Boss Brendan Flood does not rule out Turf Moor return

The news came on a day of high drama at Turf Moor which culminated in the board releasing a statement which appeared to discredit claims by former director John Sullivan surrounding possible Russian investment in the club.

Tuesday’s Express carried an exclusive interview with Mr Sullivan shortly before he flew out to Russia for what he claimed were more talks with possible investors and that he had the full support of the current board.

However, a no-holds barred statement issued by co-chairman Mr Mike Garlick said: “Neither myself, co-chairman John Banaszkiewicz, or fellow directors Barry Kilby and Clive Holt have had any scheduled negotiations with Russian investors regarding potential investment in Burnley Football Club.

“Mr John Sullivan is currently an Associate Director of Burnley Football Club until May 2013, when this role will cease. The football club has not retained John in any capacity to act for the club with regards to securing any new investment.

“The club cannot comment on the involvement of Mr Brendan Flood in any negotiations as he is not permitted to be a director of Burnley Football Club due to Football League regulations.

“In closing, Burnley Football Club is always open for new investment, provided that it meets the vision of the Board of Directors, is of a ‘fit and proper’ nature, has the club’s best interests at heart and can genuinely assist us in achieving our ultimate aim of gaining promotion back to the Premier League.”

It later emerged that Mr Flood has an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) and this prevents him from sitting on the board of a Football League club under its Fit and Proper Person Test. The IVA runs out shortly.

However, sources close to Mr Flood believe he would consider a return to the Turf Moor boardroom if there was a change in the current personnel.