Source: Team_Talk
Alexander set for new Clarets deal
urnley veteran Graham Alexander is likely to be offered a new deal at Turf Moor that will take him past his 39th birthday.[LNB] Alexander, who doubles up as the club's player-coach, is out of contract in the summer.[LNB]But manager Brian Laws has made it clear he sees Alexander as crucial to his plans in their attempt to make a swift return to the Premier League.[LNB]Laws said: "Graham is part of my team and I not going to be opening the door, saying thank you very much, and shutting it behind him.[LNB]"We will be sitting down over the next week or so and I expect him to be here next season.[LNB]"He will still be strong on the playing side - the coaching will take care of itself - we don't want to detract from that.[LNB]"He will do that first and foremost as we don't want to take away his qualities as a footballer. Just because of his age, you can't say that's it.[LNB]"Graham has shown already this season he is more than capable of performing, more than capable of playing for 90 minutes.[LNB]"He has made a difference on the pitch. Long may it continue. It is about the quality of the player and the man."[LNB]At 38, Alexander has made 32 Premier League appearances heading into the final fixture against Tottenham at Turf Moor on Sunday.[LNB]He remains a popular figure despite the club's demotion and has been named Player of the Year, voted by supporters through the official club website.[LNB]Laws added: "Graham has been very steady the whole way through. The fans like him and the players like him.[LNB]"You don't have to be the matchwinner. You just have to make sure you got out there and give it your all.[LNB]"The consistency he has shown this season he deserves this accolade. When he hasn't played we have missed him."[LNB]Meanwhile, Burnley are still in line for a place in Europe next season providing Fulham win the Europa League.[LNB]Roy Hodgson's side take on Atletico Madrid in Hamburg on Wednesday - a game that has special interest for the Clarets.[LNB]They remain the frontrunners to qualify for the competition through the Fair Play League, given the clubs ahead of them are already assured of a place in Europe.[LNB]It would mean an early start at the beginning of July, but that is not a problem for Laws even though it would impact on his holiday.[LNB]He said: "We are in a fairly strong position if Fulham win the final. We are not banking on it but will certainly embrace it with open arms.[LNB]"Our preparations will be altered. If that is the case we will gladly change them.[LNB]"I will be at home, cheering them on. We have already booked our holiday but it might just be a weekend if we have to come back early."
