BURNLEY’S joint chairmen have yet to agree on their next manager, the Lancashire Telegraph understands.

The Clarets chiefs have narrowed their search for Eddie Howe’s successor, with former Watford manager Sean Dyche and current Falkirk boss Steven Pressley heading the race for the hotseat.

But with John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick understood to be favouring different managers, they were today set to be considering a third candidate – believed to be St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas  – before making their decision.

Portsmouth’s Michael Appleton was an early favourite to become Burnley’s fifth manager in five years but did not make the final cut.

After stating they were looking for someone in a similar mould to Howe but “with maybe a bit more aggression” – characteristics which Appleton fulfils – it is believed the chairmen have since veered away from that idea.

Dyche turned Watford’s season around last term. Ironically a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley kick-started a seven-game unbeaten run which relieved any relegation fears and ultimately resulted in an 11th placed finish – their best finish for four years.

However, Dyche, who had succeeded Malky Mackay at the helm in the summer of 2011, was controversially sacked by the Hornets 12 months later, paving the way for the appointment of Gianfranco Zola.

During his tenure at Vicarage Road, Dyche he was involved in improving the club’s production line.

Similarly, the youth department is thriving at Falkirk, which will be of particular interest to the Clarets.

Pressley, who took charge at Falkirk Stadium in February 2010, is said to oversee an intense youth policy for The Bairns.

The pair could face pressure for the vacant position at Turf Moor from former Manchester City and West Ham midfielder Lomas, however.

St Johnstone have won their last six games, including a 2-1 win at home to Celtic.

Banaszkiewicz last weekend admitted they had looked at around 15 targets but none of the candidates had prompted unanimous agreement, which was why they were looking to the second interview phase before making their selection.