Burnley eyes O’Driscoll, Laws to replace Coyle

Burnley have whittled down their search for a successor to Owen Coyle as manager to two candidates: Doncaster’s Sean O’Driscoll and former Sheffield Wednesday manager Brian Laws.

Both men have been interviewed, with O’Driscoll regarded as a slight favourite to be asked to fill the vacancy created by Coyle’s decision to quit the club for local rivals Bolton.

O’Driscoll, 52, has been in charge of Championship outfit Doncaster since 2006. As well as establishing the Yorkshire club in the second tier of English football for the first time in half a century, he has forged a reputation as a coach who likes his players to play a passing game.

Laws was sacked by Sheffield Wednesday last month after the club slipped into the Championship relegation zone but has the advantage of being a former Burnley player.

Burnley are hoping to appoint their new manager in time for Saturday’s trip to champions Manchester United.

Martin Dobson, the director of youth development, is currently managing the club on a caretaker basis with the help of youth team coach Terry Pashley and experienced players Steven Caldwell and Graham Alexander.