'I INTEND to continue with the attacking policy and going for it. That's what we are going to do. We'll be exciting. Whether we win or lose I can't guarantee but we'll be exciting."

The above quote, lifted from Friday's edition of this newspaper, was attributed to Stan Ternent. No, I couldn't believe it when I read it either. I mean, this is Stan Ternent we are talking about here, isn't it?

The same Stan Ternent who prides himself on clean sheets. The same Stan Ternent who is so mired in the art of defensive play that he drives certain elements of the Turf Moor faithful to distraction.

And the same Stan Ternent who was recently described by Alan Smith as "the master of the 1-0 win."

In short, it came as something of a shock to read a quote from the gaffer which contained such cavalier turns of phrase as "attacking policy," "going for it," and "we'll be exciting."

So what lies behind this decision, this sudden reversal of policy which seems so starkly at odds with what the manager has preached ever since taking over?

Well, if we rule out the option which says Stan has undergone some form of breakdown, there exists two possibilities.

Firstly, the players have initiated the change. Although this too seems unlikely, as Stan doesn't exactly come across as being the kind of manager who would readily be swayed by others, even his own playing staff.

Alternatively, there is a school of thought which suggests the Clarets are attempting to shoot their way to safety. With First Division status practically guaranteed, the boss may have given the players licence to express themselves more openly on the field of play.

Whatever the reason, the Clarets display on Saturday was undoubtedly the best they have played over the past couple of months. It was a pleasant surprise to see Burnley put the emphasis on a considered, passing game rather than look for the more direct, predictable approach.

It will be interesting to see whether Ternent sticks with a back four or reverts to his preferred five at the back. Pursuing the latter option could entail using Graham Branch as an attacking wing back which would add punch when going forward.

Whatever, the switch is to be applauded. Let's just hope that the two setbacks we have suffered since the rethink are but teething troubles, and the new look Clarets can hit form this weekend at Grimsby.