CLARETS' director Bernard Rothwell has admitted that the club needs an injection of cash to take it forward under the management of Stan Ternent.

And with Peter Shackleton still showing no signs of coming up with the goods then that could open the door for Ray Ingleby to take a role in the club.

Tomorrow's date has been quoted in some quarters as the 'deadline' for Shackleton to complete his proposed £12 million takeover at Turf Moor.

But while that has never been stipulated by the board it's clear that Shackleton is running out of time and may no longer have the field open to himself.

"All I can say is that I am heartily sick of the time it is taking. The latest I know is that last Friday Peter Shackleton was still interested but it can't go on forever.

"It's not satisfactory for the shareholders and the fans. Something has to happen very quickly," said Rothwell.

And with the board needing to back Ternent with some spending power in the transfer market it appears that they may be ready to look elsewhere for fresh investment.

"I simply say there has to be an injection of funds from somewhere. It's not just the fans but the board realise it as well," confirmed Rothwell. "And without wishing to sound smarmy we are not talking about a couple of thousand pounds.

"Everything is right with the structure of the club, the stadium, the staff, the training staff and the management.

"It's just that we need that little bit of experience on the field -- and a little break from injuries because he's had it rough."

It's unlikely that the board will shut the door completely on Shackleton at this stage as he is still thought to be trying to pull together a lucrative deal.

But Ingleby, the single largest shareholder who has previously had a £3 million offer for control turned down, has suggested that he would now be prepared to take a place on the current board. And he has been invited to put in writing to chairman Frank Teasdale any fresh proposals he has.

The board says they would then be given due consideration and it appears that if any other investors were to come forward with a suitable package then they would also be given a sympathetic ear.

"There are all sorts of options," added Rothwell.

"Ray Ingleby is waiting on the sidelines and has offered to provide funds and he had talked about other local businessmen.

"Other than him (Ingleby) I am not aware of the board turning money down. There were bids from Peter Shackleton, Ray Ingleby and Apax and they went away pretty early."

Ingleby's earlier hostile tactics were not welcomed by the board but his shift in stance may lead to a fresh start.

"All offers have got to be considered by the football club in the best interests of the club.

"You have got to put personalities on one side but if you are getting into bed with someone it's at least better that you are talking to them," added Rothwell who is calling for an end to divisions and a united front to get Burnley moving in an upward direction.

On the footballing front, Ternent is awaiting details of a check on Chris Brass's knee injury before learning whether or not his captain will be added to the casualty list ahead of Saturday's trip to Manchester City.

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