EDDIE Howe has backed new chairmen John Banasz-kiewicz and Mike Garlick to build on Barry Kilby’s legacy – insisting the dual role will prove to be a “really good appointment”.

The pair succeeded Kilby, who stood down for health reasons, following a vote at last Friday’s board meeting.

It was the first change of chairman in 13-and-a-half years, and only the fifth appointment in 57 years.

And Howe said he is looking forward to working for the Clarets’ first joint stewards.

“It’s good for the club, I think it’s a good little mix,” he said.

“I think it’s a really good appointment. Both guys are very passionate Burnley fans and want what’s best for the club.

“They understand the game and want to see the club do well.”

With both Banaszkiewicz and Garlick having strong links with the club and the town, like Kilby, as well as previous experience on the five-man board of directors - Howe does not anticipate any dramatic changes to how the club operates.

“Both are very similar to Barry in that they are level-headed and won’t let their emotions get the better of them. They will make good decisions,” said the Burnley boss.

“The beauty of this club is that it has a very good board, regardless of who the figurehead is at the top.

“It is well structured with different personalities but a very stable board.

“John and Mike have stepped up as representatives of the board, but people like Brendan Flood can’t be overlooked - someone who I’ve had a lot of dealings with day-to-day - and that goes for the other guys.”

Howe also feels Burnley have benefited from the appointment of Lee Hoos as chief executive.

The American, who has held similar roles at Southampton and Leicester City and has also been on the board at Fulham, has assisted the 34-year-old with regard to contracts for youth and senior players and player negotiations.

“Lee’s been excellent since he came in, with the day-to-day running of the club,” said Howe.

“In terms of myself and my coaching staff, Lee deals directly with us.

“He has been a good person to have at the club; he can hear my feelings and thoughts and relay that to the baord. He has been very hands on.

“He is an innovator who wants to change things, and change things for the better.”

One of the first tasks for Banaszkiewicz and Garlick could be the anticipated sale of Jay Rodriguez, after the Clarets agreed a £7million deal with Southampton.

The Burnley-born striker is due to hold talks with the newly promoted Saints in the coming days after returning from holiday.

The south coast club could face a rival for the 22-year-old’s signature, however, if Paul Lambert becomes the new manager of Aston Villa.

The Norwich boss is a fan of Rodriguez, while Villa are understood to have already named the England Under 21 cap on their list of summer transfer targets.

Lambert this week offered his resignation at Norwich, who in turn rejected it. But the Scot’s representatives were reported to have met Villa yesterday in the hope of thrashing out a deal.

Should Lambert, and Aston Villa, get their way the Midlands club could seriously revisit their interest in Rodriguez.

However, no-one as yet has matched Southampton’s cash offer.

Fulham have already had a £5million bid turned down, while Newcastle, Everton and Reading are among a number of clubs to make tentative enquiries.