JUST who does Glenn Keeley think he is? Ever since his ill-judged comments last week, when he blatantly touted Richard Chaplow to Blackburn, I've had people coming up and expressing their anger.

Keeley knows full well the feeling Burnley fans have towards a player they have already taken to their hearts.

And such tittle-tattle can easily turn the head of a youngster who still has everything to achieve in the game.

Richard has still only got 50-odd games under his belt and is learning every week. There's no better place to continue his progress at Turf Moor, where he has come through the ranks.

We gave the lad his chance and he strikes me as a pretty level-headed kid who will know and appreciate that.

I know from experience that, after having a good first season at Hull, I needed to reproduce that form for another two to three seasons running to prove I was good enough. So right now, so early in the boy's career, it's a bit cheeky for someone with Blackburn connections to try to drive a wedge between player and his club.

It follows a similar scenario earlier in the year, when Keeley was touting the lad for England.

Since then of course, we all know that Richard has made a surprise debut for his country at Under 19 and Under 21 level.

But if anything, that has served to increase the level of pride Burnley fans have for their player, and it would cause massive unrest should he end up moving a few miles down the road - a switch few players have made in either club's recent history.

My message to Richard would be this: Ignore someone who has Blackburn's, not your own interests, at heart.

One day he will undoubtedly play in the Premiership for a big club.

In the meantime, if the likes of Blackburn want talented young lads, let them bring their own through the ranks like Duff and Dunn.

In the meantime, hands off Chappy!

Dedicated Claret

FOOTBALL was put firmly into perspective this week when I learned of the untimely death of Shaun Parker.

A Padiham lad like myself, Shaun was a dedicated claret who hardly missed a single game - home or away - despite being blind since childhood.

I've known Shaun since we went to the same junior school and it was an absolute privilege knowing him.

Burnley Football Club was his life and I know there will be many a tear shed at his funeral tomorrow.

My thoughts go out to his mother, father and sister at their sad loss.

ANDY

PAYTON