It's a fantastic football club says O'Connor

The disappointment was that he hadn't received any sort of offer of a new deal from the club until the end of the season and that he hadn't been given long enough to think about it. Even then he wasn't critical said: "But that's the club's prerogative and I fully understand the manager's decision."

O'Connor then went on to tell the Lancashire Telegraph: "I've no axe to grind. I've got nothing but good things to say about the football club, about the people of Burnley and the manager and I've had really enjoyable times there.

"I have great respect for the manager, for Sandy Stewart and Steve Davis. It is a fantastic football club, I love the family atmosphere and I wish them every success for the future."

O'Connor, who joined the Clarets on a permanent basis from West Brom just over three years ago added: "I have a lot of fond memories from my three years there, but particularly John Spicer going in goal against Luton because it showed what great character we had, also beating Birmingham the season before last and scoring in a Lancashire derby against Preston.

"I just really enjoyed my time at the club and I want to thank everyone who supported me while I was there."