STEVE Cotterill today warned that Burnley are a long way from fulfilling their dream of establishing a football Academy.

Cotterill has welcomed the appointment of former Clarets defender Vince Overson, who was this week installed as head of youth development and Centre of Excellence manager.

Overson is charged with overseeing all youth football at Turf Moor and also aiding the development and recruitment of young players, with the hope of restoring Burnley's reputation as a club to nurture teenage talent.

And first team manager Cotterill insists the priority is to bring new talent through an improved School of Excellence before taking the giant leap towards Academy status.

Cotterill said: "It's crucial that clubs like Burnley have youth coming through.

"Unfortunately there's not a Richard Chaplow underneath Richard Chaplow at present and there's probably a bit of developing to be done with a few of the lads before they get to that stage.

"There might be a few lads bubbling under, say in the under 14s bracket, and that is great for the future.

"But it won't help us in the short term. They are still a few years away and we are looking to get things going a little quicker."

Cotterill added: "We are going to need money for an Academy because it costs a lot more money to run.

"What we want immediately, if possible, is to get Academy facilities within the School of Excellence.

That way, when you do get to the stage where you can step over and do something with an Academy, all you have to do is sign the paperwork.

"What we don't want is to have one big jump from the School of Excellence to the Academy because it will be too big all in one hit.

"But the facilities are vital and Vince can help us in that."

Cotterill, who was on the interview panel that placed the future of the club in Overson's hands, added: "I was in on all the interviews and it was important that we got the right man at the right time, which I think Vince is.

"He's a great lad, well-respected, a good coach, and I think he has the respect of the people - certainly the coaches he works with."