Brendan Flood: Exclusive interview

5:42pm Friday 25th May 2007

Comments (7)   Have your say »

BURNLEY'S millionaire director Brendan Flood has vowed to back manager Steve Cotterill in the transfer market this summer.

In his first extensive interview, the Manchester-based businessman and life-long Burnley fan exclusively revealed to the Lancashire Telegraph his blueprint for the future at Turf Moor, admitting he is prepared to invest part of his fortune into improving the playing squad and the club's infrastructure.

Flood, managing director of urban regeneration giants Modus Properties, joined the club's board of directors last December and made an immediate impact by helping finance signings during the January transfer window.

Now, he has outlined his vision for Burnley, vowing to: Financially support Cotterill, who he considers the right man to deliver success to Burnley.

See the club sign three or four quality players this summer.

Increase Burnley's commercial revenue by galvanising the club's business infrastructure and facilities.

End Burnley's selling-club image.

Help provide a bigger wage budget next season, and Try to match the success of North West rivals Wigan and Bolton.

Last week, it was announced that Rossendale-born Flood would work alongside Clarets chairman Barry Kilby to drive the club's business operations.

The father-of-three - who has been a Clarets fan since the age of six - is determined to stamp his authority by creating a bigger and better off-the-field business' at Turf Moor.

He is prepared to spend part of his personal fortune on fulfilling his ambition to see Burnley reach the Premiership, although he insists he will work to a careful, long-term strategy.

On the playing side, Flood believes Cotterill is the right man to help bring success to Turf Moor and has promised to hand the Clarets boss the right resources.

"Steve is a very clever guy. He's very passionate and cares about the club," revealed Flood.

"His track record speaks for itself. He's determined and ambitious, he's the right sort of guy to succeed for the club.

Flood added: "For us to be competitive, if we bring in three or four players this summer, better than what we've already got, that would be great.

"We've given a bigger wage budget this year - it's reasonable."

Furthermore, Flood is hopeful his addition to the Burnley board of directors will end the club's image as a selling club.

He said: "We are not under pressure to sell players now. Before, we've never had that opportunity to retain the squad."

Asked how much he was prepared to invest in the club, the 45-year-old added: "I've put in a bit already.

"I would say it would be massive in most people's eyes. But I'm a professional guy, I'm quite responsible. I'm not a reckless investor.

"But the good thing is, there is an appetite to invest from my point of view, in the long-term future of the club."

Flood added: "It's a challenge. It's just like tidying up your bedroom in that you are familiar with it all. You've just got to get it sorted out now and again.

"I'm going to try to help to improve what's there now.

"There's a lot of really good people at the club, off-the-pitch in particular. There's a lot of talent and energy.

"I think they - with a bit of leadership and inspiration - can change the club into being competitive with a lot of these Premiership neighbours."

Next season, Flood is optimistic that Burnley will improve on last term's 15th position and make a bold bid much higher up the league table.

"It would be nice to be better than Preston this year and nice to be where Bolton are, in a few years' time," he added.

Flood established Modus as a commerical property company in 1991 and has seen it go from strength to strength.

Today, major investment funds operated by Modus are valued at £900m.