The ANDY LOCHHEAD column. . .

I FINALLY found time to meet up with Steve Cotterill ahead of last weekend's game.

It's been a long time coming due to my recent illness, but I have to say it was well worth waiting for.

Steve's enthusiasm really shines through and I really believe the club will go in the right direction with him at the helm.

He told me how he has bided his time to sign the right kind of player to take Burnley forward - quality not quantity being the buzzword.

And looking at how the new boys have settled in, who could argue that his approach is not the right one?

The two friendly games have given everyone their first real look at his vision, and already the signs are that we will have a more solid spine.

Last night, in particular, things came together to give everyone genuine hope for the long season ahead.

Frank Sinclair is not the biggest defender I've ever seen, but what he lacks in height he more than makes up for in spring and he oozed class alongside John McGreal.

Sinclair has all-round ability that will stand Cotterill in good stead, while McGreal looks the cool, calm customer all defences need in times of crisis.

He almost went through the game un-noticed, but against quality strikers from the top flight, he hardly put a foot wrong all night and could be a real unsung hero.

Behind them, the arrival of Danny Coyne solves possibly the biggest problem Cotterill had to face on his appointment.

Burnley conceded far too many goals last season, with Brian Jensen responsible for his fair share.

Last night, Coyne made four outstanding saves to offer evidence that the Dane may have a lengthy wait to pull the gloves on again.

I also like the look of the young lad Michael Duff. Jumping two divisions is a terrifying prospect, but he looks at home at this level and will give the back line solid support.

Finally, Micah Hyde appears to have a good engine to supplement his terrific passing ability. Roll on the new season!