THE Board of Directors of Burnley FC could be forgiven for thinking that circumstances had conspired against them over the weekend.

Just days after announcing a 17-and-a-half per cent hike in the cost of season tickets, the team get thumped 5-0 by Blackburn Rovers and put in the kind of performance which might lead even the most ardent Clarets balking at the prospect of paying an extra £30 or so for their football next season.

However, putting aside the pain and embarrassment of Sunday, (which I realise is about as easy as nailing custard to the ceiling), the pragmatic view is that the increase is a necessary evil.

Because while none of us want to pay any extra to watch Burnley, all of us want an improved squad.

And let's face it -- the money has to come from somewhere. There are those who would suggest that the television money Burnley are set to land from maintaining their First Division status should go towards player-purchase. Fair point.

But there are two potential problems with the theory.

Firstly, nobody seems to know exactly how much the Clarets will net from the deal.

And secondly, if the club still has debts surely Barry Kilby and his colleagues on the board will be understandably keen to get the club back in the black.

This is of course pure speculation.

But if such a scenario turned out to be true, then season ticket sales may well provide the majority of Ternent's transfer budget.

Which in itself could be a problem, as Burnley's ageing team requires rejuvenation in more than one area.

By most supporters' reckoning, the Clarets need quality reinforcements in the form of a central defender, a right back, at least one central midfielder (with the emphasis on creativity) and a centre forward.

This is not to criticise those players who currently occupy those positions, but as Sunday's horror show underlined, if Burnley are to build on the excellent work done this season and progress to become a force in Division One, then the side must be stronger.

However, the shopping list outlined above is a demanding one, and Ternent will do well to come back with change from £10m.

If, as seems likely, such funds are unavailable, the boss may have to work the oracle with his canny Bosman deals.

In the meantime, Friday's televised game against Preston represents an excellent opportunity to bounce back from Sunday's crushing disappointment.

And who knows what a good derby win would do for those precious season tickets sales.