JOHN McGreal today became Steve Cotterill's first major signing as Burnley boss.

And Cotterill has also completed his backroom team by naming former Stoke caretaker boss Dave Kevan as assistant manager - and ex-Burnley midfielder Mark Yates as the new first team coach.

Former Ipswich Town centre back McGreal has agreed a three-year deal with the Clarets after turning down a new deal at Portman Road.

McGreal, 32 earlier this month, overcame a back problem to become a mainstay of the Town team last season, when Joe Royle's side narrowly lost out to West Ham in the First Division play-off semi-finals.

And Cotterill believes he has pulled off a real coup by snapping up the Birkenhead-born stopper.

The Clarets chief said: "In my view, John is one of the best defenders in the First Division and we are delighted to have him on board.

"He is also a great character to have around the place and a good pro and they are key ingredients.

"He doesn't accept low standards from himself or others and he still has plenty to offer.

"I have watched a few tapes from Sky of him in action over the past few weeks and his enthusiasm shines through.

"He is 32, but age has never been a problem for me as long as players keep themselves fit and we will have no problems on that score with John."

McGreal made 150 appearances in five seasons for Ipswich, including a spell in the Premiership under George Burley.

He began his career at Tranmere, where he progressed from trainee to first team captain and played almost 250 first team games before making the £650,000 switch to Portman Road in August 1999.

New assistant boss Kevan, 35, is a face familiar to Cotterill following their brief spell together at Stoke.

Kevan operated as his assistant manager in 2002 before becoming caretaker manager for four games following Cotterill's unexpected departure to Sunderland.

However, at the end of that season, following Tony Pulis's appointment, he was demoted back to youth team coach before his contract in the Potteries expired this summer.

Cotterill added: "I inherited Dave when I took over as Stoke boss and I got lucky. He will be my assistant and I know he will be extremely popular with the players."

Yates' connection with Cotterill dates back to their time together at Cheltenham. The 34-year-old, who figured briefly for the Clarets during the early 1990s, later played during Cotterill's tenure at Whaddon Road - and has just completed his UEFA 'A' coaching licence.

Cotterill said: "Mark comes as first team coach and, along with Dave, will also take care of the reserves.

"They are both youthful, good at their jobs and eager to succeed, so I am delighted to nail them both down."

Finally, Cotterill has appointed former Cheltenham physio Andy Mitchell as the new club physio.

Mitchell, who replaces Accrington Stanley bound Ian Liversedge, worked under Cotterill at Whaddon Road between 1999 and 2002 before beginning a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Science.