Mr Dobson, who made almost 500 appearances for the Clarets and captained the club in two spells during the 1970s and 1980s, will take up his new role as Director of Youth Development at the start of nexth month.

Dobson's prime responsibility is to oversee the recruitment of young players and help the youth development team, led by Vince Overson, to develop the Turf Moor stars of tomorrow.

The former England midfielder, who was previously Academy Director at Bolton Wanderers and a scout for Ipswich Town, said: "I am absolutely overjoyed to be back at Burnley.

"I think everyone knows what my feelings for this club are and I consider it a great honour and a big challenge to bring in exciting, young players, both from other clubs and through an already impressive scouting network.

"I have vast experience and a strong belief in how the game should be played – a belief that I am delighted to say Owen Coyle shares.

"You don't get the finished article with youth, or even at 14, 15 or 16 years of age, but I think you can still see players' attitudes to the game and how they handle disappointment.

"If we can identify the right type of player, then I feel we can only help take the club to the next level."

He will head the Youth Development arm of Burnley Football Club, which sees Head of Youth Development Vince Overson and Youth Team coach Terry Pashley continue their roles but now report directly to the new Director.

Burnley FC Chief Executive and former team-mate of Dobson, Paul Fletcher added: "Martin will look at all age groups of youngsters, from five through to mid-teens.

"Now that we are building up links with America, Northern Ireland and other countries, it will be his role to uncover the players for tomorrow.

"Although we have full time staff in there and a wide network of scouts, we believe Martin's expertise will be invaluable.

"The approach to youth development in the modern era is far different than it was perhaps 25 years ago, when in many way Burnley was a role model.

"The club is reacting to that and while we are making a £2.5m investment in our Gawthorpe training facility, we also need a model for the future."