THERE will always be a place in the history of Burnley's recruitment for Ian Thomas-Moore, the Clarets first £1million man.

That was 17 years ago now and things have moved forward at Turf Moor, with Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady becoming the first eight figure recruits for the Clarets over the past 12 months.

Already this summer three new faces have arrived at the club, with Jack Cork costing an initial £8million, Jon Walters £2million and a decision over the fee for Charlie Taylor heading for a tribunal.

By Burnley's historic standards those fees might be big, but in Premier League terms they are almost lose change, especially in this summer's transfer window.

That makes the challenge facing Burnley even tougher, and Thomas-Moore believes clever recruitment is essential if the Clarets are to continue punching above their financial weight and retain their Premier League status for a third successive season at the end of 2017/18.

"The scouting network has to be good, it’s all set out to bring players in that will suit Burnley’s system," the former Clarets forward said.

Thomas-Moore scored 50 goals for Burnley in his five seasons at the club and last year he unsuccessfully applied for a return to Turf Moor as the head of academy recruitment.

But he insists that acquiring players who are ready to fit straight into Sean Dyche's side and system is key to Burnley's success.

"It’s tough, but it proves what a good job the recruitment team and Sean are doing," he said.

"The players that are coming in are doing the business and that’s all you can ask from a recruitment side, that the players who come in fit into the group and are the right fit for the system."

Thomas-Moore's place in Turf Moor folklore is secure, and although his career after Burnley took him to Leeds, Hartlepool, Tranmere and Rotherham, he still gets back to watch the Clarets as often as he can.

And he is delighted with the success he's seen on the pitch in recent seasons as Dyche has twice secured promotion from the Championship before last season's 16th place finish in the Premier League.

"I try and get to Burnley as much as I can, I see them quite a bit," said Thomas-Moore.

"I love the place, I really enjoyed my time there and the supporters will really good to me. I had such a good rapport with them.

"To see the success they’re having is fantastic. The whole place is geared towards success now with the foundations that are being put down such as the new training ground.

"Sean and Ian Woan and the staff there have brought some great players in. They know how to work the system and play the system.

"All the players know how to play in Sean’s system and that’s testament to the manager. I can’t speak more highly of him."