Terry joins Burnley FC board of directors

Mr Crabb, born in Burnley, has been a life-long supporter, watching his first game at Turf Moor in the mid-1950s.

He owned Dorset Cereals and built the company up into a worldwide concern before selling it several years ago, and takes the board up to six members.

He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity.

“You never think this kind of thing is going to happen, but how can you refuse?

“When the opportunity arose, I felt I had to get involved and one of the most important things for me joining the Board is that this is a proper club.

“All the directors are local and life-long supporters, which I just think is fantastic. The way this club is run is within its means and that matters a great deal to me and something I dearly wish to be a part of and contribute to.”

Mr Crabb (65) became an Associate Director last June and will take up his new role with immediate effect once his appointment has been ratified by the Football League.

Burnley Co-Chairman John Banaszkiewicz added: “We are delighted to welcome Terry to the board.

“He is the ideal combination for the club; a life-long Burnley fan and a businessman who can bring some creative ideas to our work.

“While our on-pitch form this season has been fantastic, we have been working just as hard off the pitch, strengthening the board and setting up an advisory group to gather new ideas and suggestions to help the club move forward.

“Burnley today is a club run by real fans. We are ambitious and forward thinking and the addition of Terry’s skill-set will help us deliver on our plans as we expand the club and the brand.”