Dave Thornley provides his usual phlegmatic approach to Burnley’s reverse at Sunderland on Saturday...

Burnley currently show all the hallmarks of a club in disarray, as the owners sell players like Wall Street traders in a bear market. The exodus shows no sign of abating in the final week of the transfer window, with O’Shea now confirmed gone, Koleosho, Amdouni, Benson and Weghorst all seemingly queuing up by the exit door (have I missed anyone out?).

Given the turmoil and the additional handicap of a couple of injuries, it is a wonder that Burnley lost yesterday by only a single goal; scored after 25 minutes by Sunderland’s left winger Mundle, from a tight angle.

The odd defeat doesn’t greatly impact the course of a long season, but it is worrying that Scott Parker seems to be being denied the tools required for him to do his job effectively.

For supporters too, it is alarming to see popular and talented players being shunted out of the club at the current rate; Burnley fans value consistency and continuity, we do not appreciate a policy – be it from the club, the player, or their agents – which plans an exit strategy practically upon arrival.

Of course, the need to balance the books is a pressing one, but so is the need to win football matches, that is what we are all here for and that should be what the owners, the manager, the players and the fans all want and seek to achieve, but this is a strange way to go about it.

Grim as things may seem this Sunday morning, as the season pans out it may turn out to be no more than a wobble, a brief passing storm and nothing that a couple of incoming players to redress the balance of the squad and a win over Blackburn next Saturday won’t rectify. Let us hope so.

Me? I’m seriously worrying about what happens this week, Dave has already alluded to it, but rumours abound that in addition to Benson and Weghorst leaving, Amdouni Cullen, Koleosho and Trafford might also be going through the door marked exit at Turf Moor. Not the best of preparation for Saturday’s visit of the blue and white quartered tribe from down the road is it? (TEC.)