EDDIE Howe is going for gold next season by taking Burnley to a successful Olympic centre of excellence facility as part of their preparations for the new campaign.

The Clarets reaped the benefits of four days in Bath last summer, playing one game against Bristol Rovers and using the sport-orientated University of Bath as their training camp base.

Howe wants to extend his side’s pre-season tour of the south west this time, and has requested spending a full week in Bath to make the most of the facilties that have proved successful in producing Olympic standard athletes.

Howe feels the build-up to London 2012 makes it an even more exciting environment to be involved in.

But he admitted he needed no extra encouragement after being impressed by the set-up 11 months ago.

“For us it was a really good exercise last year,” said the Burnley boss, who is expecting to play two friendlies on their return.

“We’re going back because it was a really good trip.

“We’ve extended it by a couple of days so that we are going for the week.”

While based in the city of Bath the players took part in team bonding exercises, including go-karting.

Howe had not been able to make as many new signings as he had hoped to at the time.

But as he aims to do the bulk of his transfer business before the friendlies get under way, he is hoping to find their summer tour schedule even more worthwhile.

“It brought us together and the facilities down there really are fantastic,” he said.

“The gym alone was fantastic - one of the best we’ve ever used.

“They were fantastic gyms, we stayed in a fantastic hotel - it was the perfect getaway for us.

“It enabled us to do a few team building exercises as well to bring the lads together, especially the new players, in a nice part of the world.

“Hopefully we will have a couple of good games down there and it will be same again.”

Burnley have yet to confirm dates and opposition for those friendlies.