HEAR that? It's the sound of Steve Cotterill scratching around for players to keep Burnley's season alive.

The late, late sale of Ade Akinbiyi left precious little time to sign a long-term replacement, and striker Michael Ricketts could well prove to be a canny option if his debut goal last weekend is anything to go by.

But with permanent deals no longer an option, Steve is still going to have to pull a few similar rabbits from hats over the coming weeks to keep things ticking over.

Whether it's fatigue, or that a few of the players jumping up a level have temporarily hit a brick wall, I'm not quite sure. But there is nothing like a fresh face or two to give everyone a spring in their step again for the awkward run-in.

It can't be easy though and I'm sure Steve is working the oracle, contacting all his friends in high places to beg, steal, borrow and plunder.

Whatever miracles happen though, it's already been a remarkable season in so many ways. It's been a challenge from day one when, given the problematic player situation, no fan could have imagined we would still be within touching distance of the top six in February.

Yet after selling our top goalscorer and amid all the lingering uncertainty surrounding the manager's future, here we are, going into the final few months still with everything to play for.

It's a testament to everyone concerned, from the top to the very bottom. And whatever happens now, I just hope the contract situation with Steve can finally be resolved to put the icing on the cake.

I genuinely think we have a manager that can take us places, but only if the ambitions of Burnley Football Club match the individual.

What a shame it would be to let the foundations built over the past couple of years crumble.

These are unquestionably important talks.

I would argue that the club's short-term future depends on the outcome.