MARK Patterson revealed he turned down "an unbelievable deal" to join Burnley.

The latest Clarets capture was set to join Southend United after a successful loan spell at Roots Hall last season.

But when Patterson heard Burnley were tracking him - he was Turf Moor bound!

He explained: "When I went out on loan to Southend United they offered me an unbelievable three-year deal to sign on.

"It was the best contract anybody has offered me in professional football.

"It was a contract offer I had to consider very hard and I had virtually agreed to sign for Southend when I heard about Burnley's interest.

"I sat down with my wife and we talked about the situation and my future. There was only one team I wanted to sign for and that was Burnley.

"I am a Darwen lad and it meant I would not have to move my family and I would be signing for a club with massive potential. "I know all about the passion at Burnley - especially playing for Blackburn Rovers and supporting them as a lad!

"The hard-core support at Burnley is phenomenal and the fans down there are as passionate as at any club in the whole of Lancashire."

Patterson said he had no second thoughts about dropping down to Division Two with Burnley.

He added: "I've worked with Adrian Heath at Sheffield United and I was always impressed with his approach to the game.

"He is a bright bloke with good ideas about the game and he knows what he wants for Burnley.

"He was the one who sold Burnley Football Club to me and I am looking forward to my future at Burnley.

"There seems to be a good buzz about Turf Moor these days and everything is waiting to take off."

Patterson added: "I did a job for Howard Kendall for 18 months and I thought I did it well.

"I've always played my football hard and given 110 per cent and I can assure every Burnley fans that I will do just the same for them."

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