Waddle today appointed Clive Middlemass as Burnley's new Youth Development Officer at Turf Moor.

Middlemass takes charge of the Burnley Centre of Excellence immediately and will relinquish his role as chief scout.

Waddle explained: "There has been a great tradition at Burnley for producing their own youth players over the years and hopefully we can bring that back.

"We believe Clive Middlemass' appointment will help nurture and develop the young players already at the club.

"We've seen the likes of Paul Weller, Chris Brass and Paul Smith break into the first team picture and we want to see others coming through."

Middlemass is a vastly experienced coach and joined the Turf Moor staff as assistant to Jimmy Mullen.

He replaced the long serving Brian Miller as chief scout last year and has twice taken charge as Turf Moor caretaker-manager, his most recent stint following Adrian Heath's departure to Everton in June.

Meanwhile, Burnley fielded ex-Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Tony Parkes in last night's massive 7-0 reserve team victory at UniBond League side Harrogate Town. Parkes is on trial at Turf Moor and could feature in tomorrow's fixture against Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground, 7.30pm.

Waddle added: "We've a shortage of goalkeepers after young Craig Mawson broke his wrist so we need some extra cover.

"Tony is a very experienced goalkeeper who I know from my time at Spurs.

"He is without a club at present and he will probably play a few reserve games with us.

"There is a possibility that we might offer him a one year contract."

New coach Gordon Cowans, who featured at Wetherby Road, saw striker Andy Cooke score five times with Glen Little and Paul Weller also netting.

Colin Carr-Lawton, defender Chris Brass and midfielder Nigel Gleghorn also played at Harrogate.

Meanwhile, Waddle was continuing his search for extra firepower today with the clock ticking towards Saturday's big kick-off at Watford.

"Ideally I would like to have two new signings in before Saturday, one a forward, but it remains to be seen whether we can get anything sorted out," he added. "We need a third striker at the club and it is important we bring somebody in in the near future."

Former Blackburn Rovers defender Nicky Reid has signed a two-year contract to become player-manager of League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers. He succeeds ex-Burnley boss Jimmy Mullen, who resigned last month.

Burnley Supporters Club are running coaches to Watford (Aug 9), Lincoln (12) and Southend (23). Contact Dave Spencer on (01282) 435176 or Viscount Central on (01282) 439371.

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