JOE Royle is the Burnley supporters' choice to be Turf Moor's new manager - by a mile, writes PETER WHITE.

In our exclusive telephone poll, the former Everton and Oldham boss received more than 75 per cent of the votes, with hundreds of Burnley fans naming him as the man they want in charge.

And I understand that the club did indeed put out feelers to find out Royle's situation since leaving Everton. But his compensation deal with his former club could mean that Royle will be unavailable for some time and that might well prevent Burnley making him their number one choice.

There have been conflicting reports, with Merseyside sources claiming that Royle is looking to get back into the game at the start of the coming season.

But the financial aspects of his departure from Goodison may prove a stumbling block.

Royle totally dominated our poll, with Stan Ternent and Brian Flynn the most popular of the other contenders, though receiving only a fraction of the total votes.

Other names put forward by the fans were: Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, Ray Wilkins, Ian Rush, Bruce Rioch, Dave Merrington, John Ward and Billy Hamilton.

Flynn is believed to be on a potential short-list and has refused to rule himself out, as we exclusively revealed.

And, despite reports to the contrary, don't write off Ternent either. Terry Robinson, the Bury chairman, is shrugging off reports of Burnley interest but I have little doubt that, if he was offered the job, he would jump at the chance.

Ternent himself today rebuked reports he had "snubbed" the Burnley job.

He said: "I would like to make it clear to the fans that under no circumstances would I ever snub Burnley Football Club.

"I have not spoken to any section of the media about the Burnley job so I don't know where these stories have come from.

"It is very difficult to snub anyone when you have not even been approached by them."

Rumours linking Notts County manager Sam Allardyce with the post appear to be unfounded, while Waddle, whose name has been talked about by the fans, is looking at the possibility of succeeding Howard Kendall at Bramall Lane.

Waddle has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant Sheffield United job but will only go as the Bramall Lane number one which could leave the door open for Burnley if that isn't possible.

The former England international is keen to succeed Kendall and the Blades are eager for him to play some part in their immediate future.

Waddle, 36, said: "I have said all along when a job came along I'd be interested.

"I'm in a position where I can continue playing. In my own mind I have my own management team who I'd like to work with sorted out."

Waddle's comments appear to have ruled him out taking a coaching role under caretaker boss Nigel Spackman although he added: "I'll speak to anyone."

Another potential candidate, Trevor Steven, is set to sign for Hearts on a pay-as-you-play basis.

Burnley, who have put chief scout Clive Middlemass in temporary charge, hope to make an early appointment, acknowledging the timing is important but also knowing they must find the right man.

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