JIMMY Mullen is fighting for his Turf Moor managerial life today.

Three straight league defeats-the latest a 1-0 reverse at Brentford on Saturday-has further increased speculation over his future.

But the Burnley board of directors refused to confirm or deny whether Mullen's position would come under review at a meeting due to be held at Turf Moor tonight.

They are believed to be "deeply concerned" over the current slide in fortunes which has seen gates slump to a four-year low and sparked furious fans' demonstrations.

Today the Turf Moor chief insisted it was "business as usual" as he prepared the Clarets for tomorrow's vital Lancashire derby clash at Blackpool.

He said: "I am just getting on with my job of of getting everybody ready for a very tough match at Blackpool.

"Whatever else happens is out of my hands."

In a weekend of wild speculation at Turf Moor, several reports suggested a decision was imminent.

But sources close to the club strongly refuted that and insisted that Mullen would be in charge for tomorrow's vital Lancashire derby clash at Blackpool.

Mullen added: "It was obviously a very disappointing week for us, but I felt we deserved something from the game at Brentford. "We did very well in the first half. I genuinely thought we should have had at least a one goal lead by the break.

"I couldn't fault the lads for effort and overall commitment. That certainly wasn't at fault."

Mullen rang the changes at Brentford. He drafted in striker John Francis for his first full start of the campaign to partner Kurt Nogan at Griffin Park.

He added: "I just thought the time was right for a bit of a shake-up.

"John Francis came on against Stockport and he was on fire. He did very well in the reserves again in midweek.

"It was certainly no reflection on young Andy Cooke who has done ever so well. It was a lot to ask from Andy's background to expect miracles, coming straight out of non-league football. I just felt the kid needed a break.

"My decision to put him on the bench was certainly no reflection on the way the lad has been playing."

Added Mullen: "We were just not strong enough in front of goal in the second half. Their goal came really out of the blue. We paid dearly for a momentary loss of concentration."

The latest defeat, despite a much-improved Clarets display, saw Burnley sink to eighth spot in the Division Two table, one of their lowest placings this season.

Now they face the daunting task of facing three of the top four sides in the division-Blackpool, Crewe and leaders Swindon Town-all in the next eight days.

GIANT defender Peter Swan is almost certain to be ruled out of tomorrow's big Division Two clash at Bloomfield Road.

Swan did not travel with the Clarets squad to London and missed the 1-0 defeat at Brentford after he was laid low with a severe bout of tonsillitis.

Jamie Hoyland, who deputised at Brentford, is expected to retain the captain's armband tomorrow.

Swan has been signed off by his family doctor and ordered to rest until at least Wednesday.

"I'm extremely weak and I've felt very poorly over the past few days," said the big man. "I started feeling unwell last Wednesday and my doctor said I was too ill to make the trip to London. The illness has knocked me for six.

"I managed to get out of my bed for the first time yesterday and walked into the village where I live.

"But I was so weak I had to order a taxi to get back home! I hope to be back for the Crewe game, but I will just have to see how I am."

Blackpool officials say they are 'hopeful' that tomorrow's big match will go ahead.

Both Burnley's A and B team fixtures were postponed at the weekend.

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