ADRIAN Heath is set to bolster Burnley's defensive strength by taking Doug Hodgson on a month's loan from Sheffield United.

The big, strong Australian has been unable to claim a regular place in United's side and they recently signed another central defender, David Holdsworth, from Watford.

Burnley boss Heath admitted today that his team had been a "bit soft" at times in that area of the team and he has moved swiftly to solve the problem.

It is hoped that the loan deal can go through in time for Hodgson to be available for Saturday's game against Notts County at Turf Moor.

The Blades signed Hodgson from Aussie club Heidelberg two years ago for £30,000. Before the start of this season, he had played in 17 League games for United and the 27-year-old also turned out five times for Plymouth in a loan deal. Heath has had an ideal chance to look at Hodgson at close quarters from his own spell at Bramall Lane and clearly feels he can do a job for Burnley.

United boss Howard Kendall has a surfeit of central defenders and is prepared to let Hodgson go on a permanent basis if things work out.

He said: "We have talked money and we are a bit apart at the moment.

"But if they want Doug at the end of the month, I am sure we can compromise."

Meanwhile, Burnley could withdraw their contract offer to Marlon Beresford if he continues to refuse a new Turf Moor deal.

Privately, the board of directors are furious at the goalkeeper's reluctance to pledge his future to the club. The two-year offer is believed to be one of the best ever contract deals offered to a Burnley player.

And it would make Beresford one of the highest paid goalkeeper's in the Nationwide League.

The contract wrangle hit a fresh obstacle when Beresford - currently on a week-to-week contract - went public over his differences with Burnley.

He said he felt "let down" after claiming he was was ready to sign a two-year deal only for the original offer to be withdrawn.

"It seemed there had been a misunderstanding over figures," said the Clarets keeper.

"I found that unacceptable. I feel a little bit disappointed and a little let down."

It would be a surprise, however, if the situation is allowed to drag on much longer.

Manager Adrian Heath says there is no change in Burnley's stance over the issue, although he remains confident that the player will sign. "We've offered Marlon a marvellous deal," said Heath.

"I don't know why Marlon doesn't want to sign. Maybe he thinks it's a matter of principle. I really don't know.

"Hopefully he's going to accept it. I want him to stay with the club but we've gone as far as we can go money-wise.

"The ball is very much in his court. Deep down I know Marlon wants to stay at Burnley." Added Heath: "The contract is on my desk waiting to be signed."

The Turf Moor chief was pleased with last night's battling 2-2 draw at Watford.

Goals from Nigel Gleghorn and Paul Smith - his first senior strike for the Clarets - ensured Burnley a point.

Heath said: "It was a good performance and we deserved the result."

Tickets for the Lancashire derby against Preston North End at Deepdale on Tuesday, October 29 will go on open sale tomorrow. Terrace only: £8.00 (Adults) and £4.50 (Conc).

Brian Clancy, The president of the Institution of Structural Engineers, will visit Turf Moor tomorrow. He will also visit Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United on a whistle-stop tour of the North-West.

Boundary Clarets hold their first event tonight - a sports quiz/Q & A forum featuring an Adrian Heath Select versus an Ex-Clarets Select - in the Irish League Club, Richards St, Burnley at 8pm (admission £1).

The draw for the first round of the Auto Windscreens Shield will take place later this month and the Football League have announced a new format for the competition.

In previous seasons, the early stages of the AWS has been played on a round-robin basis with the top two clubs going through to the next stage.

This season, however, it will be a straight knockout from the first round, due to be played in December.

The AWS will still be contested in Northern and Southern sections and will have 32 clubs from the Second and Third Divisions to contest round one. The 16 remaining sides will receive a bye into the second round.

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