BURNLEY'S Pontin's League side face the threat of relegation from the Second Division next season.

Both Burnley and local rivals Blackburn Rovers were due to attend the Pontin's League annual meeting today, with the future structure of reserve team football the main item on the agenda.

There have been proposals to re-organise the Pontin's League completely and, if they were to go through by the required two-thirds majority, it would mean both clubs playing in a lower division next season.

At the moment, the Pontin's League comprises three divisions, Burnley in Division Two, Rovers in Division One. And Burnley finished low enough in the Second Division to mean they would be allocated a Third Division ranking.

The idea is to slim down the divisions to create four sections, with 13 clubs in each of the top three and 12 in the other.

But, while the Football League - who now run the Pontin's League - said there seemed to be quite a lot of support for the proposals, there was also the likelihood of some opposition to more change at reserve team level.

"There is no doubt that it would be a blow because we've played at quite a high standard of reserve football," said Clarets coach Terry Pashley.

"A further split of the division can be avoided, although that remains to be seen."

Adoption of the new format would mean only 12 home games a season, compared to the present 17.

If the restructuring does take place, there will still be promotion and relegation with two-up, two-down applying throughout the new-look league. Some clubs want to reduce the number of reserve team fixtures, partly because of the added complications caused by injuries and disciplinary points.

Meanwhile, Clarets boss Adrian Heath could open fresh talks with defender Charlie Bishop next week.

I understand the transfer has stalled over Bishop's wage demands.

But the Burnley chief is still hoping some common ground can be found and Bishop will become Heath's first major signing after agreeing a figure of £80,000 with Barnsley a month ago.

"I would love to bring Charlie Bishop to Burnley but he is keeping his options open, and as a lot of players do at this time of the season" explained Heath.

"The deal is far from dead, although if anything is going to happen it will probably be next month now. He is the sort of player I want to bring to Burnley."

Former Middlesbrough and Liverpool striker David Hodgson is set to take over as boss of third division Scarborough.

The ex-Darlington manager, who also played for Sunderland, Norwich and French club Metz and won six England Under-21 caps, has been offered the job and is expected to accept.

Hodgson, who beat off fierce competition from former Clarets boss Jimmy Mullen, John Ward, Neil Webb and Ian Bowyer to succeed Mitch Cook, managed Darlington for the first half of last season before quitting after a bust-up.

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