IMAGINE holding an in-depth discussion with a plumber after successfully unblocking a U-bend, or asking a secretary to assess their day in the office.

It is one of the oddities of the sporting industry, but particularly football given the finance, branding and exposure involved, that players are regularly requested to analyse their performance or preview their next fixture.

But there is more to their profession than playing a game.

Like actors and singers who travel the country or the globe to promote their latest programme/series/film or record/tour, they are part of the entertainment industry.

Sadly, entertainment is what has been in short supply in Burnley’s last two games especially, and it has led to an increasingly tense end to the season.

Sometimes trying to interview a footballer after such performances and in such circumstances is one of the most thankless tasks in the game.

Ben Mee was put up to discuss his return from injury and explain away a derby defeat to Blackpool last Saturday, and he did so without quarrel. In fact, I’ve never known the defender shirk an interview in any scenario.

But the same could not be said of a few others after Tuesday night’s dismal show, and defeat, at Leeds.

At least four players were asked to speak to the local press (interviews are organised by club staff - we do not have free reign) but all those approached refused.

They had been kept longer in the dressing room than usual by Sean Dyche, perhaps for a dressing down (their expressions and body language would suggest so) but to my knowledge no media restrictions had been imposed on them by the management, or anyone else. It appeared to be personal choice.

Three of them were the club’s more senior players, including captain Jason Shackell.

I can count on one hand the number of times I have interviewed the defender since the season started, which for a skipper – in my experience – is rare.

I have LOST count of the occasions I spoke to Steven Caldwell and his successor, Graham Alexander, before or after a match, no matter how good, bad or indifferent they had been individually or collectively.

While Chris McCann was the first to admit the armband became a burden on his own game, he certainly spoke like a leader off the field; said the right things at the right time.

Shackell has had his moments too, notably ahead of the last East Lancashire derby.

But after defeat at Elland Road, which left the Clarets just three points plus goal difference clear of the relegation zone, there was silence.

The skipper is lined up to look ahead to Saturday’s game against newly-promoted Cardiff City at this afternoon’s press conference.

But when asked if he would speak in the aftermath of a second straight 1-0 loss, he said no.

When everyone else has lost their tongue, the least you expect of your captain is to front up; to deliver a rallying call for the fans’ benefit, if not their own – particularly those who shelled out the £34 ticket price, probably parting with the thick-end of £60 when you include travel and refreshments.

He may well do that today.

Shackell had been Burnley’s star man in midweek. He had no reason to shy away.

In their defence, it is not generally a common occurrence at Turf Moor.

But having no words on this occasion would be easier to accept if there was action.

This season has been nothing to shout about, but the Clarets have three games to save it.