BRAND new replica shirts, a full season ticket book and a sense of nervous but eager anticipation.
All the tell-tale signs of the first day of a new campaign were there to see at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Yet any pre-season optimism which had accrued between the end of last term and the start of this, quickly withered on a blisteringly hot and bitterly disappointing afternoon.
To recap, following Burnley's 7-2 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season, Stan Ternent said he would build a new side because he had to. Clearly, it has not been as easy as that.
Some numbers for you. During the summer, 16 players left Turf Moor. Only four have arrived. The current squad numbers 19, of which four are kids.
And on Saturday, because of two injuries and one suspension, only four out of five places on the subs' bench were filled.
Given the alarmingly thin squad of players at his disposal, the Gaffer has got his work cut out like never before. And if the current numbers are not boosted, survival in this division will be an heroic achievement.
So why have so few new faces arrived? There is no way that an experienced manager such as Stan Ternent would start a new season with so small a pool of players from choice.
Ternent was clearly ordered to slash the club's wage bill -- hence the 16 departures. The problem is the wage bill has stayed slashed. The situation is further exercerbated by the fact that the lion's share of the wage bill is taken up by players whose deals were negotiated before the collapse of ITV Digital. There is little room for manouevre.
Ternent is effectively fighting with his hands tied behind his back. Blindfolded. And on one leg.
But unless more players are added, the problems which plagued the Clarets last season will continue throughout this one. We are still desperate for a midfield enforcer. And the heart of the defence is screaming out for a player with leadership qualities.
Unless the club are careful, they will find themselves in a vicious cycle. Poor results will lead to fewer attendances. Lower attendances mean less money, less money means no new players etc etc. The warning signs are already there. Saturday's sub 13,000 gate was not particularly encouraging for the first game of a new season played in glorious weather.
Plus points? After a summer spent worrying about Glen Little's future, he is still a Burnley player. Taylor, Moore and McGregor are to come back. Luke Chadwick looks to have genuine quality. Pacy and skilfull he is a real asset to the squad and combined well with fellow new signing Lee Roche, who as well hitting a scorching goal, looked good on the overlap.
As for this evening's game, let's hope we can see off Chesterfield. The repeat of last season's run in this competition would be most welcome. And God knows, we need the money.
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