BURNLEY Under-23s boss Steve Stone has been promoted to the club’s first-team staff. The former England winger is taking over from Tony Loughlan, who is leaving to undergo a second hip operation. As a result of Stone’s promotion, former Tranmere and Shrewsbury manager Michael Jackson has been appointed interim Under-23s coach.
Burnley boss Sean Dyche said: “Tony has done a fantastic job here as a key part of the staff but he now feels it’s a good time for him to undergo the further surgery he needs and the extended period of time required to make a full recovery. Replacing him with Steve makes perfect sense for everyone. We know Steve really well and we’ve worked closely with him over the past few years, anyway. He knows what it’s all about at the top level of the game, he knows how we work, is familiar with the players and will make it a smooth transition as we build towards another season in the Premier League.”