Burnley star: Nobody's place is safe (From This Is Lancashire)

Burnley star: Nobody's place is safe

10:10am Tuesday 27th July 2010 in

By Suzanne Geldard » Burnley FC reporter

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GRAHAM Alexander has warned nobody’s place is guaranteed in Brian Laws’ side, as Burnley bid to mount another promotion assault.

The 38-year-old started all of the Clarets’ 61 games in their play-off winning season of 2008/09.

But with two players capable of filling every position as Burnley build for another crack at the Premier League, Alexander knows no-one will be allowed to rest on their laurels.

“There is competition throughout the squad for all positions,” said the Scotland international.

“It’s par for the course in modern football, but the manager has been trying to give everyone as much game time in pre-season to get fit, and looking at players in different positions to see where we fit into the squad.

“There are two players for each position now, at least.”

Laws gave at least 90 minutes to most of the 24-man squad that flew out to the Far East, spread across three games.

Steven Thompson and summer signing Chris Iwelumo have shared the targetman role this summer, while competition is fierce among the backline as young defenders including Richard Eckerskley and Brian Easton push for their place.

Alexander’s holding midfield role is also under threat, with former Newcastle United defender David Edgar demonstrating his capablities in that position.

“He’s done well. He’s a ball-playing defender so I could see him playing in that position when I retire in four years’ time,” smiled the Scotland international, who is still showing no signs of slowing down.

“There’s competition throughout the squad.”

And Laws is looking to add to it, with goalkeeper Lee Grant at Turf Moor today to discuss personal terms with a view to signing, after Burnley agreed a fee with Sheffield Wednesday at the fourth attempt over the weekend.

West Brom and Bristol City were said to be threatening to hijack the move, but Clarets boss Laws remained confident of being reunited with the stopper he signed from Derby County three years ago, while in charge at Hillsborough.

However, player-coach Alexander does not feel there would be cause for panic if further transfers failed to materialise.

“I know managers never stop looking to improve their squad so I don’t think the doors ever completely shut, but I think the squad looks pretty good as it is,” he said.

“I think we look quite strong. I certainly can’t see any weaknesses.

“But players can arrive in a blink of an eye and players can go.

"You’ve just got to wait and see and concentrate on yourself and make sure you’re ready.”

Comments(15)

howardclaret says...
11:08am Tue 27 Jul 10

Alexander is more confident than I am - but let's wait and see how we start the season.

Everyone knows Burnley must make a flying start or people will be quickly on poor old Brian's back calling for him to be SACKED.