Cummings and Goings, with STEPHEN CUMMINGS. . .

AND it had been going so well too.

The first month of Steve Cotterill's reign had offered grounds for optimism -- the tighter defence, an unbeaten run, progress in the Cup; even defeat against West Ham did little to dampen enthusiasm.

But then Gillingham turned up. And when Gillingham roll into town, one thing usually happens -- the wheels fall off. And that's just what happened yesterday. Big style.

There were a number of disappointments other than the defeat itself. First was the way Burnley started, or rather didn't. Cotterill claimed his players were tired, and there is some merit in the argument. Yet that doesn't explain how Burnley summoned enough energy to give Gillingham a fright in the closing stages.

Nor did the manager cover himself in glory by being sent to the stands. He is long enough in the managerial tooth to know that throwing extravagant touchline tantrums will neither get referee decisions overturned nor himself endeared to the officials.

The man at the helm should be leading by example when it comes to discipline. Unfortunately Micah Hyde followed his boss's lead with a crass act of petulance following the penalty decision.

Burnley will now be without his services for three games which raises a tough question for the board. Do they risk going into debt again and try and bring more players in, or must the manager continue to fight with his hands tied behind his back?

Clearly, Cotterill does not think the three kids are up to it; how else do you explain their non-appearance in a month packed with so many matches? (No, playing in testimonials doesn't count). Effectively, this means the manager is playing with a squad of 13 and that includes his second keeper.

Losing players to injury and suspension was always going to occur. It happening sooner rather than later in the season has merely forced the issue.

Despite the above negativity, first impressions of Cotterill and his team during their first hectic month together have been favourable; the major problems from last season have been spotted and addressed in the shape of a sound, organised defence, a genuine team spirit seems to have been fostered, and the new faces look to be quality signings.

With the exception of yesterday, performances have been very encouraging. All in all, most Burnley supporters are pleased with what has been achieved so far. The question is, how long can it be sustained given the constraints the manager is working under?