AS Stan correctly observed following our 5-2 thrashing at the hands of Reading: "We seem to throw in a bad performance every now and again."

The problem is that 'every now and again' is starting to occur with alarming frequency.

This was the third time in the Clarets' last seven league outings that they have conceded four or more goals, as the Royals joined Rotherham (six) and Gillingham (four) in finding it all too easy to score against Burnley.

In total, the Clarets defence has been breached a staggering 55 times in league games alone. Only Grimsby, who have conceded one shy of 60, save Burnley from the ignominy of having the leakiest backline in the division.

Perhaps strangely for a team which has shipped more than its fair share of goals, the defence is not wholly to blame.

Players such as Gnohere, Cox, McGregor and, after his recent arrival, Diallo are all fine players. And in any event, there is no such thing as a defender who does not suffer the occasional lapse.

A major problem is central midfield. If the gaffer had a pound for every time someone has said: "We need a Kevin Ball-type player," he would be able to buy half a dozen of them.

Quite simply there is no one to put a foot in and break things up. Of the genuine central midfielders at the club, Tony Grant, Paul Cook and Paul Weller, none specialise in the skill most urgently required.

Only Steve Davis, currently sidelined through injury, has shown himself able to do the job.

In the absence of such a player, the defence has little protection and is over-exposed with predictable consequences.

With Graham Branch returning from suspension for Saturday's trip to Coventry, might it be worth trying out Mark McGregor in the holding role? Athletic and hard in the tackle, McGregor possesses two of the most sought-after qualities of such a player.

Another problem on Saturday was the shape of the team, or the seeming absence of it. In fairness to the manager he spotted that John Salako was giving Dean West a torrid time down our right flank.

But the introduction of Glen Little did nothing to stop the flow, as the winger exhibited a tendency to drift into the centre of the pitch too often, leaving West exposed.

Finally, if those involved feel they must play the goal celebration music, please could they pick their moments carefully.

When Dean West thundered home the Clarets' second, "Tom Hark" blasted from the speakers.

Now come on -- tremendous strike though it was, did anybody really feel like celebrating the goal. Well, yes.

The visiting Reading fans in the Cricket Field Stand saw the music as their cue to get to their feet and imitate the naff dance that usually accompanies the music. It's bad enough being humiliated on the field, but off the pitch too?