GARY Parkinson wants to retire from football wearing the famous claret and blue.

And the Clarets right-back is determined to convince manager Adrian Heath to hand him an extended Turf Moor contract.

Parkinson is working on a week-to week contract after his two-year deal expired last summer.

The defender said: "I've had two and a half very happy years at Turf Moor and I'd like to think I could end my career at Burnley.

"I'm only 28, and probably reaching my prime as a footballer, but I know, deep down, that Burnley fans have not seen the best of me.

"I can't hide the fact that I was disappointed when I wasn't offered a new deal by the club. I'm on a week-to-week contract and it's up to me to play well enough for the manager to offer me a better deal.

"I've proved myself playing at a higher grade of football at places like Middlesbrough and Bolton.

"Last season wasn't the best for me. Morale was low at the club and I went through the season with a troublesome hamstring." But Parkinson admits he has had a new lease of life playing in the right sided wing-back role.

"The manager has come in with fresh ideas and his approach to the game suits my game. I like to get forward and attack.

"The new assistant, John Ward, is also a great communicator. His influence has helped everybody.

"But, most of all, I feel my confidence has returned this season and I'm playing with a lot of purpose.

"I'd like to thin that I could chip in with three or four goals. David Eyres has done the same on the other side and I don't see any reason why we I can't chip in."

Parkinson played a crucial part in the inspiring 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday.

He added: "I really do think we've got the best all-round squad in Division Two. Nobody has really turned us over. If we play to our potential then there's no reason why we shouldn't go up this time.

"It was more than a relief to get the win at Bristol because it's just not happened for us away from home.

"But we won that game with style and showed just what we are capable of.

"I don't think there is a better striking partnership than Kurt Nogan and Paul Barnes in the division.

"They are really starting to forge an understanding now and they are both very good players in their own rights.

"We are all really determined to have a real go at promotion this time. Starting against Bournemouth tomorrow we've got to be looking at taking maximum points from our next three games."

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