COMPARISONS are inevitable. Burnley and Watford both had young, ambitious managers in their dug-outs for last weekend's cracking Championship game.

Adrian Boothroyd is one of the youngest managers in the country, gaining a reputation for transforming the fortunes of a struggling Watford side.

Steve Cotterill is one of the youngest managers in the country with a reputation for transforming the fortunes of the Clarets since taking the reins form Stan Ternent.

Here, the comparisons worryingly end.

Watford's board were this week persuaded their club was in very safe hands, with chairman Elton John interrupting his nuptials to ensure Boothroyd is tied to Vicarage Road on a long term deal through to 2010.

Burnley's board continue to dither over extending Cotterill's three-year deal, which now has 18 months to run - and ticking.

Perhaps we've been lucky so far this season that few managers have lost their jobs.

Performing miracles on a shoestring budget is always going to put men like Cotterill and Boothroyd on wanted lists, and Watford realised that by protecting their biggest asset.

A long-term deal means that anyone poaching Boothroyd would now have to pay a King's ransom for his services, so why not check out the likes of Cotterill instead.

After all, Burnley seem to think there is no panic to get out biggest asset tied down on a similar deal. I, however, beg to differ.

I've been beating the drum on this matter for a few weeks now and I make no apology for covering old ground.

Football is a dog-eat-dog world with no room for dilly-dallying and if Burnley chairman Barry Kilby is to make one New Year's resolution, it should be to put any uncertainty to bed once and for all by striking a deal.

As for Steve, he is no doubt putting all his efforts into the Boxing Day clash with his former club Stoke City.

It's undoubtedly the pick of the festive fixtures, with several players facing their ex-club, Blackburn Rovers striker Paul Gallagher in the Stoke ranks and a crackerjack atmosphere to witness it all.

City have won their last four away games and Burnley their last five at home, so something has to give.

But with a manager out to prove his credentials against the club he understandably quit for a shot at the Premiership, I fancy Burnley might have the extra incentive to come out on top. Here's hoping!

Merry Christmas everyone.