Burnley v Wrexham - Andy Neild's big match preview

BRIAN Flynn and Stan Ternent's friendship goes back a long way -- but it's likely to go out of the window for 90 minutes tomorrow.

The managerial rivals may live within half a mile of each other on the outskirts of Burnley.

But they will be neighbours in the dug outs when Flynn brings his Wrexham side to Turf Moor, plotting to inflict a damaging defeat on the club where he started his own playing career.

It was Flynn who was tipped as Ternent's main rival for the Burnley job following Chris Waddle's departure in the summer -- a post he inevitably gets linked to whenever it comes up.

And the Wrexham chief, who is the fourth longest serving manager in professional football after 11th season at the Racecourse Ground, has nothing but admiration for the way his old pal has turned things around at the club.

"Stan and I go back a long way. We are good friends," said Flynn.

"But obviously we won't be on Saturday.

"He is a very strong character and a very funny guy.

"And he's also a very experienced coach and manager -- his past record proves that.

"Stan has done a great job so far at Burnley. He has certainly got them heading in the right direction and into a position they can build on." Wrexham lie two places above the Clarets in 13th position but they come into the game on the back of an embarrassing 2-0 home defeat against Third Division Swansea in the FAW Cup.

The Robins main problem is in front of goal at the moment, having failed to hit the target in any of their last four matches.

"Unfortunately, we are suffering from a lack of goals at the moment," said Flynn.

"We are creating the chances which is the important thing but we are just not taking them.

"I am not too worried about it because once a goal goes in that should settle us down a bit."

Despite living within the shadow of Turf Moor, Flynn has not had a chance to see the Ternent revolution first hand this season.

But his spies have earmarked the Clarets dangermen and he know's his troops could be in for a rough ride.

"I don't like talking about tactics or that kind of thing before a game, that's just my way, but I'm expecting a very tough game against Burnley.

"We have had several reports and we will be prepared for it."

One ex-Claret among the Wrexham ranks who will not feature is Kevin "Rooster" Russell.

He is ruled out through suspension but his place could go to another goalscoring veteran -- ex-Liverpool star Ian Rush.

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