BURNLEY Football Club reluctantly voted to accept an offer from Carlton and Granada to screen highlights of matches, despite the two companies' role in the collapse of the ITV Digital deal.

Clarets chairman Barry Kilby admitted: "At the end of the day we had to go along with the decision because it was a case of getting either £88,000 or nothing and all the clubs have to face their bank manager."

And the cash-strapped Clarets received a vital financial boost last night with the news that their Worthington Cup third round tie with Spurs at Turf Moor is to be televised live by Sky TV on Wednesday, November 6.

Mananger Stan Ternent admitted straight after the draw he hoped it would be "on the magic lantern" and that means £100,000 will be coming Burnley's way. Chief executive Andrew Watson admitted: "In these times that is very welcome news."

The money from the new deal with ITV does not compensate for the loss of more than £4million in television money over two seasons but Kilby reiterated it is better than nothing.

It has been well documented that the collapse of ITV Digital has severely hit everyone in the first division with rumours of a host of clubs going into administration, including the Clarets.

Part of the £5million deal, spread over two years, sees the media giants relinquish their claims to £1million in legal fees following the ill fated court battle earlier this year.

"If we had signed the deal offered by the BBC and Channel 5 the money would have been wiped out by those costs," he said.

"And the fact remains that ITV is the best media for us to show a highlights package because of the regional nature of the channel.

"Dealing with ITV again might not be what we would have wanted but when it came down to it they were the only people on the block. We have a business to run and so we had to vote to accept the deal.

"I spoke to a number of other chairmen and they were of the same mind. I think only one or two clubs voted against but we really did not have any option."

The negotiations have dragged on throughout the opening months of the season and even now the Football League is waiting to confirm the deal but the indications are that highlights could be on screen within a couple of weeks.

Meanwhile the thrilling Worthington Cup draw with Spurs at Turf Moor at the start of next month was met with mixed emotions by Kilby.

"It is an absolutely fabulous draw for us but sadly I will be away on business when the match is played," he complained.

"For fans of my generation there is no better team to play because it revives great memories of games in the early 60s.

"I still can't get in a taxi in London without them talking about McIlroy and Pointer when they find out I'm from Burnley."

Meanwhile the chairman and the manager will meet Marlon Beresford tomorrow to discuss a new long term deal.

With Nik Michopoulos on loan at Crystal Palace it is important that something is sorted out swiftly ahead of the visit by Walsall on Saturday and Ternent admitted: "I know the club will make the best offer they can."

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