BURNLEY have launched the search for a new assistant manager as Turf Moor number two Colin Harvey was expected to join Everton today.

Harvey has been appointed Everton's new youth team supremo responsible for grooming Premiership stars of the future at the Goodison Park Centre of Excellence.

The Clarets assistant verbally agreed to the move this morning after meeting Everton officials in Southport and is on the verge of signing a five-year deal.

Harvey was only appointed as assistant manager at Turf Moor in April following the departure of John Ward to Bristol City.

Now Burnley manager Adrian Heath will move swiftly to make a new appointment before pre-season training begins in the first week of July. I can reveal he has already spoken to one possible target.

Heath said: "Everton is Colin's club and he just could not turn down the deal they have offered him.

"We had a big chat about things last night and I know he is very sad to leave us. But the managerial game is a very precarious one and Everton have given him tremendous security.

"I spent seven and a half years there as player and Everton is the sort of club that gets under your skin. "Everton has always played a significant role in Colin's life and I can understand his position fully."

News of Harvey's impending departure will not arrive as a complete surprise to Burnley fans.

Everton chairman Peter Johnson admitted that the former Everton boss was high on his agenda this summer and, of course, Harvey will have found the emotional pull of Everton impossible to resist.

Although Everton still have to appoint a new manager three months after parting company with Joe Royle-Andy Gray and Howard Kendall are the latest names to be linked-Harvey's post will not be compromised by a future appointment.

An Everton source said: "Colin Harvey is an Everton legend and still very highly regarded at Goodison Park.

"He is also a very fine coach. It is irrelevant who comes in as the new manager because the chairman has made the appointment and Colin's position would be totally safe."

Harvey has served Everton in various capacities over the years as a player, coach and manager.

He played for Everton from 1963 to 1974 and later coached the club before managing the Blues from 1987 to 1990.

Burnley Reserves have confirmed two pre-season fixtures. The Clarets second string go to Harrogate Town on August 4 and then face Accrington Stanley at the Crown Ground on August 6. Both games have 7.30pm kick-offs.

Bury manager Stan Ternent has completed the signing of central defender Brian Linigan from Premiership Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer. The 23-year-old was on a free transfer and has agreed a three year deal with The Shakers.

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