GRAHAM Alexander may have moved less than 22 miles to join Burnley, but Clarets boss Steve Cotterill insists it has been a big upheaval for the Scotland international.

Alexander has spent eight seasons at Preston North End, where he made 403 appearances and was named captain in 2006.

He is the first player to join Burnley from Preston since Steve Taylor arrived for his second spell at Turf Moor in August 1987.

As Alexander said his farewells to colleagues and friends at Deepdale, where he had a year remaining on his contract, Cotterill revealed it was an emotional time for the 35-year-old.

"I think it's quite traumatic for him (leaving Preston)," the Burnley boss said.

"He's had a great time there, been a great servant, and I know saying his goodbyes was very difficult for him.

"But he's doing what good pros do, delivering presents and flowers and that says something about the man.

"Doing business with your local rivals is always difficult, but not on a one-to-one basis.

"I spoke to Paul Simpson, we had a very amenable, amicable chat, and I've spoken to Derek Shaw, who I get on very well with.

"We've done our business right. We've done everything we feel possible and above board to get Graham to join us.

"Contract negotiations were done in about 30 seconds.

"He isn't a money-orientated lad, I think it is about football.

"We're very pleased to have him, we'd have loved to have had him five or 10 years ago, but we've got him now and we're looking forward to having an excellent professional and leader in our camp.

"I'm sure the Burnley fans will take to him straight away. He's a good player."