BURNLEY ended the season in style with a five-try victory to seal a remarkable escape from relegation.

The Holden Road club appeared to be odds-on for the drop down in to North Lancs Two when Simon Finnan took over as coach back in January.

Finnan (below) took over from Getty Schinkel who left Burnley to become head coach at Manchester in National League Three Midlands.

Burnley were bottom of the table but a run of five wins from their last six games as seen them finish in eighth place – the position ‘life-long’ Burnley player Finnan predicted when he took temporary charge of his home town club.

Now, having secured safety, Finnan, who has been with the club for 25 years, wants the coaching role for keeps.

“It is up to the committee to decide at the AGM but I would like to remain as coach,” said Finnan.

“I am delighted with the way we have finished but I always knew we could stay up and that is why I said we would finish in eighth place.”

Burnley completed their fantastic end of season run thanks to two tries from Dom Leck and touchdowns for Matthew Crowley, Billy Ingham and Jack Stockdale.

Leck also kicked four conversions.

Finnan added: “We have been lucky enough to have been able to field more or less the same team so that stability has really helped us.

“But the lads have all pulled together and trained well.

“It has all clicked in to place and to win five of our last six games, losing just the one is a fine way to end the season.

“I have been with the club since I was a kid so it was great to keep us up.”