THE investigation into a bullying accusation levelled at Burnley Under-23s head coach Steve Stone is nearing a conclusion, according to Sean Dyche.

The former England winger, once a team-mate of Dyche’s at Nottingham Forest, has been on what has been described as an “agreed” absence since October.

Andy Farrell has taken over in the meantime with a decision on Stone now due sooner rather than later.

“It’s more or less to a conclusion so we’ll wait and see the final details on that,” said Dyche, at his press conference ahead of Sunday’s game with Arsenal.

Stone’s time in charge of the Under-23s did bring success on the field, the youngsters enjoying a lengthy unbeaten run at the start of the season.

Having taken over in November 2018, Stone guided the Clarets to the Lancashire Senior Cup final, losing to neighbours Blackburn Rovers, and third in the Professional Development League in his first campaign.

“It is slightly misrepresented because it is an agreed break with the club whilst things are being checked over,” the Burnley boss said when the news came to light three months ago.

“We try and keep things private for the right reasons. Anything that is ever asked of us we will look into which we are doing now.

“It is just a shame in the modern world that not many things remain private and I think that is a bit unfair in this case because nothing is decided.”