"WE needed that win, make no bones about it" said a much happier Steve Cotterill on Saturday night. "I needed it, my staff, the fans and the chairman needed it too." Amen to that.

Having succumbed to Crewe and Sheffield United in the opening week of the season it was essential for the Clarets to register a victory as soon as possible.

And ultimately what an impressive victory it was. After an edgy start - the visitors twice hit the crossbar before Burnley took the lead - the Clarets swept aside the most feeble looking Coventry team to have pitched up at Turf Moor in recent memory.

During the second half in particular, Burnley were slicing through Micky Adams' side at will, and it is no exaggeration to say that the Clarets could have posted double figures by the final whistle.

There were a number of pluses from the win. Garreth O'Connor's debut goal for Burnley was as sweet a strike as you could wish for and should boost his confidence. And in Wayne Thomas, Steve Cotterill has recruited not only a strong defender, but a potentially lethal weapon at free kicks and corners.

Also encouraging was the link-up play between Ade Akinbiyi and Gifton Noel-Williams. Akinbiyi will get all the headlines having notched three strikes in as many games, but Noel-Williams had a hand in three of the four goals on Saturday. Having said that, it may be wise to stand him down from penalty taking duties in the interests of the safety of thosesupporters behind either goal.

But special praise must be reserved for man of the match Micha Hyde. His was a tireless and selfless display and he totally dominated midfield, breaking up opposition attacks and prompting many of Burnley's. He will be a key figure this year.

However, splendid though Saturday's victory was, it couldn't mask the fact that the squad remains so thin as to be emaciated.

When Wade Elliott went down clutching his ankle after 10 minutes, three sides of Turf Moor held its collective breath.

With Artim Sakiri failing to land a work permit and two Premiership players choosing to stay put rather than chance their arm on loan, Steve Cotterill has a little over a fortnight to recruit reinforcements.

The problem is, by the manager's own admission, that the quality has been signed up by other clubs, leaving Burnley to make do with what remains.

Here's hoping the gaffer has something up his sleeve and can surprise us all.