I DON'T envy Dave Edmundson for a second. I met up with Burnley's chief executive yesterday, where he outlined his plan of action to help the Clarets stave off the threat of administration.

In an era in which 90 per cent of football clubs are surviving by the seat of their pants, it's all too easy to become blais over continued financial threats.

But the threat at Turf Moor is a very real one - unless the club can find between £500,000 and £700,000 in the next few months.

That feared word 'adminstration' could become reality - and for a club with Burnley's history and stature, that is unthinkable.

Edmundson has drawn up a battle plan, starting with the announcement that ex-government spin doctor Alastair Campbell will help to spearhead the campaign to bring more cash into the club.

Other schemes - including good news for season tickets holders - will be revealed soon.

But the biggest problem for Edmundson is current attendances. Die-hard Clarets will always be at the game, but the lack of match day 'walk ons' is killing the club.

Now here's where the vicious circle starts.

Edmundson is calling for every fan to show their "Churchillian spirit" by getting behind Burnley in the hour of need.

Fine sentiments - but it's not so simple.

The cost of watching modern day football means fans - particularly in working class areas such as Burnley - have to pick and chose their games. To take a family of four to a game could cost up to a quarter of a week's wages in some cases.

If Burnley were pushing for a play-off place, attendances would be hitting the 15,000 mark. Fans will find the money.

But the side are scrapping for their lives at the wrong end of the table, and the incentives to head for Turf Moor are a lot less attractive for many cash-strapped fans.

It's human nature.

And that's where the vicious circle comes in.

Stan Ternent has performed near miracles to keep the club's head above water. Finances dictated that he was forced to offload half of his squad, and he wasn't given a penny to strengthen it.

The fact that Burnley are still in there scrapping is a testament to Ternent and the players.

But the reality is, unlike the true supporters, many 'walk on' fans won't part with their cash to see a side fighting to stay in the First Division.

If Burnley draw Manchester United at home in the FA Cup, they'll all come crawling out the woodwork, battling for tickets.

But those 'big time Charlies' won't help the club survive.

Action is needed now.

And at least the new chief executive has a battle plan. Concessions and sacrifices have to made on both sides of fence. The club has to make attractive offers to fans, and the supporters have to respond.

It's going to be a long, hard campaign, and every Clarets fan out there must play their part in making sure this great club doesn't go to the wall.