ADRIAN Heath is being forced to eat his words by his team of Burnley battlers.
Heath's men are clawing their way back to safety following their win over Peterborough.
And today Heath admitted that he has regretted some of the flak he has given his troops. "I know I've been critical of the players at times since I've taken over," he said.
"In fact, I've said one or two things in the heat of the moment that I may have regretted later.
"To be fair to the players I thought their commitment and application was first class against Brighton and Peterborough."
Heath reckons another win should be enough to secure Division Two status.
The Clarets lock horns with league leaders Swindon Town at the County Ground tomorrow.
And Heath knows a shock win at the home of the championship favourites would hand Burnley 50 points - seven clear of Carlisle United and almost out of reach of the relegation pack.
"The win over Peterborough gave us precious breathing space and we must make sure we build on that great result," he said.
"It was a massive relief for everybody connected with Burnley. "Now we've put ourselves in a reasonable position. Our destiny is in our own hands.
"The bottom line is that we may only be a win away from staying in Division Two.
"Carlisle can only reach 55 points, even if they manage to win all their games.
"They've not won four on the bounce all season. It is unlikely they are going to start now."
"But we have to cover every eventuality and make sure we pick up the points we need as soon as possible.
"The players could not have any better incentive than that could they?"
Meanwhile, Jamie Hoyland is ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery last month.
Heath added: "We are definitely looking at next season for Jamie now.
"He is still in the early stages of recovery and is unlikely to play again before the summer."
Burnley have made a U-turn and offered free admission to the North Stand to all existing season ticket holders. The club were planning to charge Endsleigh Stand ticket holders a transfer charge but had a rethink after public outcry in time for the opening for the Bristol Rovers on April 23.
Announcing the U-turn, club chairman Frank Teasdale said: "As a welcoming gesture, all season ticket holders should be given free admission to the new £3.5 million showpiece stand."
The club are also planning an open day for supporters and a sponsors' day at the end of the season to view the new facilities and to "keep everyone up to date with developments at Turf Moor."
Fans wishing to transfer to the North Stand should apply for a ticket before the Bristol Rovers game from the Turf Moor ticket office and exchange the voucher from their season ticket book.
Heath and Swindon Town player-boss Steve McMahon will be studio guests of Sky Televsion for tonight's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The Second Division promotion picture could become clearer tonight with Oxford and Notts County, the teams lying fourth and fifth, meeting at the Manor Ground. Chesterfield, who occupy the final play-off space, are at home to Walsall.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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