Stan's Merry Christmas from Rovers CHRISTMAS cards have been flooding into Turf Moor for manager Stan Ternent this week.

Some have been more welcome than others, however.

The boss explained: "You don't want to lose to any team but Blackburn, from the fans' point of view, is the main one.

"I've had a lot of Christmas cards from Blackburn fans thanking me for allowing them to win, which is very nice.

"So it's not just the supporters that have to put up with it. We all have to take it on the chin."

With the return fixed for Ewood Park on April 1, the Easter card trade could also be booming in either Burnley or Blackburn. Cooke returns ANDY Cooke was back at Turf Moor for last Sunday's derby clash.

The striker watched his former team-mates in action 24 hours after helping his new club Stoke City to a 3-0 win at Bristol Rovers.

Cooke played a part in two of Peter Thorne's goals and John Rudge, Stoke's director of football, is hoping that he can repeat the help he used to give Andy Payton.

Rudge said: "He provided a lot of goals for Andy Payton in their partnership up at Burnley and it would be nice to think he could do the same here.

"He also scored 60-odd goals himself in 150 appearances for Burnley and is already showing us he can lead the line well and work hard for his partner and the team."

THE Clarets have been pipped for Ian Wright's signature in a million-pound deal.

Wright has been back training with Burnley but the BBC have moved in instead to snap up the former England international.

The 37-year-old goalscorer-come-television presenter has been tempted away from ITV to front the BBC show Friends Like These and possibly a Radio Five Live programme as well.

Festive spirit YOU can't accuse Micky Mellon of not being focussed on the Clarets' holiday programme.

While the Christmas season is in full swing for the rest of us, the midfielder is evidently tuned in for an important spell of four games in 10 days.

"Is that what time it is? We don't get Christmas," he said before wishing everyone all the best after training on Thursday and heading off the Clarets annual hospital visit.

I hope his children know he's joking.

Soccer schools BURNLEY'S Football in the Community department is running soccer schools at Haslingden Sports Centre next week.

The courses on December 27, 28, 29 run from 10am-3pm each day, cost £5 which is payable on the day. Details from Hugh on 01282 700081 or 01706 225546.

THE Clarets' New Year's Day game against Wolves at Turf Moor kicks off at 1pm.