Sports editor NEIL BRAMWELL looks ahead to the new season

YES, we've all heard the jokes.

Burnley will now only sign someone who has made a One2One advert.

And Stan Ternent confused Kevin Ball with Zoe.

But I remember similar snipes last year when the Burnley boss signed Ian Wright.

That was, without doubt, a commercial and psychological masterstroke and probably one of the major factors in clinching promotion.

So the detractors had better tread carefully this time round when ridiculing his latest foray into the world for showbiz for the services of Vinnie Jones.

For if, as expected, the first few weeks in Division One provide a torrid test for Burnley, this might be exactly the kind of boost that the club needs, especially if Ian Wright presses ahead with plans to retire. As a separate issue, the player owes Clarets fans the common courtesy of making a public announcement to that effect. And, if Wright's dithering continues for much longer, is this really the kind of commitment that Ternent will surely expect from the rest of his squad?

However, any successful attempt to lure Jones out of retirement would exacerbate another problem that Ternent faces.

His squad is now top-heavy with players in the twilight of their careers and that balance needs to be addressed.

Experience is all well and good but there will be many a time when this is no match for youthful exuberance.

The football in Division One is not for the faint-hearted and Ternent has assembled a side which will be capable of mixing it with the most physical outfits.

But I feel that, should Andy Payton hit a rough patch, goals will be at a premium.

The emphasis, therefore, will be on sound defensive qualities.

So Clarets fans should not expect a thrill-a-minute rollercoaster ride, although I do think they will hang onto Division One status by their skin of their teeth.