Burnley’s faith in me was justified says Dyche

Sean Dyche admits that securing Burnley’s survival in the Premier League owes much to the faith shown in him by the board.

The Clarets’ 2-2 draw with West Brom on Saturday all but confirmed their safety as they lead 18th-placed Hull City by six points with two weekends left and a vastly superior goal difference.

Burnley have never lasted longer than a season in the top flight after their two previous promotions.

But Dyche has been in charge since 2012 at Turf Moor and it is that long-standing faith in his work that has made all the difference.

“Over the four-and-a-half years that I’ve been here, we’ve always had something to fight for and that’s a great achievement in itself for my staff and players,” he said.

“The board have stood by me as well, when we’ve had a few knocks along the way, and I think it’s paid them back as well, for the way we have all been aligned with our thinking for what Burnley Football Club stands for.

“It just shows it’s very difficult. It’s very difficult at the top level of football without major finance. We did it to a reasonable degree for a club of this size; nowhere near everyone else.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

“It’s more about wages. There are teams who get players on frees who are paying astronomical wages. We are good on both and that’s because we have to be. It’s the way this club has to work. I manage what I am given.

“I take great pride in that we all see beyond that and we got on with it. We take some knocks along the way, question marks about how we are trying to play, but 40 points, with two games left, for a team that was given absolutely zero chance of being in the Premier League – I think that’s a fair marker.”