Four ex-Clarets in non-league moves

Last updated : 03 June 2015 By Tony Scholes
Jon Stewart has moved to Bradford Park Avenue

Amongst the early moves there are four former Burnley players to be found, only one of whom ever reached the first team. The moves involve a goalkeeper, a defender and two midfielders who both came through from the Turf Moor youth team.

The goalkeeper is Jon Stewart. He spent two years at Burnley, from summer 2011 to 2013. Eddie Howe signed him from his old club Bournemouth as cover and he did make the first team bench for a time as cover for Lee Grant at a time when Brian Jensen was out injured.

On his release two years ago he signed for Worksop Town before moving to Alfreton where he had enjoyed two loans spells whilst at Burnley. That didn't work out and he returned to Worksop.

But he's on the move again and this time has signed for Bradford Park Avenue. Stewart said of his last season at Worksop: "There is a difference in leagues. I didn't get tested too much there, I kind of strolled through most of the games and then obviously the Bradford manager called me, and it all came around quite quickly. He was just really eager to get me on board.

"To be fair, I didn't know that much about Bradford Park Avenue but once I've done my research I've understood where the club's going with the new owner and stuff like that, and the new manager, a young manager, and it all seems good, and I'm very excited to sign for Bradford."

Onto the defender. This has been billed as a major signing at Sutton Coldfield Town with the capture of Duane Courtney from Alfreton where he played his football last season.

Sutton Coldfield boss Neil Tooth said: "Getting Duane is massive for us and I'm absolutely delighted he has agreed to join Sutton.  Duane is a natural leader and he brings a wealth of experience with him, he is also a winner and I'm sure his enthusiasm and professionalism will rub off on our young lads.

"He also has a lot to offer in terms of coaching and I'm happy for him to get involved with that side of things too so I'm really looking forward to working with him."

Courtney made eight appearances for us during the 2005/06 season, his one season at Burnley. There was only start in those appearances, the dramatic 3-2 win at Luton on the day Jensen was sent off.

Midfielder Joe Booth was with Burnley's youth team for three seasons from 2002 to 2005 before being released. He signed for Rossendale United before moving on to AFC Fylde where he's played his football for the last seven seasons, making over 250 appearances for them. He's now opted for a move to Bamber Bridge.

There's also news on another midfielder Archie Love, and this one doesn't come as a surprise. Having been released by the Clarets a year ago, Archie, who was in the youth team that reached the FA Youth Cup semi-final in 2012, eventually signed for Hednesford before dropping down to end the season with Market Drayton.

For next season he's rejoined one of his former Burnley coaches Ash Hoskin at Colwyn Bay as the Welsh club look to get back into Conference North at the first time of asking.

Booth and Love, like Stewart, didn't make any first team appearances for the Clarets.