BRIAN Laws has stepped down as the manager of Burnley - at the request of chairman Barry Kilby.

Laws’ future was plunged into doubt following yesterday’s 2-0 home defeat at the hands of former club Scunthorpe - even though Burnley are currently ninth in the Championship.

Kilby told the club’s official website that recent results were behind the decision as the Clarets’ attempts to launch a promotion push continued to falter.

Kilby said: “I have telephoned Brian today and have asked him to step down as manager of Burnley Football Club. Everyone is naturally disappointed and frustrated that recent results have not gone as we would have hoped.

“The board of directors has therefore decided that we need a fresh approach in order to achieve our goal of returning to the Premier League.”

The club said a further statement would be released on Thursday.