BURNLEY have started the countdown to the big Premier League kick-off with the first day of training.

There was a buzz among the promotion winners as they got back to business at their Gawthorpe training base yesterday, joined by five new signings.

It was familiar territory for Michael Kightly, who completed his permanent move after playing a key role for runners-up Burnley in a season-long loan spell from Stoke.

Steven Reid became the newest of the quintet so far – following on from goalkeeper Matt Gilks, striker Marvin Sordell and midfielder Matt Taylor – just before manager Sean Dyche and his staff put the Clarets through their paces with two-touch and one-two drills along with off the ball work.

Gilks worked up a sweat as his battle with Tom Heaton for the gloves began, and after six years with Blackpool he admitted it felt strange to be one of the new boys.

“It’s like my first day at school all over again, but it’s been fantastic, they’ve made me feel really welcome,” said the Scotland international.

“I’ve met a couple of the lads before so it wasn’t too bad. But it is rather strange having been at Blackpool for such a long time and taking everyone else who comes in under my wing and showing them the ropes, that’s what they’re doing to me now, but they’ve been fantastic.”