PAUL Fletcher has made a dramatic return to Burnley.

The former striker has been appointed Development Director for the new stadium redevelopment at Turf Moor. He will begin his new role on a two-year contract on January 1, 2008.

Fletcher, who made over 400 appearances for the Clarets after joining from his home town club Bolton Wanderers in 1970 for a then club record £66,000, said: "Fairytales don't often happen in football, but I'm now in a position to take up one of my lifetime's ambitions in rejoining Burnley Football Club.

"More than anything it will allow me to pay back a great debt to a club that provided me with the understanding of a teamwork' ethos that has guided me through 30 years of business success.

"I have always been impressed by Barry Kilby's chairmanship of the club and once I met Brendan (Flood) and saw his ambitious new stand proposals and his passion for the club, I realised I could use my experience to help the club move forward.

"I am as excited about this challenge as I was in 1970 when I first joined the Clarets".

Burnley operational director Brendan Flood said: "After all these years it is fantastic to welcome Paul back.

"Over the next two years, he will help us immensely with the stadium development and also harmonise the existing commercial operation with the new plans to give us a higher level of service and expertise within the business.

"In particular, that focus will be weighted towards stadium development and facilities."

Flood added: "Paul has gained FROM BACK PAGE vast experience in the construction of the stadiums at Huddersfield, Bolton, Coventry and, of course, the new Wembley.

"That makes his knowledge extremely valuable. Paul will quickly fault find at Turf Moor and I think that will make sure we get as unique a design as we can achieve and also create sustainable facilities and not invest in the wrong areas.

"Paul has all that knowledge to bring to the table and I look forward to working alongside him over the next two years as we look to bring our plans to fruition."

Now back at Turf Moor, Fletcher will also combine his duties as an ambassador for the club in the hope of attracting young players.

Flood added: "I believe Paul can also help us on the youth side because his skills as an ambassador in football and his knowledge of the game will gain recognition locally.

"He can be a great calling card for the club and we aim to focus his name towards introducing more young players to the club and hopefully encourage more parents to commit their children to playing for Burnley."

Fletcher added: "If there is one club in the country that has built its foundation on youth development, its Burnley.

"It will be both a joy and massive responsibility to become involved in this important role in parallel with the challenges a new stadium development brings."