I'd be in ecstatic in mid-tableobscurity

"BURNLEY will be happy with a mid-table finish in Division One."

So says one, well known, glossy football monthly in its preview of the First Division's runners and riders.

It is a view which your correspondent finds himself starkly at odds with. Because I would be far from happy with mid-table obscurity. I would in fact be ecstatic.

Should the Clarets finish any higher than 21st, then the season must be considered an unqualified success.

(Anyone in disagreement with this view must not recall the sharp pain of the Clarets' previous Division One campaign -- a thoroughly miserable affair which saw Burnley ignominiously dumped back into Division Two after just one season at the higher level).

If last season was thought to be a "big" season for the club, then this one should be considered enormous. Having spent the overwhelming majority of the last two decades scratching around the bottom two divisions, the Clarets now have the opportunity to establish themselves in Division One.

This is important for any number of reasons, not least of which concerns the financial aspect. Should Burnley fail next season, it is estimated the club will lose out to the tune of £2.5 million. With its new, ambitious outlook, this is a scenario which would be unthinkable to Barry Kilby et al.

And while one could justifiably complain long and hard against the uneven distribution of football's wealth, the pragmatic view is that it is better to be among the haves than the have nots.

So, realistically, what are the Clarets' chances of being in Division One come May 2001? The squad which won Burnley promotion last time out achieved its success through a combination of superior quality, exceptional team spirit, and a refusal to lie down -- even with the odds stacked against them.

While the Clarets will not always be able to boast superior quality this season, there is no reason why the mental toughness which served them so well last term should desert them this time out. Which is just as well, as in the first three weeks of the season Burnley lock horns with Bolton, Wimbledon, Wolves and Gillingham.

Of the recent additions to the squad, both Kevin Ball and Phil Gray impressed in the rain-drenched friendlies against Newcastle Utd and Manchester City. Crucially, the pair bring with them that most valuable of commodities -- experience. And this, perhaps, may turn out to be Burnley's greatest asset in the coming months.

Importantly, the spine of the team, from Crichton through to Thomas, Johnrose and Payton, have played and to a lesser or greater extent, flourished, at a higher level.

Another factor which may work in the Clarets' favour is the sale of over 11,000 season tickets. This will mean some packed houses for many fixtures this season.

And while big crowds bring pressure, the current squad should be able to turn this to their advantage.

But importantly, the forthcoming campaign is one which should be savoured. And visits to places such as Wolves, Birmingham and Nottingham Forrest are certainly to be eagerly anticipated.

Most mouthwatering for many Clarets supporters is the prospect of six local derbies. And in particular the 15 days in December which see us take on Preston, Blackburn and Bolton in consecutive fixtures.

In conclusion, this will be a difficult season. But both the manager and a large number of the squad have been here before and should know what is required.

In short, if Burnley can be lucky with injuries and suspensions, there are grounds for cautious optimism. A prediction? Seventeenth position with a few notable scalps taken, including one in blue and white halves.

See you at the Reebok on Saturday.