BURNLEY manager Stan Ternent offered Clarets fans their money back after a humiliating exit from the Worthington Cup.

Being beaten at the first hurdle, at home and by a side who last season weren't in the competition left Ternent angry and frustrated.

Last season's Conference champions Rushden and Diamonds marked their debut in the competition with a 3-2 win at Turf Moor.

And Ternent said dejectedly: "There were 4,000 people turned up and they should have their money back as far as I am concerned.

"That was not a Burnley team I was proud to be manager of."

The Clarets boss made six changes to the side that scored a 3-2 home League win over Wimbledon on Saturday handing French defender Arthur Gnohere, Greek striker Dimitri Papadopoulos and right back Mark McGregor their debuts.

"I changed the team and I wanted the players who came in to show me that they were hungry for a first team place," he explained.

"It was patently evident on the basis of that game that our squad is not strong enough.

"I learned a lot about some players and I was surpised at what I learned, but some players showed that they can't play for Burnley - the stage must be too big for them perhaps.

"I don't know what the answer is, but it is my job to put things right and believe me I will do."

Goals from centre back Mark Peters, right-back Turkan Mustafa and substitute Duane Darby set Brian Talbot's Diamonds on the road to success, though Burnley tried to make a fight of it with Alan Moore and then debutant McGregor replying.

But Ternent refused to accept his side had ever had a chance of saving themselves.

"We weren't at the races," he blasted. "We were beaten by the better side on the evening.

"But we looked as though we thought we had some kind of divine right just to turn up and win the match. That is not my way and it never will be.

"We were never in the game, we were always chasing the game and we made too many unforced errors.

"Every match has to be won. You have to earn the right to play and Rushden were the side who deserved to win."

However, while suggesting team strengthening may be needed, the task of bringing new faces in only led Ternent to further survey the damage that had been done.

"The performance of some players makes it more difficult for me," he added.

"We hadn't a lot of money to start with for squad building and we have even less now because we can't have a run in the cup. So it will be hard to strengthen the team.

"I felt that Alan Moore did well, as did Arthur Gnohere, but at half-time I was forced to turn to Glen Little and Ian Moore.

"I don't criticise my players, I stand up for my players, but there comes a time when things have to be said.

"Some of them were bullied out of it, we lost our shape and we were all over the place."

Ternent now prepares for a tough Bank Holiday double-header away at newly promoted Millwall on Saturday before the visit of Kevin Keegan's Manchester City, much fancied for a quick return to the Premiership, on Monday.

He looks set to do that without midfielder Paul Weller, who could face another two weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring strain sustained in the 2-0 opening day success at Sheffield Wednesday.