BURNLEY have reaped a season-ticket bonanza - thanks to the loyalty of their incredible fans.

Burnley have always adopted a strict policy of never releasing actual season-ticket figures.

But the Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal that sales have broken through the 5,500 barrier - and that means a pre-season cash windfall for the Clarets.

The big rush for season tickets is welcome news for the Burnley board of directors who have a major long-term financial commitment to fund the redevelopment of the stadium to a 22,500 all-seater ground. Chairman Frank Teasdale confirmed: "The number of season-tickets we have sold so far is now approaching 6,000 and we are very pleased the way it is going."

He added: "Burnley fans have responded brilliantly to the new development at Turf Moor. It is great to see the supporters voting with their feet in this way." The season-ticket demand again underlines the loyalty of the long-suffering support at Turf Moor after Burnley boasted an average of over 9,000 last season - beating several first division clubs.

And the continued fan support for the club also reflects the mood of optimism generated by the appointment of new manager Adrian Heath.

He continues to wheel and deal in the transfer market in a bid to strengthen his Turf Moor squad with the new season just seven weeks away.

Heath has several transfer targets under the microscope - including two from Portugal - and is hoping to make further additions to his team before the professionals report back for training at Gawthorpe on July 8.

That means money will also have to be found by the board to fund Heath's future transfer activities as he makes an early bid to launch a strong Clarets promotion drive.

Burnley have confirmed that the kick-off times on their tour to Northern Ireland next month will all be 7.30pm, except the final game against Crusaders, which will have a noon kick-off. July 29: Ards, 30: Glenavon, Aug 1: Glentoran, 2: Crusaders.

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