WE HEAR Stan Ternent talking about needing a bigger squad only one day after ever-present and stand-in captain Paul Cook is sent to Wigan on a month's loan.

We have now heard Stan talking of Paul's contract coming to an end soon and that he is not in a position to offer a new one for next season and this led to him leaving now.

Paul Cook has been the most genuine player I have seen at Burnley over the last three years. He never tries to hide on the pitch when his game is not up to scratch.

He never stops grafting until Stan substitutes him and he never stops encouraging the less experienced players.

With the possibility of Premiership football next season, I am sure that Paul would have been distraught at the thought of not being part of that possible scenario and I can understand that discussions could have got heated, but is this a reason to kick out, mid-season, such a loyal performer who obviously had the manager's respect until now?

So, if we have seen the last of you Paul, at Turf Moor, I wish you every success at Wigan and I am sorry we could not have given you a better send-off.

Meanwhile, back at Turf Moor, let's hope that Paul's departure is swiftly followed by a new face appearing, as long as it is not belonging to a long haired over-the-hill Frenchman.

Finally, congratulations to Stan for his Manager of the Month award. He has done a brilliant job and must rank with the best I have seen at Burnley. The memory of people like Bond, Buchan and Waddle is now, thankfully, beginning to fade. It is now time for those supporters who came last season, but have kept away this, to return and fill some seats.

DAVID WYMER, Brungerley Avenue, Clitheroe.