GARETH Taylor says he owes a debt of gratitude to Burnley manager Stan Ternent.

The striker, who was voted official player of the season and virtually swept the board among the supporters' clubs honours, has thanked the Clarets' boss for being instrumental in reviving his career.

Taylor had been consigned to reserve team football at Manchester City before being snapped up by Burnley two years ago has almost completed his best season in a claret and blue shirt.

And he said: "The gaffer gave me a lifeline and I owe it all to him.

"He showed a lot of faith in me and brought me to the club when my career was probably at a standstill really.

"And I feel more settled here than I've ever been at any other club.

"Don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed my time at other clubs, and I've played at some big clubs as well as Burnley.

"But I just feel now that my form's quite good and I think that's really down to playing games.

"The gaffer's shown a lot of faith in me playing me week in week out and I think it's just given me that edge to my game, knowing that I have an iffy game the gaffer's going to still stick with me and hopefully I've repaid him."

Taylor is currently on 17 goals for the season, with just one game away to Wimbledon left to play. Personally, it has been a successful campaign for the Welsh international and former Crystal Palace and Bristol Rovers striker.

But he hopes they can iron out the problems they have had as a team in preparation for next season.

"Before the Watford (FA Cup) game we were on a run and momentum was quite good. We had a decent chance of getting in the play-offs if we'd have won a few games, but it was a big disappointment after the Watford game and we haven't performed to our capailities as a team and as individuals.

"The gaffer's highlighted that and tried everything really. It's definitely been down to the players. We haven't done anything different coaching wise, training wise. We try to keep things the same but sometimes this happens at clubs.

"It's something the gaffer's trying to address and put right and make sure it doesn't happen again next season."

Speaking of his trophy haul at the end of season awards he added: "It means a lot to me to win these awards. I think the biggest thing for any player is when the fans show they appreciate you and the supporters club.

"I'm really pleased and I'm really proud."