READ-BASED businessman Chris Duckworth has been voted onto the Burnley board.

Duckworth was appointed at a board meeting yesterday and brings the number of Clarets' directors back up to five following the resignation of former chairman Frank Teasdale.

The long-standing Burnley season-ticket holder has developed a strong business portfolio in information technology and recently floated Manchester-based internet company Telecity.

That move has released considerable capital and 46-year-old Duckworth has already made "a substantial investment" in the Clarets. The appointment was welcomed by Burnley chairman Barry Kilby, who got his man at the second time of asking.

The two spoke some time ago but after the trail initially went cold they met up again on the train to London and after re-starting talks the way was laid for Duckworth to lend his financial muscle and technical expertise to the Clarets' cause. Kilby said: "He is the sort of calibre of person we want on the board in terms of talent and money.

"He has a strong background in the IT industry which is becoming more and more important and he is a big Burnley fan.

Also at yesterday's board meeting, Andrew Watson was appointed as the club's chief executive, replacing his former title of general manager.

Kilby said the move was to "recognise his position in the company" on al non-playing matters.