PLAYER of the year Wade Elliott believes Burnley are ending a topsy-turvy season with the strongest squad he has been involved in at Turf Moor.

The winger, who beat off competition from Michael Duff, James O'Connor and Chris McCann to scoop the main prize in the club's official end of season presentation night, says he couldn't have earned the award without the support of his team-mates.

The Clarets will be looking to sign off a campaign that had a strong start, with a positive finish when they entertain Coventry City in the final game of the season at Turf Moor on Sunday, in what has been dubbed Claret and You' Day ahead of the club's 125th anniversary.

And Elliott is particularly keen to bring the curtain down on the 2006-07 term with a bang.

"Some of the performances we've had this season, hopefully at the weekend as well, we can carry on into next year," he said.

"I think we're well covered in most positions now and this has certainly been the best squad we've had in my time here.

"There is great competition and I think that's one of the factors in keeping everybody on their toes over the season.

"I know certain standards have been set and if I dip below them somebody else is going to take my place.

"There are a lot of players who can play in my position, but there's never been any resentment, the atmosphere's never been cliquey - everybody has been really open, encouraging, and that sums up the atmosphere among the lads better than anything."

And Elliott is pleased with the way he has recovered from a frustrating start to his first season with Burnley following his summer switch from Bournemouth in 2005.

The 28-year-old suffered an injury in a challenge with Coventry's Stephen Hughes just 12 minutes into his third game and didn't feature again for a month.

But he built himself up over the summer to become one of the Clarets' most consistent performers this season.

"I got injured quite early on last season, but everybody has encouraged me and had a lot of belief in me, and I came back this year, had a good pre-season, and took that into the campaign," the 28-year-old said.

"I felt a lot stronger this year. Sometimes when you're a winger, you get labelled as a bit flighty, so you want to be consistent, and hopefully that's brought me some rewards, and that will be the aim again next season.

"It was all up for grabs in the summer, and I'm sure if we don't come back and do it all over again next year, it will be again."

As well as the player of the year award, Elliott was also in the running for goal of the season for his stunner at Sunderland last Friday, which took his tally for the season to four.

But he was pipped to the post by the team goal' against Cardiff that was finished by Paul McVeigh.

"It was pleasing to get that goal at Sunderland, especially in the setting it came in as well, and it's one I'll remember," he said.

"I could be all cool and pretend I've scored one better, but if I'm truthful, it's my best!"