THE Burnley board expect a takeover decision to take weeks rather than days.

Clarets chairman Frank Teasdale has already received firm proposals from some of the three interested parties.

But the board has still not even formally agreed to the principle of a takeover.

Director Bob Blakeborough said: "I know there has been a little bit of communication.

"But I know nothing at first hand.

"The chairman has financial control of the club and, as this is a financial matter, is only right and proper that he deals with it and reports back to us.

"We haven't got all the information from all of the parties at this stage.

"And we are not even at a stage of having an agreement in principle on the board.

"Once we know the principles behind the bids, no doubt there will be one situation that looks more favourable to the club than others."

And that means the board are unlikely to meet face-to-face with all three parties - tycoon Ray Ingleby, a consortium represented by Apax Partners and a mystery businessman.

Even when a decision is made by the board, shareholders will have to be consulted and that process will take a minimum of three weeks.

Director Clive Holt added: "It is on-going. We are at different stages with different people because of their various timetables."

Previous sport story

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.