PAUL Cook expects to see more new faces arrive at Turf Moor as manager Stan Ternent continues his Clarets rebuilding.

Cook has proved one of Ternent's most influential recruits since arriving from Stockport County, initially on loan and then as a free transfer in the summer.

And he predicts that his permanent signing, alongside that of Tom Cowan, Mitchell Thomas, John Mullin, Dean West and Alan Lee, won't be the last with Ternent still looking to strengthen his squad.

Cook said: "During the difficult times last year I think everyone thought it was going to be a time with a lot of comings and goings with players.

"And I probably don't think the manager's finished with his comings and goings. That's his side of the club, but I would think he's got more or less 80 per cent of what he might want.

"But that's only my opinion."

It's an opinion that's probably accurate, although Ternent isn't in a position to make a major splash into the transfer market.

In an ideal world, the Clarets boss would be trying to stiffen up his squad from a position of strength near the top of the table. Ternent always feels there is room for improvement and, if the right players became available, he would no doubt like to make his move.

However, he is currently hampered by a lack of cash.

Chairman Barry Kilby, board members and smaller shareholders have pumped the best part of £4 million into the club in the past 12 months. But with massive debts to be serviced and money set aside for earlier team strengthening and wages, further income may be needed to allow Ternent to spend and that situation is being addressed.

In the meantime, Burnley have still managed to put together a run of one defeat in 21 games either side of the summer to go from relegation candidates to promotion-chasers.

"You've seen the benefit of a settled side, the benefit of a good squad and the benefit of staying clear of injuries.

"And playing with a steady system week-in, week-out, I think people would genuinely say there has been a transformation," Cook added.

The former Coventry and Tranmere schemer has added some composure to the Clarets midfield and is enjoying playing first-team football after falling out of favour at Stockport.

"It's great, but again another thing with the squad is that the manager might decide for a spell that I don't play. But that's fine with all the lads at the minute," he said.

"At the minute it's Lenny who's been left out. He's sitting waiting for his chance and when he gets it he will want to stay in.

"That's what we've got to have at the club. John Mullin's another who's come for first-team football and it's important that people who do get the chance play well.

"Up to now the side has been performing so the lads out of the side have had to wait.

"But when they get their chance, they'll come in. Hopefully they'll win games and it might be myself who sits out but we're all happy, that's the important thing."

Meanwhile, Burnley's reserves play Birmingham City reserves at St Andrew's tonight (kick-off 7.15), when the likes of Alan Lee, Tom Cowan, Chris Brass, Andy Cooke and Lenny Johnrose will get a run-out.

PAUL Cook expects to see more new faces arrive at Turf Moor as manager Stan Ternent continues his Clarets rebuilding.

Cook has proved one of Ternent's most influential recruits since arriving from Stockport County initially on loan and then as a free transfer in the summer.

And he predicts that his permanent signing, alongside that of Tom Cowan, Mitchell Thomas, John Mullin, Dean West and Alan Lee, won't be the last with Ternent still looking to strengthen his squad.

Cook said: "During the difficult times last year I think everyone thought it was going to be a time with a lot of comings and goings with players.

"And I probably don't think the manager's finished with his comings and goings. That's his side of the club, but I would think he's got more or less 80 per cent of what he might want.

"But that's only my opinion."

It's an opinion that's probably accurate, although Ternent isn't in a position to spend.

In an ideal world, the Clarets boss would be trying to stiffen up his squad from a position of strength near the top of the table.

Ternent always feels there is room for improvement and if the right players became available he would no doubt like to make his move.

However, he is currently hampered by a lack of cash. Chairman Barry Kilby, board members and smaller shareholders have pumped the best part of £4 million into the club in the past 12 months.

But with massive debts to be serviced and money set aside for earlier team strengthening, further income may be needed to allow Ternent to make a major investment in the transfer market.

In the meantime, Burnley have still managed to put together a run of one defeat in 21 games either side of the summer to go from relegation candidates to promotion-chasers. "You've seen with a settled side, the benefit of a good squad and the benefit of staying clear of injuries.

"And playing with a stead system week-in, week-out I think people would genuinely say there has been a transformation," Cook added.

Meanwhile, Burnley's reserves play Birmingham City reserves at St Andrew's tonight (kick-off 7.15), when the likes of Alan Lee, Tom Cowan, Chris Brass, Andy Cooke and Lenny Johnrose will get a run-out.

FA YOUTH CUP REPORT: Page 39

The Clarets youth team drew 1-1 away to Mansfield in the first round of the FA Youth Cup last night.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.