YESTERDAY started with Burnley being linked with a move for Paul Gascoigne and ended with the side showing precisely why his creative talents are needed.

It now looks as though Gazza will not be following fellow England star Ian Wright by switching to Turf Moor but manager Stan Ternent is clearly ready and willing to strengthen his squad.

And after Burnley's latest abject surrender Ternent blasted: "It is my job to get it right and we have got nine games to do it."

Whether that will mean bringing in new men or just inspiring his current players to hit the heights of last year remains to be seen.

But the defiant message was his response to the 1-0 defeat at second from bottom Walsall. Next up are Stockport County who are all but relegated despite their first win since November against Bradford City last night.

"That is a must win game for us now," admitted Ternent who produced a short summary of the Walsall game that was anything but sweet.

"It was very disappointing, we didn't have one player who played to their usual standards. I am very frustrated."

One disputed goal from Brazilian striker Marcelo was enough to give the Saddlers the points and Ternent said: "The goal was a foul but the ref didn't give it.

"But that is not to take away from Walsall and we were very poor. I will make no excuses and the players have not performed to their capabilities.

"They are fully aware of the situation and we will carry on from there."

His public comments may have been brief but his players will be left in no doubt about his demands for improved performances from here on in. Work towards that goal will start today.

Only the continued failure of play-off rivals to capitalise on the Clarets struggles since the turn of the year have allowed them to stay in fifth spot, a position they will lose if Coventry win tonight.

At the weekend his fury was directed at the booing fans and the state of the Turf Moor pitch. Last night his fury was aimed solely at his under achieving side.

It can be argued that when they were clear at the top around Christmas they were exceeding expectations but there is little doubt they are capable of much better than they produced at the Bescot Stadium.

Ternent knows it and he will make sure the players know it. A week ago all the talk was of 12 cup finals, three have now gone and only one point has been collected.

As ever the away following could not be faulted but even they sloped off in dejected mood at the final whistle.

Everyone at the club needs a lift, both on and off the pitch. Ternent has said it is his job to get things right and he has a great record of winning such challenges.

If he does not win this one, then the hard work of the first half of the season could yet be squandered.