ADRIAN Heath made an emotional return to Goodison Park today and left shellshocked Burnley searching for a new manager.

And the former Turf Moor boss admitted: "Leaving Burnley was the hardest decision of my life."

Heath was officially named the new Everton number two to Howard Kendall when he was unveiled at a noon press conference at Goodison Park. That leaves Burnley in the market for a new manager and assistant just 42 days before the start of the Second Division campaign.

Heath said: "I am delighted to be coming back, I have so many happy memories of Everton.

"I was enjoying being my own man at Burnley and the people there were magnificent to me.

"There were clubs in the Premier League that I wouldn't have ever considered leaving Turf Moor for.

"But the lure of Everton proved just too strong. In the end it was an opportunity I just could not turn down.

"There was the deep emotional pull of Everton where I spent the eight happiest years of my life and also the chance to work with my mentor, Howard Kendall, again.

"In terms of man management and putting a team together I don't think there's anyone better than Howard.

"I did not make the decision to join Everton until just before the press conference and I think that tells people how difficult the decision proved for me.

"I had spent a sleepless night thinking about Burnley and all those fantastic fans.

"I've such tremendous feeling for Burnley and that will always remain with me for the rest of my life.

"In fact, leaving Burnley was the hardest decision I've ever had to make. "But the dream of bringing the glory years back to Everton and helping Howard to achieve it was just too overwhelming for me to turn down.

"I was proud to be part of that Everton side of the 80s.

"It was probably the best team in their history and I'm going to work for one of the biggest clubs in Britain."

Heath has agreed a three-year deal with the Premiership giants. Now Burnley will seek compensation from Everton for the remainder of Heath's contract which still has a year to run.

Bury's Stan Ternent, who is out of contract and lives in Burnley, is bound to be considered for the job.

And Port Vale's John Rudge, also out of contract, is in the frame.

Heath added: "I had to think about the overall security for my wife and family.

"I've twelve months of my contract left at Burnley, but the way football is these days then who is to say that I wouldn't be out of a job at Burnley by Christmas.

"You have to think about these things and I'm sure every Burnley fan with a family will understand my decision.

"I'd just like to thank the fans for everything over the past 15 months and I wish Burnley every success."

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