Marlon defends his 'union' - Page 42

STAN Ternent will make a decision about the future of midfielder Lennie Johnrose after today's game at Valley Parade.

The 32-year-old was recalled to Turf Moor a month ago, having been released by Ternent at the end of last season.

Johnrose initially came back for a month, having turned down the offer of a longer deal at Lancashire rivals Blackpool. Prior to this afternoon he had featured in six matches as the Burnley boss struggled to fill the central midfield positions.

He has admitted: "I don't know what will happen at the end of the month. I would like to stay but that will be a decision for the manager."

"I will be looking at Lennie's situation this weekend," explained his boss before the Bradford game.

"We had to let Bally go in the summer because of the financial situation and that means we have been a little short in midfield. That is why I brought Lennie back in the first place.

"We need to get Paul Weller up and running, get Glen Little back to something like his best along with Alan Moore, Lee Briscoe and Tony Grant."

During pre-season, the manager even used both Steve Davis and Ian Cox in a more advanced midfield position.

In addition, both Ian Moore and Robbie Blake have filled roles both wide right and wide left.

Releasing Johnrose would remove another sum person off the payroll but would also leave the club's playing resources stretched even further.

Ternent has trimmed the wage bill a little bit by releasing veteran scout Jack Hixon and his assistant although the manager denies that the whole scouting system is being wound up.

"That is nonsense because we still have a network of scouts all over the country, working under our chief scout Cliff Roberts," he said.

"We have recently brought in a couple of young Welsh lads.

"The chairman has made no secret of the fact that there have to be cost-cutting measures and this was just one thing that we could do on the playing side.

"Jack is now employed by Newcastle United and this is brilliant for them but a shame for Burnley. That's how it is.

"Everyone knows it is all on the back of the ITV Digital thing. Something has to give."

The 81-year-old, who actually found the teenage Ternent for Burnley 40 years ago, has also discovered Alan Shearer, Steve Davis and a number of the current crop of youngsters at the club in a fabulous scouting career.