Turf Moor expert Tony Garner applauds the Burnley board for their daring Chris Waddle swoop

CHRIS Waddle, manager of Burnley. I can hardly believe it.

The former England ace brings big name glamour and flair back to a footballing outpost of East Lancashire that has longed for a return to the high life.

Waddle is one of the most experienced players of the last two decades-a household name, a face in the media-but that is just a part of his charm.

The icing on the cake for Clarets fans is that Waddle is a player touched by genius and if he can bring an ounce of that sort of magical talent to his job as manager, Burnley will be flying.

It's a marvellous fillip for the Turf Moor faithful and comes at a time when their spirits really needed boosting.

Adrian Heath's departure had left many with a sour taste.

Heath was something of a folk hero.

But a week is a long time in football and Waddle will wipe away the memory of the Heath era with one smile.

Obviously his appointment won't please everyone, this is football we are talking about, but it is bound to be popular. This coup rockets Burnley back into the headlines and Waddle will be aiming to keep the club there.

He's 1993 Player of the Year, a European Cup Final appearance for Marseille, not to mention 62 England caps and six goals. What more is there it say?

The only thing missing on Waddle's glittering CV is management experience.

So yes, his appointment represents something of a gamble by the Burnley board. (That in itself is refreshing).

But it is a gamble for the player-boss too.

He could have waited for a Premier League opening, for one would surely have come his way. He's turned down First Division West Brom and resisted overtures from Sheffield United.

His appointment clearly doesn't guarantee success (the list of big name players who turned flop managers is endless) but the Waddle name will clearly be a factor when transfer dealings are being made.

He's certain to be able to attract talent.

Therein lies the big question. Waddle will clearly have been told what sort of budget he has to deal with and at Turf Moor it has traditionally been limited.

That will provide a stern test of his management skills.

It might even be fatally frustrating.

But Waddle will also make Burnley an increasingly more attractive proposition to outside investors - but that's another story.

After the dust has settled only time will tell how successful the former sausage-maker, who was spotted by starring for non-League Tow Law Town, will be.

I for one can only applaud such an imaginative and ambitious coup.

In football, as in life, it pays to take your chances.

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