STAN Ternent said a heartfelt 'thank you' to Burnley fans after a testimonial night to remember at Turf Moor.

Former Clarets boss Ternent attracted a crowd of 8,814 last night as the current Burnley team took on a star-studded Manchester United side featuring a host of international stars.

And Ternent, whose contract was not renewed in the summer, admitted the whole occasion was a "surreal experience".

He said: "There are so many people to thank, from the Burnley chairman, Barry Kilby and his board, to all the players on both sides, Sir Alex (Ferguson), my testimonial committee and the fans especially, who were just fantastic.

"I could go on forever, but it's been a surreal and marvellous experience and I've enjoyed every minute.

"The fans were just marvellous. It was a really good turn out and I went around as many of them as I could before the game.

"Unfortunately I couldn't be everywhere, so I just want to say a heartfelt thanks."

Goals from Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Chris Eagles gave United a three-goal lead in the game itself before Burnley teenager Marc Pugh pulled back a late consolation.

But the real winner was Ternent himself, who should pick up around £100,000 from his big day after being granted the testimonial by Kilby and his board of directors to honour 10 years service as player, then manager.

Ternent added: "I could never have expected so many people to come. So many supporters and lots of football managers who are friends have made a fantastic effort and travelled from all over the country to be here and it makes you feel very humble.

"Alex deserves a special mention for bringing a great team, but that's him to a tee. I know him well and he's a fantastic person as well as being the most successful football manager of my generation."

Ternent vowed to return to Turf Moor in the future to support the Clarets impressive start to First Division life under new manager Steve Cotterill.

But after a summer of rest, he insisted the first task was to get back into football management as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, back in the present, new boss Steve Cotterill today reported a clean bill of health ahead of the weekend clash with Wolves at Turf Moor.

Welsh keeper Danny Coyne sat out last night's testimonial as a precaution after withdrawing from the Welsh squad to undergo treatment on an ankle injury.

Burnley Reserves, now managed by Mark Yates, open their Pontins League Division One campaign this afternoon with a game against Rochdale.

Kick off at Rossendale United's Dark Lane ground is 2pm.