RONNIE Jepson will be among the first to put pen to paper on a new deal to keep him at Turf Moor next season.

The experienced striker is currently back at Lilleshall undergoing further rehabilitation on the injury that ruined much of his first year at Burnley.

But following his return from the treatment centre he will sign up for an extended stay.

"He's agreed to the deal and everything. It hasn't been signed yet because it's still being drawn up but everything is agreed," confirmed Clarets boss Stan Ternent.

Jepson, who is likely to be signing another 12-month agreement, arrived on a free transfer from Oldham Athletic last season after playing under Ternent and his assistant Sam Ellis at Bury.

And despite some scepticism he quickly became a fans' favourite for his commitment to the cause.

A ruptured Achilles' tendon in September ripped the heart out of his season but he returned late on, mainly as a substitute, and scored the goal against Fulham that guaranteed Burnley's Second Division survival.

He led the line superbly when called upon and despite turning 36 last month, Jepson, an uplifting figure in the dressing room, will provide valuable back-up to Ternent's first-choice strikeforce when the new campaign kicks off.

Peter Swan will also agree his new deal, while Tom Cowan looks set to become a permanent member of the Clarets squad. That would leave only Mark Robertson's future to be ironed out as Ternent refines his squad after his first season in charge.

As well as bringing in new faces, with Dean West and Mitchell Thomas heading the likely new arrivals, Ternent has also moved to tie up the next generation of Burnley players.

Trainee midfielders Alex Kevan and Eammon Kelly have been rewarded with their first full contracts.

And they join Brad Maylett and John Williamson in stepping up to the professional ranks after the pair burst onto the first-team scene last season.

Matty Heywood and Chris Scott, whose first-team appearances extended into double figures, have also been secured , along with left-back Michael Devenney and keeper Craig Mawson.

"They have all had a taste of the first-team. If they maintain their progress, it's all there for them," said Ternent.

Meanwhile, Kevin Henderson, released from Burnley at the end of last season, is set to complete his move to Third Division Hartlepool United.

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