Clarets boss Stan Ternent has drawn a line under the Nicky Daws saga by categorically ruling out a move for the Bury midfielder.

The off-off transfer story raised its head again after Ternent and his number two Sam Ellis took in Bury's recent game against Reading.

However, there is to be no bid for Daws and the Shakers' skipper, a key player in Ternent's successes as a manager at Gigg Lane, is not on the Burnley manager's shopping list with the Clarets midfield department currently well served.

"I have been here two-and-a-half years and I think if I was going to sign him I would have done.

"That's not a priority area at the moment," Ternent confirmed.

That should finally lay to rest the constant stories that have linked Ternent with a move for Daws ever since he took control at Turf Moor in June, 1998.

The 30-year-old Bury stalwart would have been a useful acquisition in the earlier days of Ternent's reign and even towards the end of last season the Burnley boss tried to recruit the player on loan to help with the final push for promotion.

However, since then Kevin Ball has been added to the squad and, barring injury, the midfield leader looks set to be an ever-present this season.

Alongside him Micky Mellon and Paul Cook have helped the Clarets into the top six, while Lennie Johnrose is still waiting for his first start of the season. And with John Mullin, Paul Weller, Glen Little and even Gordon Armstrong capable of playing in central roles, it's apparent that any squad strengthening will be done in other areas first.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion boss Gary Megson believes his opposite number at the Hawthorns today should have had the opportunity of managing a Premiership club.

Megson, who warned his players to be on their mettle and not to expect to be able to play any "fancy football" against the Clarets this afternoon, said: "I can't understand why Stan Ternent hasn't managed in the Premiership."

"If he had managed some fashionable club in the lower divisions then I'm sure he would have been a Premiership manager by now.

"I'm not suprised to see Burnley where they are in the table."