THE future of first division football came under the spotlight this morning at a meeting of the 24 chairmen at Notts County's Meadow Lane ground.

And Burnley chairman Barry Kilby was ready to fight the Clarets cause and make sure that they are not left behind if any breakaway plans are put forward.

The much hyped "Phoenix League" was set to be the main topic of possibly heated debate after what appeared to be some carefully orchestrated leaks over the weekend.

Kilby, who was joined at the meeting by the club's chief executive Andrew Watson, was unwilling to go into much detail ahead of this morning's meeting but he has always suspected some such development in terms of a second tier Premiership.

"It's something that I have considered to have been on the cards for some time now," he explained before heading south.

"I've been on record as saying that in the past and we'll try and make sure that, if there is to be a second tier of the Premier League, Burnley Football Club are in it."

But Kilby is also insistent that he wants Burnley to be part of any new structure for the right reasons.

"If it is so, I hope we are in it on merit and not just for some sort of commercial reason," he added.

"It needs to be seen now just how strong it all is and we'll know better after today's meeting."

Meanwhile action continues on the pitch and last night Burnley's opponents at the weekend, Crystal Palace, slumped to a third successive defeat.

The Eagles were beaten 2-0 at Coventry City to follow losses at Gillingham and Preston North End that have slowed their promotion push.

But the side, that is still under the control of Steve Kember following the acrimonious departure of manager Steve Bruce, has built its success this season on a good home record, winning eight of ten games.

Ahead of Saturday's match at Selhurst Park, David Hopkin damaged his ankle and striker Clinton Morrison strained a groin. Both are now doubts ahead of the clash with the Clarets.

The weekend match could well be the last with Kember in charge as speculation about the arrival of former Birmingham manager Trevor Francis as the new boss continues to mount.

Elsewhere in the first division Portsmouth beat Nottingham Forest with a late penalty to move up to ninth in the table, seven points behind the Clarets.

Rossendale Clarets have got four seats available for Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park, picking up in the Rossendale Valley, Todmorden and Rochdale only. If interested call 01706 224924.