THE flow of information from Turf Moor dried up this week as Burnley began their search for a new manager.

Speculation began on who the new boss could be - but the club was staying tight lipped on the moves taking place behind closed doors.

Supporters' groups, fearing a 1980s-style disaster for the Clarets, pleaded for a chance to talk to the directors.

But yesterday (Wednesday) the club would only say there had been no developments in filling the manager's position - no news of a replacement for Adrian Heath was anticipated.

In the meantime, Clive Middlemass has been installed as caretaker coach, just as he was when Jimmy Mullen parted company with the Clarets last year.

The bookies have installed Lou Macari as the favourite to get the job, even though the former Stoke boss is thought to be unwilling to take up a position until after he has settled a forthcoming court case in Scotland.

Brian Flynn, perhaps significantly, has not ruled himself out. He has an agreement with Wrexham which permits him to talk to other clubs. But Stan Ternent, who, like Flynn, lives in Burnley, has signalled that he is happy to stay at newly promoted Bury.

Other possibilities include John Ward, Trevor Steven or, more fancifully, Chris Waddle or Joe Royle.

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