A 3-1 HOME defeat on the opening day of the season, Barry Kilby being booed onto the pitch at half time and strong rumours that Glen Little is off to Aston Villa this week.

And to think -- I'd been looking foward to the big kick-off all summer long.

Where to start? How best to explain away the shambolic performance against Brighton? Even the gaffer struggled, claiming the display surprised him 'big style'.

You and me both, Stan. And about 14,000 others.

From the inert display from Robbie Blake (he of the diving boots) to Nik the Greek's unconvincing efforts between the sticks, Saturday's opener left most of us wishing we were still lying on a beach in sunnier climes, rather than back at Turf Moor.

There were times on Saturday when it seemed as though the Clarets had picked up where they left off at the end of last season: out of sorts, disjointed and lacking any rhythm.

They were not helped by constant positional changes involving Ian Moore, Robbie Blake and Glen Little.

Presumably, this was to make players harder to pick up. In reality it served to confuse the players more than the opposition.

Amid the doom and gloom, there were some bright spots.

Gareth Taylor won everything that was aimed towards his head. And there was a lot of it.

Gnohere until his questionable but ultimately justified dismissal was always looking to be positive and get forward.

And Papadopolous did his case for a place in the starting line-up a power of good with some lively and inventive running.

But if the performance on the pitch was unsavoury, it paled into insignificance next to the actions of some supporters at half time.

Those clowns who booed Barry Kilby need to wake up to themselves.

The man has transformed the club since his arrival. Burnley Football Club is now a professionally run and forward-thinking outfit.

This was not always the case.

Keep booing the man and he may wonder if it is worth the hassle.

Finally, rumour has it that Glen is to be whisked away to Villa Park.

Which leaves most supporters with mixed emotions. On the one hand, Burnley would lose their most creative player.

On the other, with finances as they are, the money would ease a lot of headaches.

Let's hope next week brings happier tidings.

Although with bogey side Wolves next up, the outlook is none too bright.

Here's hoping.