BURNLEY Football Club were today involved in frantic efforts to force through the Peter Shackleton takeover before Saturday's big kick-off.

I understand that every attempt is being made to enable an announcement before the visit of Bristol Rovers to Turf Moor for the first Nationwide Second Division fixture.

The Shackleton deal has been dogged by delay and disappointment for months.

His backers, who own a massive $750 million oil and minerals company, claim the problems have been caused by their involvement in a huge merger.

That multi-million dollar deal is believed to be already in place, although a public statement is not expected for some time.

But ways are being sought to bypass these obstacles in time for Saturday.

The urgency has been sparked by Ray Ingleby's public announcement that he is pulling out of the battle.

That has been viewed by the club as an attempt to stir up renewed public support for the New York-based tycoon.

On the field Burnley will face a new-look strikeforce in the season opener after Rovers splashed out £250,000 on Wolves striker Jason Roberts today.

Bristol boss Ian Holloway financed the deal by selling Peter Beadle, who scored 18 goals last term, to Port Vale for £300,000. Roberts will team up with prolific marksman Barry Hayles who has just signed a new four-year contract at the Memorial Ground.

Hayles was the Second Division's top scorer last season with 26 goals following his move from Stevenage Borough. And with Jamie Cureton hitting the net 14 times, Rovers went into the play-offs as the most free-scoring side in the division.

Who will be trying to shut-out the Bristol attack still remains to be seen with Burnley boss Stan Ternent keen to sign a new goalkeeper.

Ternent said he expected developments before the end of the week regarding his free transfer target and was today likely to be stepping up his efforts to conclude a deal.

The Burnley boss has also to check on the fitness of striker Andy Payton who has missed the last two pre-season games with a hamstring injury.

And while Ternent fine tunes his squad for the curtain-raiser, the Turf Moor pitch looks to have come through its pre-season preparation in the nick of time. The playing surface has been completely relaid and while the grass cover is not 100 per cent it looks as though it will stand up to the test.

Meanwhile the Clarets are sending a reserve side to Unibond League club Lancaster City tonight.

Burnley Supporters' Club travel details: Bury, August 4, leave Colne 5.45pm, Nelson 6pm, Burnley 6.15pm, Rawtenstall 6.30. Cost £4.

Chesterfield, August 15: leave Colne 10.45am, Nelson 11am, Burnley 11.15am, Rawtenstall 11.30am. Members £7.50, non-members £8.50, concessions £6.50.

Bookings to Viscount Central on 01282 439371 or Shaun Borman on 0797 0726893.

The supporters' club is also running a trip to combine Burnley's game at Colchester on Friday, October 9 with England's international against Bulgaria at Wembley the following day.

Cost for transport, accommodation and Wembley tickets is £80. Details from Shaun Borman on 0797 0726893.

Membership subs of £3 are due. Contact Shaun Borman or Dave Spencer on 01282 435176.

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