Burnley fight 'poaching' claim

Bury are believed to have complained to the League that Burnley didn't agree compensation with the First Division club regarding Ternent's appointment.

And the Shakers are also said to be unhappy that no official approach was made before Sam Ellis was brought over from Gigg Lane to continue as Ternent's number two.

But the Clarets insist they didn't do anything wrong when appointing the duo who Burnley believed were working without a contract at Bury.

Burnley were given permission to speak with Ternent and, although the issue of compensation was briefly raised by Bury chairman Terry Robinson, nothing was agreed and the Clarets pressed on with negotiations with Ternent.

And Burnley say Ellis was then appointed after handing in his notice at Gigg Lane, claiming there was no contact between the club and Ternent's assistant until Ellis had resigned.

"We are fighting the claim. A detailed document has been prepared for the commission," confirmed Burnley director Clive Holt.

With no agreement being reached between the two clubs the commission will now consider the two cases put forward and, depending on the outcome, could decide on a compensation figure.

But Holt insisted Burnley had acted fairly and added: "We always try and give the supporters the best. We went after our man in the correct and proper way and we got our man which I think was a popular decision." Ternent and Ellis guided Bury to the First Division and among the results that helped keep them their last season was a win at Manchester City.

And on Saturday they were within six minutes of repeating the feat before substitute Danny Allsopp struck to secure a 2-2 draw.

"I thought we were going to win but we have got young players and they are learning all the time. It's still a good result for us," said Ternent.

"We could have won the game. There were a few chances late on when they were pushing forward and that was our idea."

"We can soak it up and then we have the facility in the side with players of pace and skill to score goals and it nearly came off for but I am happy and I am happy for the players," added the Burnley boss who handed a debut to Norwegian Rune Vindheim who will find out this week if he has a longer term future at Turf Moor.

Having equalised through Andy Payton, Burnley went in front early in the second half through Andy Cooke's perfect finish to a lightning raid down the left.

"I thought it was going to be one of those days for Cookie but he was there again. It was a lovely ball in from Paul Smith and he just slid it away beautifully, it was a super goal," said Ternent. "It will help Smithy. He was out most of last year injured and he's coming back now and is starting to find his a little bit."

Cooke, whose only two previous League goals this season earned Burnley their last win, also thought it was not to be his day after having a spectacular first half 'equaliser' ruled out for a tight offside decision.

He said: "The way games have been going it does get a bit frustrating when you are not scoring and chances have been few and far between but the gaffer and Sam keep saying keep working as hard as you do and the goals will come.

"But it's hard to see it when they aren't coming. When I scored and it was disallowed I thought here we go again, another one of those days.

"But Smithy whipped in a great ball and I was just glad to get on the end of it and put it in. I don't know about the best goal I have ever scored but it's one that I will remember for quite a while."

Cooke added: "Again we conceded a late goal but you can't fault the lads and we have just got to keep battling on.

"As the game went on they were putting crosses in the box and you were thinking 'please it can't happen again' but unfortunately it has.

"But all the lads were brilliant and it seems funny that we have come away from City disappointed with a draw after we should have won it."

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