Owen Coyle waits on Burnley quintet

10:50am Wednesday 7th May 2008

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By Suzanne Geldard »

OWEN Coyle faces a wait to hear if any of the five players offered new deals want to extend their careers with Burnley.

The Clarets boss has made offers to goalkeeper Brian Jensen, left back Jon Harley, midfielder James O'Connor and 18-year-old striker Jay Rodriguez, while veteran defender David Unsworth has been offered a one-year contract in a player-coach role.

Although Coyle is keen to make his own additions in the summer, keeping the nucleus of the squad together is key to his aim to strengthen.

Jensen is the club's current longest serving player and recently spoke of his desire to remain at Turf Moor after settling with his family since arriving on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion in June 2003, so it is likely he will agree terms.

With Coyle keen to establish a youth policy within the senior squad, Rodriguez has been offered a new two-year contract following on from the initial one-year professional deal he signed last summer, and this follows Adam Kay and youth player of the year Alex MacDonald's promotion to professional status last week.

Meanwhile, former Everton stopper Unsworth has previously indicated his desire to carve out a coaching career in the future.

He will spend this summer working towards his UEFA A licence, having been involved with youth team and reserve team coaching this season.

The role on offer to him at Burnley is geared to youth development, as well as remaining part of the first team squad.

However, the 34-year-old's decision could rest on whether his desire to play outweighs his future coaching prospects.

Coyle said: "I have spoken to all the players individually and having spoken to Brian (Jensen), James (O'Connor) and Jon (Harley), we have offered them deals.

"They have obviously got other interests though, so we await their replies.

"David (Unsworth) has been offered a one-year coaching deal as I feel he has a lot to offer this football club.

"His ability will be welcome on the coaching side of things, with regard to developing our young players, which is the way ahead.

"Within that, we would still retain his playing registration and again, we now await David's reply," added Coyle, who confirmed that loanees Mark Randall and Stanislav Varga have returned to their clubs, Arsenal and Sunderland respectively.

"We thank them for their services and wish them well," he said.