BURNLEY have boosted their boadroom with the addition of textile tycoon Brian Nelson.

And in keeping with a club tradition the businessman, who is co-owner of Padiham-based Parklane Textiles Ltd, is also a Clarets fan.

Pendle resident Nelson will begin his directorship with immediate effect ahead of Saturday’s Lancashire derby with Blackpool at Turf Moor.

The 65-year-old, who was born in Nelson and watched his first game at Turf Moor in the mid-1950s, becomes the fifth member of the Burnley board, alongside Clive Holt, former chairman Barry Kilby and joint chairmen John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick.

He said: “I am proud to join the board of the club I have supported all my life and an institution that I have already demonstrated my commitment to over the years.

“The board has done a great job in positioning the club for a sustainable future and joining the team gives me an opportunity to support the club in a very practical way.”

Nelson helped to facilitate the ground and Gawthorpe training base buy-back this year by participating in the Turf Moor Bond, having become an associate director in November 2011.

Over the past few years Nelson has also paid for team flights to away games and sponsored new equipment for the club’s Academy.

Burnley co-chairmen John Banaszkiewicz and Mike Garlick said: “We are delighted to welcome Brian to the board of directors.

“This appointment represents the next logical step for Brian, given his close association with the club over many years.

“He brings with him not just a wealth of business acumen and contacts, but also a passion for the club and the town – a vital combination in helping the board deliver our ambitious strategy.”

Banaszkiewicz added that he felt it was important to maintain that strong Clarets connection by inviting another Burnley fan onto the board.

Although there is no pressure on Nelson to plough finances into the club in the infancy of his new role it is likely that he will provide a link between the fans and the chairmen and directors.

“A lot of clubs have directors and owners who support other football clubs. We are open to others who can offer something to the club but we try to find people who are proper Clarets,” added Banaszkiewicz.

“Brian ticked a lot of the boxes in terms of his background – he’s a proper fan, and we’ve had dealings with him before.

“And because he is based up here as well he is a good person to interact with the fans and the community.

“He knows a lot of people in this area.”