BURNLEY director Bob Blakeborough today made a New Year plea to the Turf Moor board: "Let's stop the war."

Basil Dearing's shock decision to quit the six-man Turf Moor board has sent shock waves through the club.

Now Blakeborough (pictured right) has implored his fellow board members to show a united front and to make a fresh bid to solve the boardroom hostilities.

"As fas as I'm concerned I think it is imperative that we all pull together for the good of Burnley Football Club," said Blakeborough.

"We need to present a united front. There is just no point in having a war."

Dearing resigned at the 98th Annual General Meeting after he claimed he could no longer work with fellow director Clive Holt.

Dearing claimed that Mr Holt concealed the letter he had sent out to 20 small shareholders offering to scoop up their shares for himself at above the premium rate.

The current situation leaves the board completely split. Clive Holt will make a decision next month over his future at the club. "I am very, very sad to see Basil Dearing go, but that is his decision," added Blakeborough.

"I believe it is totally unfair to put pressure on Clive Holt until we have heard his side of the story."

"Clive shouldn't be judged until we have heard the full story. He will make his announcement in due course.

"As far as I'm concerned, I can work with both of them very easily. They have both contributed a lot to Burnley and I have enjoyed an amicable relationship with both men."

A second director, Bernard Rothwell, declined to commenton revelations he was considering his future at Turf Moor.

Chairman Frank Teasdale has already stated that he felt it would be difficult for Holt to remain on the board following Saturday's stormy meeting.

But Holt said: "I am taking advice. But my side of my story has yet to be heard."

Adrian Randall's debut for York City will be delayed until Monday after their game against Bournemouth was postponed due to a frozen pitch at Bootham Crescent. Randall became York's record signing yesterday when he signed in a £140,000 deal from Turf Moor.

Former Burnley loan signing Paul Stewart will be allowed to leave Anfield after being told that he has no future with the Premiership club.

Manager Roy Evans is writing off almost £4 million worth of international talent with Jan Molby and Mark Walters joining Stewart.

"We will be offering them free transfers for their benefit in the hope that they can get themselves clubs before the end of the season," said Evans.

Stewart, who spent two months at Turf Moor last season, has played only 32 games at Anfield since signing from Tottenham Hotspur for £2. 2 million.

He has been on loan to Crystal Palace, Wolves, Burnley and was recently linked with his first club Blackpool.

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