BURNLEY boss Adrian Heath has joined the growing Burnley kit row.

Some Turf Moor fans have slammed the choice of claret and blue quarters for the new home strip for the 1996-97 season.

The smart new white away kit - featuring three fading blue stripes in the shirt and black shorts - has also drawn criticism.

But the Clarets manager today defended the new strips and said: "Obviously there are one or two who are concerned with the new strip.

"But, I'm sure, once the supporters have seen it worn regularly by the players then they'll take to it.

"As far as the players and I are concerned we are more than happy with it. It's superbly well made and of the highest quality. "Sometimes people don't like change very much. But I also do have a lot of sympathy with the fans because the strips change so often.

"But we are not on our own with that. Every club in the land is constantly changing and re-designing their kits. Unfortunately, there are so many permutations of your strip."

Burnley signed a three-year deal with premier kit manufacturers Adidas last month - replacing the original contract with Umbro.

Meanwhile, Heath has reacted to the decision by defender Gary Parkinson to turn down a new one-year deal.

"I can understand Gary's position as a player because he is looking for security in his position," added the player-boss.

"But long contracts have caused too many problems at this club in the past.

"Perhaps they've made life a little bit too comfortable for players. I want my squad to be hungry for next season.

"If Gary has a good season then we might sit down and make it a longer deal.

"But all players have got to strive to earn whatever deal is going. "The bottom line is that I want players to be hungry and passionate for Burnley."

Heath was still attempting to thrash out personal terms with defender Charlie Bishop today.

The Clarets agreed an £80,000 fee with Barnsley a week ago and Heath added: "I am still in constant discussions with Charlie and I am hoping we can come to an agreement very soon.

"We are quite close and he has expressed his desire to come to Burnley."

The club say the new Adidas home kit will be available by mid-July and the away strips will go on sale in August.

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