BURNLEY will open new contract talks with Gary Parkinson next week.

The Clarets wing-back has spent the season on a week-to-week contract but now Burnley are ready to offer him a new and improved two-year deal as Adrian Heath formulates his programme for the 1997-98 campaign.

Parkinson's form this season was rewarded when he was named in the Professional Footballers' Association Division Two team of the season with David Eyres.

And Heath confirmed: "We will be sitting down with Gary to discuss a new deal because he has earned it through his displays for us this season.

"He has certainly been one of our most consistent performers and has come back strongly after a difficult season the year before."

Parkinson, 29, has made no secret of the fact that he wants to finish his career at Turf Moor. Signed from Bolton Wanderers for £80,000 by Jimmy Mullen in January 1994, he scored the winning goal at Wembley four months later as Burnley sealed promotion to the First Division.

He has missed just four games this season as Burnley forced their way to the brink of a play-off place.

Heath added: "He was recognised be his fellow professionals with the PFA award and that says an awful lot about his form this season." Meanwhile, striker Stephen Guinan has returned to Premiership Nottingham Forest after his loan spell at Turf Moor expired at the weekend.

Guinan made several substitute and reserve team appearances for the Clarets, but was unable to impress the management team.

Adrian Heath will be the guest speaker at the Clarets Independent Supporters' Association meeting at the Centre Spot this Thursday (7.30pm). Fans are welcome to join on the night. Secretary Dave Wynne said: "It should be a very interesting evening. But we would like to stress that that we want the meeting to be constructive and not used to have a go at any particular player or official at the club."

Stockport County sealed the second automatic promotion place back to Division One after a 1-0 win at FA Cup semi-finalists Chesterfield last night. Heath added: "They've had a terrific season and deserve their success."

Burnley's Football in the Community have announced details of their half-term soccer school. The course will be run at Towneley High School and Nelson and Colne College (May 27, 28) and Gawthorpe Training Ground and Worsthorne CP School (May 29, 30). The cost of each course is £10 and runs from 10am to 3pm.

Burnley Reserves are in Pontins League action against Shrewsbury Town at Turf Moor tomorrow (7.15pm).

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