WITH one third of the season played, Burnley are placed eleventh in Division Two - three points from a play-off berth. The question to be asked is what do you think of it so far?

The question is a difficult one to answer. The main problem is consistency. The current Clarets squad has exhibited traits of schizophrenia more readily associated with Jekyll and Hyde.

Whilst on their day they can destroy teams (Walsall, Blackpool and Wycombe), they are eminently capable of plumbing the depths (Chesterfield, Rotherham and Bury.)

But if the key to success is consistency, then what is the key to consistency? A large part of the problem stems from the make-up of the squad. Let us not forget, the past few months have been a transitional period, and the boss is still building his team. When Adrian Heath took over at the helm seven months ago, he inherited a tricky situation. Some players were low on confidence, others low on ability. Heath always insisted that we should judge the team when it bore his stamp. How close he is to fielding his desired starting line-up is something only he knows. Personally, I believe he is still not completely happy, but the signs are encouraging.

Heath appears to have dealt shrewdly in the transfer market. He has also been unlucky. Two of his summer captures - Damian Matthew and Vince Overson - have been dogged by injury thus far. Yet when both have played they have given the side something extra. Overson in particular is a rock at the heart of defence. Little gets past him and what does rarely repeats the achievement.

Paul Barnes is also an excellent signing. Allied to his temendous goal-scoring record is a phenominal work-rate. There are also indications that his partnership with Kurt Nogan is beginning to gel.

Of the youngsters, Paul Smith is the pick of the bunch.

Although at times he appears a little ponderous, it should be remembered he is still learning his trade. An extended run in the first string is beginning to bear fruit. With every passing game he is visibly growing in confidence. Credit should be given to Heath for sticking with him. Another youngster, Chris Brass, has also improved from last season and might consider himself unlucky not to be commanding a regular first team slot.

In conclusion, Heath must be given a vote of confidence. In his first full season in charge, he has rung the changes, shown some faith in youth and got the team playing football. Now if we can just sort out that away form...

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