DON'T worry if some of your friends are looking a little worn out today - it won't be because of last minute Christmas shopping.

It won't even be because of a seasonal over-indulgence. The fact is they are probably still recovering from Saturday's humdinger of a derby.

Preston 5 Burnley 3 will live long in the memory, for both good and bad reasons. It was a game which just about summed up the current crop of Clarets.

This is a team which can be absolutely devastating when attacking. Unfortunately, it's also a team who seem to regard defending as an alien concept. Or as Ternent himself put it: "We have scored 36, but conceded 43 and we can't go on at that rate. It ain't right."

Indeed it ain't. As the manager also acknowledged it "kills" the players. One can only imagine the frustration felt by the likes of Blake, Little and Ian Moore. The trio were individually and collectively outstanding against Preston, but saw all their good work undone because of defensive sloppiness.

Clearly the problem needs resolving or else Burnley will find themselves being drawn deeper and deeper into a relegation scrap.

Judging by the manager's post-match comments, a new goalkeeper would appear to be top of his Chrismtas wish-list.

Jensen has not settled in as well as might have been hoped for since his arrival. Although his general shot-stopping is fine, many supporters feel he does not command his area as well as he might.

Such nervousness from the Beast inevitably transmits itself to his defenders. The result is that defenders are not totally confident in their keeper and vice versa.

The back four may also benefit from a little tinkering, although the manager need not bring in any new personnel.

Saturday's bench has three replacements in waiting. Mark McGregor had been playing well until his half-time substitution against Coventry and Lee Roche must surely be given his chance soon.

More curious is the non-inclusion in the starting 11 of Jay McEveley. There seems to be little logic in loaning a Premiership-quality player only for him to warm the bench.

Ternent was clearly frustrated following the game and hinted that board members other than the chairman might want to help fund deals to bring new blood to the club.

Fair enough in theory, but do those other board members have the necessary cash and/or desire to grant the manager's wish?

It's worth remembering that board members are under no obligation to fund the club, but one can surely be certain that Barry Kilby would not have them in the board room where they not somehow benefitting Burnley Football Club.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas.