ADRIAN Heath has issued a rallying call to the Burnley faithful after the double whammy of losing Colin Murdock and Gary Parkinson to red rose rivals Preston North End.

The Clarets chief underlined his objectives today - and has promised fans to deliver the sort of quality signings to forge Burnley into a genuine Division Two promotion force next season.

Heath's first target is a Premiership international but he has denied any link with West Ham United's Northern Ireland international striker Ian Dowie.

"I am speaking to the player again this week and if the signing comes off it would be a major signing for Burnley. He is a big name," promised Heath.

"There are two or three clubs in for the player and I don't want to arouse interest further by broadcasting my target through the media.

"I want to try and nick in and get the deal done and dusted before I go on holiday next month."

Heath said he could understand the fans' deep frustration after Parkinson's decision to join the Deepdale club.

Heath added: "I can relate to how the supporters feel after what has happened over the past few days but that is history now.

"We've got to look ahead. I just want to tell them I am extremely positive and optimistic about the future," he observed.

"I am asking the fans to be patient and stick with us because I really believe we can get there if everybody pulls together.

"I am as committed as ever to getting Burnley Football Club into a higher division and I'm working night and day to achieve that.

"It will not be for the want of trying if we do not succeed. But I'm very confident that we will achieve our goal. It is only the middle of May and I'm positive that I can get the four of five players in place before our pre-season tour to Northern Ireland starts in July.

"The fans can rest assured that I will do everything in my power to bring them in.

"We need everybody pulling together over the summer months and I'm very sure that if we get the right players in then we can build on the strong foundations of last season.

"I know next season will be a big campaign and I also know the consequences if I don't get it right."

West Brom are set to sign Preston winger Kevin Kilbane for around £1million. Former Bolton ace Julian Darby could go in the opposite direction. Kilbane was due to discuss personal terms with Albion manager Ray Harford today.

Previous sport story

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