Heath fights the flab

Meticulous Clarets boss Adrian Heath, pictured, had his squad individually weighed before they packed their bags and sun cream for their summer vacation.

And if any of them dare report back to Gawthorpe fighting the flab on July 8 - they face a tough cash sanction.

"I don't expect any players to be overweight when they return, but if they are then they will be fined a pound a pound - simple as that," revealed Heath.

"I made it quite clear when they left at the end of last season what level of fitness I will expect once they return from their summer break.

"The modern-day demands of the game dictate that professionals keep themselves in tip-top condition and I will expect the same from my squad." "The days of players returning to training to their clubs a stone or two overweight are long gone.

"All the players know what the repercussions will be if they return overweight in two weeks time."

Heath also revealed he is planning to evaluate the overall fitness of his squad before the rigours of the new second division campaign.

"I'm exploring the option of taking all the first team squad to a University to test their physical capabilities," he added.

"A number of universities in the area have a programme which offers advice on every aspect of fitness levels.

"There is so much information at hand to improve the physical performance of athletes in comparison to a few years ago. I will be exploring every possible avenue to get my players physically prepared for the big challenge ahead."

Former England international Paul Stewart, who helped Sunderland clinch the first division championship after being snapped up by manager Peter Reid on a free transfer from Liverpool, has signed a two-year contract at Roker Park.

Stewart spent a disastrous two months on loan at Burnley during the 1994-95 campaign.

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