In my last column, midway through December and at the end of a difficult week, I made it very clear that Burnley needed to stop playing the recruitment lottery and strengthen this tired squad in the January transfer window.

Since then, the Clarets have enjoyed the uplifting boost of two hard-fought 1-0 wins, before falling once again to three disappointing losses. None more so than against Aston Villa on New Year's Day.

Much has been mooted about the reasons for our current form, but I fear that there is a staleness setting in, from the board right the way down to the fans.

And I don’t necessarily lay the blame for that on any one party, as it is incredibly difficult when you are Burnley Football Club to balance consistency, progress, safety and our finances whilst still staying relevant.

But the reality is that we look a long way from the composed and hungry side we’ve come to love, and expect, during the Sean Dyche era.

You can therefore imagine my reaction when it was announced by the manager on the first day of the transfer window that it was unlikely that there would be any new signings in January.

Seriously? We are writing off an entire window on day one? And not even trying to give these players the support they desperately need?

My fellow columnist, Andrew Greaves, made his feelings on this point perfectly clear and I will therefore refrain on expanding. For now, anyway.

So whilst we can grumble, moan, shout, and politely direct the players to put a cross in the box - side note, wasting six minutes of injury time casually passing the ball sideways around your back four when you are 2-1 down at home to a relegation rival is not optimal play - we are where we are.

What, therefore, do we do about it?

Our next nine games look horrible.

Chelsea, Leicester, Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City all feature - but the benefit of having zero expectations is that you also have absolutely nothing to lose.

These fixtures are a perfect opportunity for both Dyche and his players to relax, let go of the rigidity that has crept into their play and go out there and enjoy their football.

And for goodness sake, if we are going to lose all of those games, let’s at least lose with fight in our bellies, because that is the Dyche side we all know and love.