A fan's-eye view from Turf Moor, with Stephen Cummings

FIRST of all, a very happy New Year to you all. And should the Clarets continue to put in performances of a nature similar to that which they produced on Saturday, this year may turn out to be far happier than I had envisaged a fortnight ago.

Granted, Burnley did not win. But that was hardly the point. Following the frankly dismal fare to which the supporters have grown accustomed over the past couple of months, the display against Walsall was a timely fillip - a reminder that football at Turf Moor can be a genuinely uplifting experience.

Again, one swallow does not make the proverbial. However, to match one of the teams expected to be there or thereabouts come May, whilst keeping a clean sheet into the bargain is something which will breed badly needed confidence in the team.

Central to Burnley's success on Saturday was the back four. This was due in no small measure to the return to Brunshaw Road of arguably the bet player to have pulled on the Claret and Blue jersey in the last decade. I refer, of course, to the peerless Steve Davis.

Congratulations are to be extended to Stan Ternent on making such an inspired signing, and also to the board (in particular Barry Kilby) for making the funds available for such a dream to become reality. For 90 minutes the record buy displayed all the qualities that have too often of late been lacking in our defence - in particular those of organisation and leadership.

Davis is possessed of that indefinable and invaluable gift which separates all quality defenders from the artisans. It has something to do with a certain calmness under pressure, something which Davis has in abundance. This serene quality lends the Hexham born 30-year-old an air of composed elegance. And long may it stay that way.

I feel no Clarets supporter would disagree with me in welcoming Steve Davis back "home". If both Stan Ternent and Barry Kilby are serious about the £750,000 man being typical of the quality of player they will bring to Turf Moor, then there is every reason to feel optimistic about the future.

One also greets with cautious optimism signs that peace appears to be breaking out in the boardroom. Surely there would be no clearer indication that the Clarets truly mean business than an invitation to Ray Ingleby to take up a seat on the board. Over to you, Barry.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.