'Burnley have competed - but are in danger of a grim finish'

It's not how you start; it's how you finish.

Burnley are in danger of a grim finish. It's untrue to say Burnley haven't competed this season.

A win in just their second game of the season, a 97th-minute defeat in their third match at Old Trafford, a 95th-minute defeat in their fourth game at home to Liverpool. There was early-season hope, even if it feels like a lifetime ago.

Following Burnley's win at Wolves on 26 October the Clarets were five points clear of the relegation zone, above Fulham, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

Two weeks later, leading West Ham 1-0 in the 45th minute Burnley were set to move six points clear of the bottom three going into the international break, they lost 3-2 at London Stadium.

It's just one win in 20 Premier League games since that victory at Wolves. Wolves seem to be ending well; they could yet finish above Burnley.

This run has included seven successive defeats, a grim display at Brighton, a dreadful showing at Sunderland and a dire performance at Everton.

But also, a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United, followed by a point at Liverpool and then a draw at home to Tottenham, who scored a 90th-minute equaliser.

They've come from behind to win at Crystal Palace and take a point at Chelsea but the scars of home performances against Fulham, Crystal Palace and for half an hour against Brentford appear to cut deep.

So, what next? The messaging I had through the winless run was there is no desire to change manager, and moments have been presented to them. Booed off after the Fulham defeat before Christmas, defeat by League One Mansfield Town in the FA Cup and now a two-week gap with no game.

If relegation is coming, and supporters want a team to compete next season and the board want an instant return, then maybe tread carefully.

The Championship is littered with examples of mismanagement and poor appointments. Look how quickly things have unravelled for Leicester City and West Brom. How long is it since Blackburn Rovers, Middlesborough and Stoke City played in the top-flight? The list goes on.

If you don't bounce back straight away it becomes increasingly difficult to bounce back at all.

Burnley have made an instant return to the Premier League following their last three relegations, under Sean Dyche (champions), Vincent Kompany (champions) and Parker (runners-up).