SECOND Division play-off hero John Francis and popular striker Nathan Peel are set to leave Turf Moor.

The Burnley stars were handed free transfers today as Adrian Heath made his retained list public.

While there were no major shocks, Francis joins Peel and reserve players Matthew Taylor and Glen Davies as Heath clears the decks for next season.

Winger Ted McMinn - currently playing in Australia - has also now officially left the club.

The Turf Moor chief has also transfer-listed fringe squad members Wayne Dowell, Derek Adams and John Borland.

But Heath has revealed he has offered new two-year deals to goalkeeper Marlon Beresford and utility star Gerry Harrison.

Gary Parkinson (pictured above right), Warren Joyce and Chris Vinnicombe - currently sidelined with a broken ankle - are considering one-year offers.

They are all out of contract this summer. And Heath has opened extensive negotiations with all four players.

Paul Weller - who scored his first senior goal in the 2-1 win over Shrewsbury on Saturday - was rewarded with a two-year contract.

And promising winger Paul Smith will have his remaining 12 month contract extended to a two-year deal.

Heath explained: "I've got to plan long term for Burnley now. I see this as the first step forward. The time has come to bring change to the club. "I want to strengthen the club in all departments and I believe I have to make room for a number of fresh faces now.

"John Francis and Nathan Peel have served the club well but they've both had their problems with bad injuries.

"I've offered new deals to several players and they will be considering the respective offers over the next few days."

News that Francis and Peel are to be released will leave both players searching for a league club in time for next season.

Both men have fought a constant battle against injury over the past year and, subsequently, their first team opportunities dwindled last season.

Francis's two goals at Plymouth Argyle in the second leg of the 1994 play-off final booked the Clarets their Wembley final against Stockport which led to promotion to Division One.

But injury problems have dogged Francis since Wembley and he has only appeared in a handful of games in the past couple of years - despite a brave fightback from a career-threatening knee injury.

Peel has also fought tooth and nail against a series of injury setbacks.

He has had loan spells at Mansfield, Rotherham and Doncaster Rovers. His release will be sure to alert those clubs.

The Clitheroe-based striker was signed by Jimmy Mullen from Sheffield United in September 1993 for a £60,000 fee.

There is speculation today that Alan Harper could be offered a coaching post on the Turf Moor staff.

Harper - whose contract expires this summer - ran the Clarets' youth side for a month after Terry Pashley was appointed as a temporary assistant to Clive Middlemass following the sacking of Jimmy Mullen.

Heath added: "That position will be resolved shortly."

Burnley have offered full professional terms to Ian Duerden, Phil Eastwood, Gareth West and James Webster.

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