UNDER-FIRE Jimmy Mullen has received the valued support of Blackpool boss Sam Allardyce as the Burnley chief begins the most crucial month of his Turf Moor managerial career at lowly Brentford tomorrow.

Allardyce witnessed the fierce abuse levelled at Mullen against Oxford United as he ran the rule over the Clarets before the two promotion enemies meet in the white-hot Lancashire derby next week.

And only four days before the two Lancashire rivals locks horns in the all-ticket clash at Bloomfield Road, Allardyce roundly condemned the flak handed out to the former Seasiders boss.

Allardyce said: "Jimmy Mullen has never got proper credit for what he has done at Burnley, getting them promotion twice in four seasons.

"It is typical of the attitude of the small minority of fans who make more noise than the silent majority. Even though they lost against Oxford, they can't be doing badly, as Burnley are still in the leading pack."

Allardyce added: "I hope Burnley play as badly next Tuesday-though somehow I very much doubt it."

Mullen will welcome Allardyce's show of support but he knows tomorrow's Second Division assignment is absolutely vital as the Clarets begin a gruelling fixture programme which could make or break their promotion aspirations.

This weekend's trip to Brentford will be the first of seven matches in just 21 days.

And that includes demanding clashes against third placed Blackpool, second placed Crewe Alexandra at Turf Moor and a trip to leaders Swindon Town-all in the space of eight frantic days.

"We were all dreadfully disappointed with the Oxford result but we just have to get going again," he said. "No words can describe my disappointment on Tuesday.

"We never competed and we have worked doubly hard since then to improve things for tomorrow.

"I just want to get that result out of our systems-and that has to start at Brentford tomorrow."

Mullen will choose from: Russell, Parkinson, Vinnicombe, Swan, Winstanley, Harrison, Weller, Joyce, Cooke, Nogan, Eyres, Francis, Robinson, Hoyland, McMinn, Glass.

The A team travel to Stoke City tomorrow while the B team take on Oldham Athletic B at Stainton Park, home of Radcliffe Borough. Kick-off at Radcliffe is 11.00 am.

Manchester United goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington, now regarded as number three keeper at Old Trafford following the signing of Tony Coton, has joined Third Division Rochdale on a month's loan. United boss Alex Ferguson rejected a bid from Burnley on Monday.

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