BURNLEY are 12 to 1 shots to land the 1996-97 Second Division crown.

Odds released today by local bookmakers Bradlow Racing leave the Clarets as one of the leading contenders to make a powerful challenge for the title.

The Clarets go in at 12 to 1 alongside Lancashire neighbours Blackpool, Steve Davis' Luton Town and Brentford.

Graham Taylor's Watford are already the punters favourite to make a rapid return to the Endsleigh League top flight.

The Vicarage Road men go in at 5 to 1, with Jimmy Nicholl's Millwall quoted at 13 to 2. Notts County, beaten by Bradford City in last weekend's Second Division Play-off final, go in at 13 to 2.

"It's always interesting to see the odds and it is always a great point of discussion with the fans," said manager Adrian Heath.

"We are all very determined to have a better season at Burnley and I think we will. I'm working very hard to bring a number of quality players to the club.

"I've already had discussions with a number of potential targets and I am hopeful things will start to move in the next couple of weeks. "All the players I've spoken to would improve the squad. Ultimately, that is what I'm interested in."

Heath, meanwhile, should be fully fit for the start of the new Second Division campaign to give Burnley's planned promotion push a big lift.

The Turf Moor player-chief is booked in for surgery on his injured ankle in ten days time.

He added: "It is a problem that has dogged me since I returned to the club and I want to get it sorted out for the start of pre-season training.

"The ankle has a little bit of floating bone around it. It has meant I couldn't train regularly during the week. I was OK to play at the weekend but the injury has affected my overall sharpness.

"I want to make myself available next season to cover for injuries and suspensions. I still feel I've got a major part to play in the squad."

Striker Chris Tait is heading for the Premiership only days after being sacked by York City.

The 18-year-old rookie became Peter Reid's first signing of the summer as he joined newly-promoted Sunderland yesterday.

Burnley want to remind Bob Lord season ticket holders that they have until 1pm tomorrow to reserve their existing seats. Unclaimed seats will go on general sale on Monday at 9.15 am.

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