Playing it safe

The Turf Moor player-manager has made a conscious decision to limit his appearances on the field as he plans his future Burnley strategy.

Heath explained: "I would think my playing ability will be a supplement rather than an attribute to the team.

"Once I am fit there could be a possibility of me coming on as substitute or, if I feel my experience would benefit a particular situation, to play a bit part in a certain match.

"If I felt my experience would be vital to the side then I would play myself. But, in the long-term, my name will not be on the teamsheet. I am looking for other players to break in."

He added: "Football management is not the easiest profession in the world, without the added burden of playing and preparing for a game and worrying about my own personal performance."

Heath will make his managerial bow in front of an expectant Burnley crowd against Swindon Town tomorrow. He is already guaranteed a rousing reception from the Turf Moor faithful.

Clearly, though, he has relished every minute of his first week in charge at Turf Moor since a dramatic appointment on March 7.

"Somebody asked me last week: 'Are you afraid of anything?' I told them my only fear is letting people down.

"I don't want to let Burnley people down and I am determined that will not happen.

"That's why I will do everything in my power to bring success to Burnley.

"The supporters can be rest assured of that.

"I think god was smiling on me last week.

"I got the job that I always wanted.

"I got the son that I always wanted. "I can't ask for much more than that. The last seven days were the best of my life.

"When I left for Sheffield United before Christmas I never thought I'd be here again in terms of involvement with Burnley. But here I am as manager. It is a dream come true.

"It was a strange experience at Bristol City. It was my first time on the bench as a manager and I was kicking every kick and playing every pass. You think the clock has stopped. It is a lot easier when you are playing.

"I am loving every second of this job. I'm up at 6.45am and I'm on the road for 7.30 to Burnley. I've enjoyed every second of it."

Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Blackpool leaves Burnley 14 points adrift of a play-off berth and Heath is already planning long-term for next season.

With several of the first team squad out of contract that could signal the growing possibility of wholesale changes at Turf Moor over the summer months.

But the Turf Moor boss will review, act and adjudicate. His first seven days in charge has proved a personal triumph. Heath has worked tirelessly to foster relations with the local media and he exudes confidence to his staff.

The long-suffering fans, sick to the back teeth of boardroom bickering, have welcomed his appointment with open arms.

But his mission at Burnley is a long-term venture. He will want to import his own players and stamp his own authority on the post. "Everybody will be given a chance to prove themselves but I will be bringing in new players, as I've already indicated," added Heath.

"Before I go into the transfer market I want to know that any new buy is going to improve the team week in and week out.

"People have been guilty of that before, knowing that they've got money to spend and then end up buying players that are no better than what they've already got. I think that would be wrong of me. That is why we have to be careful.

"There is money available. The chairman has said to me that if you want money to bring people in, either on loan or to buy, then that's up to you. He will back me-as he has done with previous managers.

"Basically, though, we need to strengthen the squad. If I can do that by bringing in quality players then, make no mistake, I will do it."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.