ALAN Harper could be Adrian Heath's first backroom appointment at Turf Moor, writes TONY DEWHURST.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph can reveal that Harper will be asked to link up with coach Terry Pashley as part of the Turf Moor youth scheme next season.

Player-chief Heath has spoken at length with Harper and the ex-Everton and Manchester City man is expected to agree terms when he returns from holiday-likely to be a two-year deal.

Heath is currently mapping out his backroom strategy and is expected to appoint a new assistant manager before Burnley's first team squad report for pre-season training next month.

I understand current number two Clive Middlemass has been offered a post within the club - possibly in a Director of Football capacity.

Heath, whose first task after taking over at Turf Moor in March was to appoint Middlemass as his number two, clearly values his great experience in the game and wants to retain his services at Burnley if possible.

Reserve team coach Harry Wilson and youth team supremo Pashley are expected to continue in their current roles. I can reveal Heath has three people in mind for the assistant role - all outside appointments.

And, while Mansfield Town manager Andy King has been linked to the job, Heath has spoken to at least two other candidates.

Meanwhile, Burnley target Darren Beckford has told Oldham Athletic he would rather quit than accept their pay-as-you-play offer.

The 29-year-old striker is now available to move from Boundary Park without a fee being involved, since Oldham's offer does not match his previous contract - and that has alerted Burnley.

Clarets midfielder Warren Joyce has spent the weekend discussing a move to an un-named Third Division club.

As we revealed on Saturday, Joyce and manager Adrian Heath have held discussions with the club.

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