STEVE Cotterill's honeymoon period is over!

The Burnley boss admits he was disappointed not to start a new life at Turf Moor with an opening day victory over Sheffield United.

But his relationship with Clarets fans already looks like a marriage made in heaven after an eventful journey home on Saturday night that ended with Cotterill becoming the reluctant gatecrasher at a stranger's wedding!

He explained: "I desperately wanted to win on Saturday for our fans. Ever since I've been here people have been absolutely fantastic towards me and understood the financial restraints.

"And as I drove out of the ground on Saturday two lads came and shook my hand in the car park when they could have done something else.

"When I stopped to get some petrol there were four or five fans sat nearby and I thought I was going to get "we didn't play very well in the second half" shouted at me.

"But they were also fantastic and really upbeat.

"Then, in the hotel there was a wedding going on and at one stage I think I was getting more attention than the bride and groom, which I was a little bit embarrassed about.

"But that was nice too and I have to say the people here have just been so good."

Almost 17,000 fans gave Cotterill a rousing reception during his first meaningful game in charge at the weekend.

Many less will be there to cheer on the Clarets in their first away game at Rotherham tonight (7.45pm), where Cotterill comes face to face with the man he beat to the Turf Moor hot-seat this summer.

Ronnie Moore has been the bridesmaid three times this summer, missing out on the managerial vacancies at Burnley, Leeds and Hull City.

But Cotterill insists that sooner or later, someone will spot Moore's astute skills and hand him the role he clearly deserves after performing minor miracles at Millmoor.

The Clarets chief said: "Ronnie has done a terrific job and I'm sure the Rotherham fans won't thank me for saying so, but I'm sure he would like a big opportunity down the line.

"I'm sure he will get one because he's good enough without a shadow of doubt."

The game also reunites Moore with Clarets striker and son Ian - and Cotterill is happy to let the two men play happy families, safe in the knowledge that Ian will not divulge any secrets ahead of kick off.

"I think Ian is professional enough, as is Ronnie, to not get drawn into a battle," insisted Cotterill.

"I'm sure they both feel as awkward as each other, so I certainly don't have any worries or fears about naming the team.

"I trust Ian implicitly and it wouldn't make any difference anyhow because whoever plays better on the night will win."