WHEN do you start to believe that maybe, just maybe, it might be your season?

When do you start to believe that those dreams -- the staple diet of all football supporters -- might just turn into reality?

And when do you start to believe that Burnley's quarter-of-a-century exile from the top flight of English football could be drawing to a close?

Stan Ternent might well argue, with justification, that you believe things like that when the final ball of the season has been kicked and you are definitely promoted.

And he would be absolutely right to. With only half the campaign gone it is far too early for the manager to start talking things up.

And it is only too easy to remember that 12 months ago the Clarets hit a rocky patch which lasted until the end of January and cost the team a play-off spot.

But then, I'm not the manager. I am a supporter. And as such I can let my heart rule my head.

Because there are things about Burnley this time out which make you wonder.

Such as averaging almost two points and two goals per game. Such as winning at places like Coventry, Crystal Palace and Birmingham (six victories out of 11 away games for the record).

Such as going to Selhurst Park without the spine of Davis, Cook and Taylor (key players this season) and still winning.

As regards Paul Cook let us hope his contract situation can be speedily resolved.

Cook is playing as well as ever he has for Burnley -- just ask chief beneficiary Gareth Taylor -- and to lose him would be a blow.

But as we are handing out praise, two people stand out more than most this week.

Firstly, congratulations must go to Stan Ternent on winning November's manager of the month award.

With four wins, one draw and the leadership of Division One the boss is a worthy recipient.

And it would be remiss to close this week's column without giving a big pat on the back to Ian Moore.

After 13 games without a goal, the brace he bagged on Saturday must have taken a huge weight off his shoulders.

Not only that, the strikes were a deserved reward for the endless application and effort the million pound man has shown during his barren run.

It would be wonderful if he could repeat his performance in the eagerly anticipated derby against Preston on Sunday.