Unsworth 'sacrifice' to stay with Burnley

10:42am Thursday 15th May 2008

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By Suzanne Geldard »

BURNLEY manager Owen Coyle has revealed experienced defender David Unsworth would be making a "big financial sacrifice" if he puts pen to paper on a new deal.

The former Everton stopper, who joined the Clarets last August as a free agent, has been offered a one-year contract extension, but in a player-coach capacity.

The training ground work is bound to appeal to Unsworth, who is working towards his UEFA A licence at Scotland's Largs facility this summer.

And he has made no secret of his desire to end his playing career with Burnley.

However, at 34 years old, he still feels he has plenty to offer on the pitch. And having made 28 league and cup starts, that could be a figure he is looking to replicate before his career transfers to a more behind-the-scenes role.

"I think David Unsworth did very well for us in the games he has played," said Coyle.

"I had a lengthy chat with him. I hold him in very high esteem, and I probably see a bit of myself in him.

"He still feels he has got something to offer on the playing front, but I think he maybe won't get as many games.

"It's up to him to prove me wrong."

He added: "It would be a big financial sacrifice on his part and (if he accepts), it's probably testimony to the man he is."

Unsworth, who is expected to inform Coyle of his decision by the end of the week, said earlier in the season: "I said to the gaffer in January that, at this stage of my career, I don't want to be moving around.

"I feel there are still a couple of seasons left in me, without a doubt.

"I've really enjoyed this season, so hopefully we'll sit down and sort something out."

On the coaching front, he added: "I started my badges last season and then they run every summer for a couple of years until you're fully qualified. I've done my UEFA B, so I'm working towards my A licence.

"I'm on the long, arduous journey down the coaching courses, but it's enjoyable.

"We have always been told to do your coaching courses while you are still playing, and since I've done it I wish I had started it earlier."

At the time, he was unsure whether an opening would become available to him at the club.

Now that it has, Unsworth is posed with a dilemma as to whether the prospects for his long-term career outweigh his immediate playing ambitions.