Burnley chairman Barry Kilby has stepped in after the home defeat to Scunthorpe and relieved boss Brian Laws of his duties. It had initially been thought the board would simply discuss Laws future, but in the end it was decided to bring the 49 year olds tenure at Turf Moor to an immediate end.

Kilby said on the club's official website that the Clarets stuttering promotion push were behind the decision.

"I have telephoned Brian today and have asked him to step down as manager of Burnley Football Club.

"Everyone is naturally disappointed and frustrated that recent results have not gone as we would have hoped.

"The board of directors has therefore decided that we need a fresh approach in order to achieve our goal of returning to the Premier League."

The club said a further statement would be released on Thursday.