BURNLEY will back Adrian Heath (pictured) with a major summer cash injection to bolster his Second Division squad.
Heath had to cancel his plans for a flying visit to Portugal yesterday after his international target pulled out with a hamstring injury.
He explained: "I hope to go out next week. I've spoken to the player and the club and the deal is still in the melting pot. I'm still hopeful I can bring him in."
But Heath - who will release his retained list tomorrow - is already pursuing 'several avenues' to bring new faces to Turf Moor.
He promised: "I would not put a figure on it but I know I've got considerable money to spend. I know the sort of quality players I want to bring to Turf Moor and it's up to me use it wisely.
"Obviously, the money which is available to me is not an never-ending pot of money, like some other clubs. But there is enough at my disposal if we use it properly at this level." Heath is still trying to agree personal terms with Barnsley defender Charlie Bishop. Burnley thrashed out an £80,000 fee with the First Division side last week. He has spent the weekend trying to tie up the deal.
"We are pretty close and, hopefully, Charlie will put pen to paper on a contract this week," said Heath.
Heath was 'reasonably pleased' with the 2-1 win over Shrewsbury Town as Burnley signed off with victory at Turf Moor on the final Saturday of the season.
He added: "I was pleased with the win, although I didn't consider it a great performance.
"We started quite brightly and then got a bit bitty as the game progressed.
"I was very disappointed that we gave away such a sloppy goal. But our winning goal was a very good one.
"But the main thing was that we won the game and managed to get three points in front of our own fans.
"We've got the nucleus, I believe, of half a side here. We will build it up gradually. It could be a busy few months."
Burnley's first team squad report for duty for the final time tomorrow before they begin their summer holiday. They will report back for pre-season training in the middle of July.
Peter Swan (back) and David Eyres (ankle) were both under treatment today for injuries picked up in the victory over Shrewsbury.
Burnley are guaranteed at least two big Lancashire derbies next season after Preston North End were crowned Division Three champions and Bury were promoted alongside them. Blackpool will be forced to try and gain promotion via the play-offs after Oxford United clinched automatic promotion with a 4-0 win over Peterborough United.
Burnley's B team completed their Lancashire League fixtures with a narrow 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Gawthorpe. The Clarets scorers were Ian Duerden and Gareth West.
Burnley have finished in 17th place in Division Two.
Rossendale Clarets stage their end of season party at the Rose and Bowl tonight. Tickets are £10.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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