FOOTBALL journeyman Paul Stewart will not be joining Burnley.

I understand Turf Moor interest has cooled dramatically since Stewart was first linked with a move to Burnley a month ago.

Burnley's recent connection with the former England international caused disquiet among the Clarets faithful after they recalled Stewart's disastrous loan spell at Turf Moor.

And that could have proved a telling factor in a decision to look elsewhere.

The 33-year-old Stewart was a top target for Bury but manager Stan Ternent was believed to have been put off by the player's wage demands.

Stewart is actively searching for a club in the North-West of England after he was given a free transfer by Sunderland last month and wants to move closer to his Blackpool home.

He arrived at Turf Moor on loan from Liverpool in February 1995, as the Clarets were in the middle of a run of eight successive league defeats which led to relegation two months later.

His form was a deep disappointment to Burnley fans with Stewart failing to find the net in six league games and landing a red card in a controversial defeat at Barnsley.

Meanwhile, Steve Thompson released by Burnley at the end of last season, has been linked with several clubs with Rochdale, Chester City and Rotherham United reported to be leading the race for the experienced midfielder.

Rochdale, managed by Graham Barrow, are believed to be ready to offer Thompson a player-coach position.

Burnley's fixtures for the Nationwide League Division Two season are expected to be released on Monday with the first round draw of the Coca-Cola Cup following later in the week.

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