TURF Moor fans' choice Adrian Heath was installed as Burnley's 17th post-war manager today.

And the new man at the helm told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "My task is to revive Burnley."

And his goal is take Burnley back into the top flight within five years.

Heath was appointed as the man to replace Jimmy Mullen at a mid-morning press conference at Turf Moor.

He is believed to have put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal as the Clarets new player-manager.

The new boss has retained Clive Middlemass as assistant boss until the end of the season.

And reserve team coach Harry Wilson and youth team chief Terry Pashley are also understood to have been given roles in Heath's new regime.

But Heath will take his first training session tomorrow and will be in charge of team affairs for the visit to Bristol City on Saturday.

And there could yet be room for part of the other current backroom team in Heath's new line-up.

Heath beat off a string of impressive candidates to land the job.

He was interviewed on Monday along with Martin Dobson, Graham Barrow, Mick Buxton and Cardiff manager Phil Neal.

And despite local radio reports to the contrary, Steve Coppell also spoke to the Burnley board on at least two occasions.

But the board plumped for Heath and a new era began at Turf Moor today.

Chairman Frank Teasdale promised Heath would be given money to spend on new players. And he added: "We are delighted to welcome Adrian Heath to Burnley Football Club. His football pedigree cannot be questioned.

"It is a another great era in the history of Burnley Football Club.

"He had a short time with his idol Howard Kendall at Sheffield United and in a short space of time he has begun to get the results there.

"Money will be made available to Adrian if and when the need arises."

The news of Heath's appointment promises to be a sure-fire hit with the fans.

At just 35 he is rated as one of the most promising young coaching talents in the land. His arrival at Turf Moor is an undoubted coup. In his few months as number two to Howard Kendall at Sheffield United, Heath has helped steer the Blades away from the foot of the First Division table.

But he knows he faces a mighty task at Turf Moor with Burnley sliding down the Division Two table.

And his first priority will be to halt that decline and arrest the slide towards relegation trouble.

Heath scored more than 30 goals in his first two seasons.

But Achilles tendon problems curtailed his opportunities at Burnley last season.

Heath, who arrived at Turf Moor on a free transfer from Stoke City, began his career with Stoke City.

He later enjoyed a brilliant spell at Everton under Howard Kendall before later stints with Spanish side Espanol, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Stoke and Burnley.

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