CLARETS director Bernard Rothwell has blasted claims that Luton chairman David Kohler was the inspiration behind the infamous £1m 'up front' Peter Shackleton loan, writes NEIL BRAMWELL.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed Kohler's claims that he told Burnley chairman Frank Teasdale to demand the cash as a gesture of good faith.

But Rothwell insisted that the £1 million had been offered by Shackleton himself.

And he believes that Kohler has an axe to grind with Burnley.

Rothwell said: "The man is trying to jump onto the bandwagon.

"It gives the impression that we need advice from other clubs. That is not the case.

"David Kohler is not a particular friend of Burnley. We do not have a strong relationship with him.

"The £1 million offer was made several months ago. It was made at the first meeting with Peter Shackleton. And it was offered to be paid within a matter of days, not months. There was surpise at the time that it was coming forward so quickly and easily.

"I told him he was sitting there like Father Christmas!"

Problems with Kohler are believed to date back to the transfer of former Burnley defender Steve Davis to Luton.

The £1 million has yet to arrive at the club, with Shackleton's backers claiming a bigger merger was delaying the Burnley investment.

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