SANDY Stewart has decided to follow new Burnley manager Owen Coyle to East Lancashire and become his number two.

Following Coyle's move to Turf Moor from St Johnstone last week, Stewart, his assistant at McDiarmid Park, stayed behind to help take charge of the Saints for their 3-2 Scottish Challenge Cup final victory over Dunfermline yesterday.

But this morning, Stewart informed St Johnstone that he has decided to accept Coyle's offer of a post with the Clarets.

"It is the hardest decision of my footballing career - particularly after yesterday," said Stewart.

"But in the end, the opportunity to work down south and help Owen and the existing staff to try and take Burnley into the Premiership is just too great.

"Who knows, maybe in two or three years time I'll look back and regret the decision but that is the chance you take and I know that I'll regret it if I don't take the opportunity to try it out."