FORMER Stoke City manager Lou Macari could be an early contender for the vacant Turf Moor post, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The Burnley board of directors got straight down to work last night to discuss a replacement for Adrian Heath following his controversial departure to Everton yesterday as Howard Kendall's number two.

And top of their hit list could be ex-Stoke boss Macari and Potteries rival John Rudge.

The Port Vale boss guided the unfashionable Potteries club to the verge of the First Division Play-Offs last month.

Macari, who boasted an outstanding track record at Stoke and Swindon, is also among the leading candidates. Other names that are sure to be in the equation are Sam Allardyce, Stan Ternent, Brian Flynn, Joe Royle and former Glasgow Rangers and ex-Claret Trevor Steven.

Burnley director Bob Blakeborough observed: "We will be looking to make an appointment in the very near future. The first team squad return for pre-season training on Thursday and it is imperative that we try and make a rapid appointment.

"There are a lot of impressive candidates out of work and some already with clubs. We will be going into action straight away. It is a very pressing matter.

"Obviously, we are very disappointed that Adrian has decided to leave us. But I understand his decision from a personal point of view because of his time at Everton as a player."

Rudge has been refusing to sign a new two year deal at Vale Park since Christmas - but was set to put pen to paper on a deal yesterday afternoon.

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