THE brief Jelle Vossen era took me completely by surprise.

I’ve never experienced someone signing and then being sold just eight weeks later.

But for the club to recognise the problem and react so quickly and move him on without a loss is a great bit of business.

In my day there weren’t as many foreign players around.

Stan Ternent introduced a few with Nik Michopoulos, Arthur Gnohere and Dimi Papadopoulos.

Dimi is a good example of a player not being in the right environment. He didn’t fit Burnley, but it shows he was a good player because he went on to play Champions League football.

As for the Vossen situation, it has worked out well for all parties.

But from having eight strikers a couple of weeks ago we now have four available, with Marvin Sordell moving on and Lukas Jutkiewicz the latest to injure cruciate knee ligaments.

On the plus side, Dean Marney’s return will be a massive plus.

Out of all the injured players over the last couple of years that has probably been the biggest loss because there has been a gap in midfield.

Scott Arfield stepped in, but having Marney back will be a timely boost.

And now all of a sudden there is great competition in the middle with the addition of Joey Barton.

He is a Marmite signing, but hopefully he has learned his lessons and can let his football do the talking.

I’m still worried about the wide men, but it’s a good sign when you don’t play to your best and still win, like we did at Bristol City last weekend.

I’m sure the lads will be ready for Sheffield Wednesday after the international break, and hopefully that includes Tom Heaton.

I’m not sure it’s good for Burnley for him to be away with England – it keeps him in that shop window, but it’s nice for his hard work to be recognised.