BURNLEY will kick-off their Nationwide Second Division campaign with a tricky assignment at Watford on August 9.

The Clarets concluded last season with a thumping 4-1 win over Elton John's club at Turf Moor and manager Adrian Heath said: "It is a really tough one for us.

"But we went down to Luton Town on the first day of last season and made a brilliant start. We can do it again at Watford.

"Watford, like us, only just missed out on a play-off spot and it should be a cracking encounter."

Gillingham will be the first visitors to Turf Moor on August 16 with a long distance trip to Southend United following a week later.

It will be a busy August for Burnley with the opening two legs of the Coca-Cola Cup also due to be played. The draw is scheduled to take place this week.

Burnley fans can look forward to two tasty Lancashire derbies in September when Preston North End and Oldham Athletic both visit Turf Moor.

Christmas fixtures have again fallen kindly for the Clarets. Chesterfield visit Turf Moor on Boxing Day while the Clarets face Oldham at Boundary Park on Sunday, December 28. There are no games on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, Burnley's two new faces have sparked a mini season ticket boom at Turf Moor.

The double capture of MVV Maastricht stopper Marco Gentile and Sheffield United's Mark Patterson have given season ticket sales a major boost.

And Burnley are hoping that demand increases further as the Clarets line up more signings.

Secretary John Howarth said: "We've had a cracking response from the two signings and tickets are selling quite well.

"The two new players have definitely sparked a lot of interest and we are pleased with the sales."

Heath returned from holiday today and got straight back down to business - with a goalkeeper and a right-sided defender top of his shopping list.

"We've a number of targets under review and we are working very hard to bring them in," explained the manager.

"The transfer market will definitely start to pick up now with players and managers returning from holiday.

"We've one or two very strong leads and I am not ruling out a signing this week."

But Heath has denied any approach for Bradford City's out-of-contract goalkeeper Aidan Davison or reports that Marlon Beresford could be on the move to First Division Huddersfield Town.

Heath added: "There is nothing in either rumours. We've not a heard a thing from Huddersfield and Davison is not in our thoughts."

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