TERRY Pashley is set for an extended spell in caretaker charge of Burnley, with the Clarets unlikely to have their new manager in place in time for Saturday’s trip to Cardiff City.

John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick had hoped to announce their first appointment as joint chairmen ahead of the game at the Cardiff City Stadium.

But the identity of Eddie Howe’s successor remains a mystery, with the duo still interviewing yesterday.

Falkirk manager Steven Pressley and former Watford boss Sean Dyche were thought to be favoured by the Clarets chiefs, but it is understood they had been unable to agree in full on one stand-out can-didate.

Speculation that Ian Holloway’s future at Blackpool is in doubt could yet provide an interesting sub-plot.

Although Turf Moor would seem the least likely destination for the 49-year-old out of all the current managerial vacancies, which increased to five in the last two days with Crystal Palace and Ipswich added to the north west trio of Burnley, Bolton and Blackburn – it is still a feasible option.

And it is believed the Clarets board would be keen to hold talks with Holloway, who guided Blackpool to promotion to the Premier League in 2010 and to another play-off finish last season.

St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas could also still be in the running.

The search for Howe’s replacement looked set to be nearing a conclusion last weekend.

But two wins out of two for Pashley, at home to Blackpool last Saturday and at Bristol City in stoppage time on Tuesday night – Burnley’s first back-to-back league wins this season – have eased the pressure on the board to make a swift appointment.

Pashley looks set to have his chance to maintain a 100 per cent record in temporary charge against second placed Cardiff, who have yet to drop a point at home.

But he remains reticent to throw his hat into the ring for the job long-term.

“Nothing has changed,” he said. “We will see what Friday brings.

“If we end up going down to Cardiff, we will go down to Cardiff, and we will go there in fine fettle.”

Of his successful caretaker spell so far, Pashley added: “It’s brilliant. They are a great bunch of lads, they are good to work with and give everything they’ve got.”

Pashley was forced into a pre-match change ahead of the Bristol City game after Ross Wallace suffered a hamstring problem in the warm-up.

The winger will be assessed today and tomorrow to see if he recovers in time to be involved again at the weekend.

The Clarets will be forced into at least one change though, with left back Ben Mee suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season at Ashton Gate.

Loanee Joseph Mills is expected to come back into the side to replace him.