BURNLEY assistant manager Russ Wilcox has admitted the Clarets were resigned to losing record buy Steven Fletcher once relegation was confirmed.

The former Hibernian striker, who cost Burnley £3m a year ago, became a club record sale when he completed his move to Premier League survivors Wolves last week, for a fee believed to be in the region of £7.5m.

“We have got the two signings in in areas we needed.

"Obviously we have lost Steven Fletcher, which is a big blow, but probably a blow which was expected once you lose your Premier League status,”

said Wilcox.

“Once that happens you could lose one or two of your better players and I would certainly describe him as one of those.

“He was an outstanding player and I’m sure he will do well at Wolves.”

But after adding former Hull City midfielder Dean Marney and Wolves striker Chris Iwelumo to the squad, Wilcox insisted the Clarets were already well-equipped for the Championship season ahead, with more new faces yet to arrive.

“We are pleased with the work we’ve done so far this summer. We are still moving and have targets to look at,” he added.

“I would probably describe Chris Iwelumo as the best target-man in the Championship and Dean Marney has great pedirgree coming through at Tottenham and then playing at Hull.

“And I think the key ingredient from my point of view is that they have both been there and done it, as in gaining promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

“They know exactly what’s needed and I think they can only add to what is already a strong squad.

“You can look at the squad and if there was a game tomorrow we could put a very good team out.”