Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche reaction on Tranmere workout and #ChrisWood return #BURNLEYFC

August 2, 2021
SEAN Dyche believes Burnley are in good shape with the countdown on to the new season as Chris Wood returns to the fold. Wood’s New Zealand exited the Tokyo Olympics with a penalty shoot-out defeat in the quarter-finals against the hosts. He is now on his way back to Barnfield, and with Matej Vydra playing the final half an hour of Saturday’s 2-1 win behind-closed-doors at Tranmere, Dyche’s options in the final third are increasing ahead of the season opener against Brighton on August 14. Work is also continuing in a bid to bring fresh faces in, RB Leipzig winger Ademola Lookman the latest player linked after spending last season on loan at Fulham. “There are a couple of games coming up so we will see how the squad looks after that,” said Dyche. “Woody is coming back – unfortunately for Woody. It’s shame for him and for them but good for us, in a way. “He comes back and will be able to re-acclimatise and get a bit of recovery before he joins in with us. “I am pretty pleased and the main thing is – so far – we are injury-free. “Everyone is fit and well at the moment and long may that continue, of course.Then if we can reinforce the squad as well, we’d like to think we are growing into pre-season so that when the real stuff starts we’re ready.” With a behind-closed-doors game and a Turf Moor friendly with La Liga side Cadiz to come, Dyche saw Ashley Barnes and Dwight McNeil get the goals at Prenton Park against Micky Mellon's League Two side. “They are a decent outfit and pushed us hard, which was good for us so we feel like we benefited from this," said the Clarets boss. "I thought the general performance was good. I liked the tempo about the play, the energy and I thought there was a nice edge to it, so I was pleased overall. "We are still in the market to support the group where we can but when we’re fit and well I’ve always said it, I think we’ve got a good outfit."
Chris Hughton
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nottingham Forest cancel Burnley friendly amid Covid-19 cases #BURNLEYFC #NFFC

July 30, 2021
Burnley’s upcoming friendly against Nottingham Forest has been called off due to a 'small number' of positive Covid-19 tests in the Forest squad. The game - which was meant to take place at the City Ground on Saturday afternoon - has been cancelled as a precautionary measure to protect players and staff at both clubs. The Clarets are now looking for a different opponent for Saturday as they prepare for the new Premier League season. “The situation is unchanged since yesterday when we had to cancel the Villa friendly with some players having to self-isolate,” said Forest boss Chris Hughton. “Therefore, it is the right decision to cancel the fixture in the interests of players and staff from both clubs and our own supporters. “It is disappointing that we have not been able to get a run-out against Premier League opposition but Sean Dyche and Burnley Football Club have been very understanding for which I am grateful." Burnley will wrap up their pre-season preparations against La Liga side Cadiz at Turf Moor on Saturday, August 7. The Clarets kick-off their sixth successive top-flight campaign with a home fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, August 14.
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley midfielder #JoshBenson completes Barnsley move #BURNLEYFC #BARNSLEYFC

July 30, 2021
BURNLEY midfielder Josh Benson has completed a move to Championship side Barnsley. The former Arsenal youngster departs having made 12 senior appearances for the Clarets including two Premier League starts. The 21-year-old has moved to Oakwell for an undisclosed fee, which it is reported could reach £1million, and signed a four-year deal. Benson told his new club’s website: "I'm buzzing to be here and I can't wait to play in front of the fans. “I was impressed last season by how close they got to promotion and getting in the play-offs, so I'm excited to join the team. "I've had a taste of the Premier League and that's definitely my main goal, to play in the Premier League." Barnsley FC Co-chairman, Paul Conway, added: “We are very excited to have acquired Josh, who immediately strengthens our midfield. “As we continue to progress, we aim to bring in unique talent to assist us in our next step and Josh’s experience at Premier League level is an important evolution of the squad. “Also, the length of this deal is significant, as it demonstrates both the club’s long-term commitment to Josh and his commitment to the club.” Benson had spent three seasons with the Clarets after signing in the summer of 2018 following a successful spell on trial in the Under-23s. He then progressed through the Academy ranks to make it into the Clarets’ senior squad. And following a loan spell with Grimsby Town in the 2019/20 season he made his senior Burnley debut in September 2020. The Clarets said in a statement: “The midfielder now gets the chance to further his career with Barnsley and everyone at Turf Moor wishes him well in the future.” The Tykes are looking to build on an impressive run to the play-offs after a fifth-placed finish in the Championship under Valerien Ismael. He has now moved on to West Bromwich Albion and been replaced by Austrian Markus Schopp. The 47-year-old was capped 56 times and played at the 1998 World Cup and has moved to Oakwell following a successful spell at TSV Hartberg.
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley announce Turf Moor friendly against La Liga side Cadiz #BURNLEYFC

July 29, 2021
Burnley will finish their pre-season preparations with a friendly against La Liga side Cadiz at Turf Moor on Saturday, August 7. The Clarets - who kicked off pre-season with wins over Morecambe, Salford City, Oldham and Blackpool - travel to Nottingham Forest this weekend. Cadiz finished 12th in the Spanish top-flight last season, and will provide a final test for Sean Dyche’s men before their Premier League opener against Brighton. And the Burnley boss is looking forward to seeing fans back at Turf Moor for only the second time since March 2020. “We have a recent history of playing against good sides from Europe at this stage of our preparation and this is another one,” said Dyche. “Any side from the top division of one of Europe’s biggest leagues will provide excellent opposition and Cadiz will be the same after their successful return to La Liga last season. “We look forward to welcoming them to Turf Moor, and also seeing an increased number of fans back inside the ground. “That’s been a big feature of our pre-season games so far and hopefully bodes well for the season to come.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche gives update on #MatejVydra #BURNLEYFC

July 29, 2021
SEAN Dyche expects Matej Vydra to get up to speed quickly on his Clarets return as Chris Wood’s Olympic involvement extends into the knockout stages. New Zealand’s 0-0 draw with Romania means Wood will move on to the quarter-finals in Tokyo delaying his Burnley return further. Vydra featured for the Czech Republic at Euro 2020 but is now back at Barnfield preparing for the new Premier League campaign. He was not involved in the 1-0 win at Blackpool on Tuesday night but given he saw plenty of action for his country, Dyche expects the frontman to hit the ground running. “He will do a few tough days just to bring him up to speed,” he said. “He’s pretty fit because he had a period with the Czech team so we hope to get him up to speed quite quickly.” One player who was in action at Bloomfield Road was new ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey, playing on the day Bailey Peacock-Farrell was allowed to join Sheffield Wednesday on a season-long loan. Nick Pope was not involved against the Seasiders with Will Norris playing the final 25 minutes. “We like Bailey and we think he’s producing and improving but we still think he needs more regular first-team football,” Dyche told the club website. “With Wayne coming in, he’s an experienced pro and he gets it and I think he enjoyed being around the group, just to get that first feel. “There were a number of productive performances tonight. “We are still looking at options as well, to see one or two we can bring in, but you can see players looking fit and there’s a nice sharpness to them.”
NathanCollins
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley striker #JayRodriguez on pre-season, fans and new boy #NathanCollins #BURNLEYFC

July 28, 2021
JAY Rodriguez may be a veteran of pre-season – but the Burnley striker admits it is always nice to get off the mark sooner rather than later. The Clarets frontman was on target against Oldham, as was 18-year-old Lewis Richardson, as Sean Dyche’s side triumphed 2-0 against the League Two side. After behind closed doors action at Barnfield it was the first public warm-up with preparations continuing at Blackpool tonight. “You always want to get off the mark as soon as you can,” Rodriguez said. “It’s all about what you do on the training field and hopefully that translates into the games. I’ve just got to keep getting myself into the right positions. I’ll keep working hard and I’ll be looking forward to every game.” The friendlies, in front of supporters, are all part of what is a more ‘normal’ pre-season as coronavirus restrictions ease. “It was really nice to hear the fans,” Rodriguez said after a first away day since February 2020 for 982 travelling Clarets. “I always think it brings more to the game when the fans are in; it brings the tempo up and last season we missed it so much. Hopefully this year will be full of fans.” He added: “We didn’t have too many weeks off last summer and then we were straight back into it. It was a difficult season with all the restrictions and everything else that was going on in the world. “It was good to have a longer break to recharge the batteries and now we’re itching to get going. I feel refreshed.” Those in attendance got a first look at new £12million defender Nathan Collins and Rodriguez has been impressed. “Nathan has done really well, he’s a great lad,” he said. “He’s bedded in well straight away. You can see the qualities he has just from that 45 minutes, but we’ve seen it in training. He’s a strong lad and a great player. I’m looking forward to working with him. “We’ve got some great lads here and we’re all working hard. The competition is always healthy and really good for us.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley goalkeeper #BaileyPeacockFarrell signs season-long deal at Sheffield Wednesday #BURNLEYFC #SHWFC

July 28, 2021
Burnley goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell has signed a season-long loan deal with League One side Sheffield Wednesday. The Northern Ireland will spend the 2021/22 campaign at Hillsborough for the chance to get regular first-team football under his belt. Peacock-Farrell signed from Leeds United two years ago and made his first appearances for the club last season, starting eight games in all competitions, including four in the Premier League, deputising for Nick Pope. With Pope on his way back to full fitness and free agent Wayne Hennessey brought in as competition earlier this month, Sean Dyche has decided to grant Wednesday’s request to take Peacock-Farrell on loan, with Will Norris also part of the club’s goalkeeping ranks. There had been interest from Championship clubs in the ‘keeper who has won 23 caps for Northern Ireland. He is the second Burnley goalkeeper to leave on loan in this window, following Lukas Jensen in making a temporary switch, after he signed for League Two side Carlisle United. Goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer, formerly of the Owls, said: “It’s a great opportunity for him to go and play a lot of games at probably the biggest club in that league who be looking to challenge for promotion. “Having brought Wayne in to complement the group we already had we have plenty of cover, so we felt it was the right club at the right time for him to go and play some games. “Hopefully he will get as many games as possible and come back and be pushing for the No.1 spot.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche on transfers and Oldham victory #BURNLEYFC

July 26, 2021
SEAN Dyche continues to scour the transfer market as he looks for strength in depth ahead of another Premier League campaign. After securing a 2-0 win at League Two Oldham Athletic in what was Burnley’s first friendly in front of fans, the Clarets boss noted: "We are probably one or two short” when it comes to squad numbers. Dyche has been able to add defender Nathan Collins on a four-year deal from Stoke City for a reported £12million, as well as goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a free transfer from Crystal Palace. But with only two senior wingers, and ongoing speculation about Dwight McNeil’s future, Burnley are light in wide areas, while further defensive and attacking options would be beneficial. Dyche has goalkeeper Nick Pope and long-serving defender Kevin Long to come back from injury, while Chris Wood is competing with the New Zealand football team at the Tokyo Olympics, and Matej Vydra comes back into the fold after his involvement in Euro 2020 with Czech Republic. But of his current crop, Dyche was satisfied with the performance against Keith Curle’s Latics. “They had 90 minutes on Tuesday at the training ground and a heavy couple of days, so I thought there might be a little bit of lethargy which I thought in the first half there was - more mentally as well,” said the Burnley boss. “The team that came on second half, there was a lot of sharpness to it and they looked clear-minded and overall it was a good end to a good week.” Jay Rodriguez opened the scoring with his third goal in two friendlies after coming on at half-time, before youngster Lewis Richardson scored his first senior goal for the club a minute later. “He’s a young talent, so we’ll how he goes. He’s maturing and getting more used to it,” Dyche said. “He had moments last season when he was in amongst us. “I know we were stretched with injuries but we know he’s in the background, working hard at his game and he’s done well this pre-season, working hard amongst the young players in the main first team group. “These are good games for the young lads as well, mixing with the first team lads.” It was not Burnley’s first friendly of the summer, but the first chance for fans to be able to watch. Indeed, it was a first away day since February 2020. And that was another positive for Dyche. “It was terrific. I think we all want that,” he said. “To see our own fans away from home in a pre-season game has got to be a good sign. We hope so, anyway, and it was great to see the fans there.”
Wayne Hennessey
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley sign ex-Crystal Palace and Wales goalkeeper #WayneHennessey #BURNLEYFC

July 21, 2021
Burnley have signed former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. The 34-year-old – who has been capped 96 times by Wales – left the Eagles this summer after seven years at Selhurst Park. Hennessey becomes the Clarets’ second signing of the summer following the arrival of Nathan Collins from Stoke City. “There’s a fantastic spirit here and hopefully we’ll do really well this season," said the goalkeeper. “We’ve always known what Burnley are like - a great atmosphere. The lads are superb, always tight and have always played really well together and with Sean Dyche, as well, have an amazing manager. “They’re exciting times and I’m excited to start working with the lads.” Hennessey joins Nick Pope, Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Will Norris in the Clarets' goalkeeping ranks. And goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer is excited to work with the Welshman. “You only have to look at his record,” added Mercer. “He has played 96 times for Wales and 181 Premier League games so far, so he’s got bags of experience. He is a top-class goalkeeper and a great professional. “We’ve done a lot of homework finding out about his background and he is everything you want at a football club. “He is very supportive if he’s not playing, which is vital because we pride ourselves on the team spirit we have here. “He’s a great addition to what we already have as a great group of goalkeepers.”
Lukas Jensen
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley goalkeeper #LukasJensen signs new deal and joins Carlisle on loan #BURNLEYFC

July 21, 2021
Burnley goalkeeper Lukas Jensen has joined Carlisle United on a season-long loan after signing a new two-year deal with the Clarets. The 22-year-old – who stands at 6ft 6ins – heads to Brunton Park in search of regular playing time in League Two. “He joins us on loan from Burnley where he’s held in high regard,” said Carlisle boss Chris Beech. “They see him as having a real chance in the game and there were other clubs who were also looking to take him, but both Burnley and Lukas consider us as the right destination for him.” Jensen – who joined the Clarets in 2019 - has featured regularly for the Under-23 side and been named on the bench at first-team level. The towering goalkeeper spent time on loan at Bolton Wanderers last season as the Whites clinched promotion to League One, before heading overseas with Kordrengir this summer. “Credit to him. He sacrificed most of his summer to go and play in Iceland, which has earned him a move to a League club,” added Burnley goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer. “He had a spell at Bolton last season, which was disappointing from a playing point of view but gave him valuable experience of being part of a promotion-winning set-up. “And he has now a chance to gain further experience with a good move to Carlisle after earning a new contract here.” Jensen could be in action tonight as Carlisle continue their pre-season preparations with a trip to Chorley.
Ben Mee Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley announce new principal shirt sponsor for 2021/22 season #BURNLEYFC

July 20, 2021
Burnley have announced Spreadex as their principal shirt sponsor for the 2021/22 campaign in a “multi-million-pound deal”. The UK-based betting firm will also work with the club on a range of community and charity-based initiatives over the course of the season. “We are delighted to join the Burnley FC family as main sponsor at an exciting time in both the club’s and our own futures,” said Spreadex CEO Dave MacKenzie. “Burnley’s values and ambitions echo our own, and we’re looking forward to supporting the club throughout the 2021/22 season both on and off the pitch,” he added. The Clarets have also pledged to donate £5 from every third-choice shirt sold to Alzheimer’s Society, which Spreadex will match. Ella Cummings, Burnley’s Head of Commercial Partnerships, said: “We’re very proud of the pledge to donate £5 each for every third-choice shirt sold which will provide support for those affected by dementia following the devastating effects Covid has had on people up and down the country. “We know this is a cause close to Burnley fans’ hearts and we’ll be working closely with Alzheimer’s Society this season on projects to continue this important conversation.” The Clarets’ new home kit will be released later this week, and will be worn for the first time against Oldham Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
Ben Mee Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley captain #BenMee wants Burnley to make a quick start in Premier League #BURNLEYFC

July 19, 2021
The Clarets won just one of their opening 10 Premier League games last season before pulling clear of danger to make sure of a sixth straight season in the top flight. That kicks off at Turf Moor against Brighton on August 14 and skipper Mee has been impressed by how the squad have looked on their return to Barnfield. “The lads have come back the best I have seen,” Mee told the club. “Everyone has been putting the work in in the off-season, definitely. Everyone is doing the running and looking really good. That's exciting and we all are raring to go. “That's definitely a priority to get points under our belts early on and get off to a good start. We don't want to be relying on a good second half of this season. “We want to get off to a good start and work from there. “We have got plenty of experience and we are always optimistic, enthusiastic of where we can go in the season and it's no different this season.” Burnley’s public friendlies begin at League Two Oldham on Saturday, July 24. Further EFL tests come at Championship sides Blackpool, July 27, and Nottingham Forest, July 31. Sean Dyche’s side are also playing behind closed doors games but Mee admits being in front of fans again is a big incentive for all involved. “The Euros have given a bit of a taste of having fans back and how much that means," he said. “Having 3,500 at Turf Moor for the Liverpool game was brilliant and gave us a good buzz. “I am really excited to start the season and get that first game under way, hopefully all being well and fingers crossed, at a packed Turf Moor. “Fans behind us at Turf Moor will hopefully bring back that 'tough place to come mentality' and we can use that to our advantage.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley coaching change as #SteveStone steps up to first team #BURNLEYFC

July 9, 2021
BURNLEY Under-23s boss Steve Stone has been promoted to the club's first-team staff. The former England winger is taking over from Tony Loughlan, who is leaving to undergo a second hip operation. As a result of Stone's promotion, former Tranmere and Shrewsbury manager Michael Jackson has been appointed interim Under-23s coach. Burnley boss Sean Dyche said: “Tony has done a fantastic job here as a key part of the staff but he now feels it’s a good time for him to undergo the further surgery he needs and the extended period of time required to make a full recovery. Replacing him with Steve makes perfect sense for everyone. “We know Steve really well and we’ve worked closely with him over the past few years, anyway. “He knows what it’s all about at the top level of the game, he knows how we work, is familiar with the players and will make it a smooth transition as we build towards another season in the Premier League.”
#PLStories- Norwich complete #BenGibson deal to end Burnley nightmare #BURNLEYFC #NCFC
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Norwich complete #BenGibson deal to end Burnley nightmare #BURNLEYFC #NCFC

July 2, 2021
BURNLEY defender Ben Gibson has officially completed his permanent move to Norwich City. The centre-half ended a nightmare spell with the Clarets when he joined the Canaries on loan last September. And after their promotion to the Premier League after winning the Championship, an obligation to buy clause has been activated, the fee believed to be £8million. There were big hopes for Gibson on his arrival at Turf Moor for a joint club record £15million back in August 2018 but he made just six appearances for the club. His last Clarets appearance came in the Carabao Cup in August 2019, the 28-year-old being allowed to train with his hometown club Middlesbrough at one stage after airing frustrations about not sealing a move away. Gibson then joined Norwich where he made 27 appearances last season, his season ended in March by an ankle injury. “I am absolutely delighted,” he said. “What we achieved last season was remarkable. “It couldn’t have gone any better, bar the injury for me, for the team and the squad. We had clear goals, we set out to achieve them and we fulfilled them in every way. “We didn’t just get promoted, we were champions and we had record points total. So, it has literally been a dream move. “It (the Premier League) is where everyone wants to be. It is where I have been for different chapters in my career. “We can’t wait to have another crack at it.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley striker #JoelMumbongo joins Accrington Stanley on season-long loan #BURNLEYFC

July 2, 2021
Burnley prospect Joel Mumbongo has signed for Accrington Stanley on a season-long loan deal. Mumbongo has already clocked up seven appearances for the Clarets first-team but will now step-up his development with a year at the Wham Stadium. The 22-year-old netted eight times in 13 Premier League 2 Division Two fixtures last season and John Coleman is delighted to land the striker who has been a long-term target. He said: "He has really impressed me every time I have watched him. He will add strength to the attacking areas. "He is quick, physically strong, and he is a no-nonsense centre forward, the type I like." Gothenburg-born Mumbongo began his career with Swedish sides BK Hacken and Utsiktens BK, before moving to Italy to join Hellas Verona in the summer of 2018. He signed for Burnley a year later, with the 22-year-old then making his first team debut for the Clarets in January 2021 against Milton Keynes Dons. He said of the move: “I am happy to be here, I feel like this is the right place at the right time for me. “It’s a good move for me, to be able to play games and show people what I can do. “I am a powerful striker, quick in behind and a threat. Scoring goals is my job and I want to make an impact."
Nathan Collins
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #NathanCollins first words after completing Burnley move #BURNLEYFC

June 25, 2021
Burnley have completed the signing of highly-rated Stoke centre-back Nathan Collins. The 20-year-old has joined the Clarets for an undisclosed fee, believed to be at least £12million, signing a four-year deal with the option of a further year. He arrives at Turf Moor having made 49 first-team appearances for Stoke, 39 of those in the Championship. After becoming Burnley’s first summer signing, Collins said: “I want to play in the Premier League. It’s going to be a jump but I think I can be ready for it. “Every season they go into it, Burnley look dangerous. They can always hurt teams and it’s a really attractive team to come and play for. “I want a challenge. That’s why I play football – to challenge myself and I can’t wait to get going. “I want to play big games, I want to play against these players – I really can’t wait. “Looking at Burnley, looking at what they’ve done in the last few seasons and what they want for the future; everything played a part. “I think they do have big expectations at this club and I want to be part of it.” The Republic of Ireland youth international, who can also play at right back, was wanted by the Clarets in January and now they have got their man. He last played in February due to a foot injury but is now back to full fitness. And Collins may not be the only defender to arrive in this window with Burnley also linked with Liverpool’s Nat Phillips after his Anfield breakthrough last season.
Ashley Young
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Aston Villa secure #AshleyYoung signing as Burnley miss out #AVFC

June 18, 2021
BURNLEY have missed out on the signing of Ashley Young after the former England international rejoined Aston Villa on a free transfer from Inter Milan. The Clarets saw the versatile 35-year-old as someone who could help supplement them in wide areas and at one point looked to be in pole position to secure his signature. Young, who scored 38 goals in 190 appearances for Villa between 2006 and 2011, has however signed a one-year contract to return to Villa Park. “It feels amazing to be back, it feels like I’ve not left,” he said. “I’m just delighted to be back, seeing some old faces, being back at the training ground, seeing the facilities and how well they’ve grown. “You can see how much the club has evolved since my time and I’m just ready to get down to work now.” Young, who won 39 England caps and travelled to Euro 2012 and the 2018 World Cup, joined Villa from Watford before leaving for Manchester United. He won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League while at Old Trafford before moving to Inter – where he clinched the Serie A title last season – in January 2020. Young, who can operate at full-back or on the wing, has made 369 Premier League appearances in total and had also been linked with a return to Watford before opting for Villa Park. “When I heard of the interest from Aston Villa, it was straight to my agent, ‘get a deal done, whatever you can, get a deal done’,” he added. “I think someone said (about me), ‘he’s coming to the end of his career’, ‘he hasn’t got that hunger any more’, ‘he’s just going there for a swansong’… “That’s not me at all, I’ve still got that winning mentality, that winners’ attitude, that desire and hunger to go and win.” Head coach Dean Smith said: “Ashley brings with him a wealth of experience of top-level football both at club and international level and he is joining having just won a league championship in Italy. “He is a player who can play in a number of positions and, having spoken to him at length, I know he is determined to make a real impact with us this season.”
Ashley Barnes Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley footballer #AshleyBarnes fined and banned after drink drive charge #BURNLEYFC

June 15, 2021
BURNLEY footballer Ashley Barnes has been ordered to pay a £13,000 fine and banned from driving for 12-months, after admitting to drink driving. The Premier League striker was pulled over by police near his Wilmslow home on May 11, having been out celebrating the Clarets' top-flight survival in a victory against Fulham. Barnes, 31, was stopped at 3am on Balmoral Way while driving a black £55,000 Mercedes-Benz V-Class. The footballer pleaded guilty to the charge at Stockport Magistrates Court and was offered the chance to reduce his ban by 12 weeks by taking a drink driving awareness course. At the time of his arrest, Burnley Football Club released the following statement: "Burnley Football Club is aware of a police incident involving one of its players, Ashley Barnes. "As a club with solid values and a strong community ethos, Burnley FC upholds and expects the highest standards of responsible behaviour from all its players and staff. "Therefore, while observing the conclusion of legal proceedings, the club will be treating this matter with the upmost seriousness. "The player will be subject to internal disciplinary procedures as a result. "Burnley Football Club will make no further comment."
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – #RobbieBrady admits regret on career with Burnley #BurnleyFC

May 28, 2021
BURNLEY have confirmed Robbie Brady is leaving the club at the end of his contract. The winger – the Clarets' record signing when he arrived from Norwich in January 2017 – departs having made 87 appearances for the club. The 29-year-old has however seen his time at the club blighted by injury, a serious knee issue derailing his progress after helping Burnley qualify for Europe back in 2018. Despite his frustrations, Brady has nothing but kind words for all those he is leaving behind at Turf Moor. “I would have loved if things had gone better at times, because I always backed myself to do well and help the lads out wherever I can," he said. "It was difficult in that respect but it's been brilliant and a big learning curve for me. “I just want to thank the lads and thank everyone for giving me this opportunity. I learned a hell of a lot over the last few years and a lot about myself. “I also want to thank the fans for making me feel so welcome. It's such a family club and they get right behind the lads as we've seen over the last few seasons. “It's been a phenomenal time and I'm so happy to say that I feel I have played a part in Burnley's history, which I'll always look back fondly on. “I have had a lot of good times - and a few bad times personally - but these things happen and I wish the lads all the best. I'm sure they're going to kick on again like we have done over the last number of years. I'm sad to go but it's a part of my career I look back on fondly, along with the people I've met.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley provides #NickPope injury update after Euro 2020 blow #BURNLEYFC

May 27, 2021
Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has undergone surgery on the knee injury that ended his hopes of being involved in England’s Euro 2020 squad. Pope was omitted from the 33-man squad named by Gareth Southgate on Tuesday which will be cut down to 26 by June 1 for this summer’s tournament. The 29-year-old, who has won seven caps for his country, would have been named in that squad, having started all three March qualifiers, only for an injury to end any hopes of being involved. Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson were joined in the squad by Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion) and Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United), with one set to miss out on the final squad. Pope had been hoping to feature against Sheffield United in last Sunday's season finale but felt further discomfort in his left knee, so he had what Burnley termed a "successful" operation to address a cartilage issue. Boss Sean Dyche told the club website: "We're expecting the recovery to go well at this early stage, but we'll wait and see as he recovers. "He's had a really, really good season once again. He continues to develop into a top, top keeper. "He's incredibly unfortunate to have this happen at this time but once again he's shown what a top keeper he is during the season and I'm sure will do again going into next season once he recovers." Pope kept 11 clean sheets over the course of the campaign, with only three ‘keepers managing more as Burnley finished the season in 17th spot.
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- #SeanDyche reacts to latest speculation regarding new job #BURNLEYFC

May 22, 2021
Sean Dyche is planning for the future at Burnley – and a summer when the Turf Moor purse strings might be opened – despite continuous links with vacancies at Premier League rivals. A week after being asked about the soon-to-be vacant position at Crystal Palace, Dyche faced questions on Friday afternoon a couple of hours after the surprise news that Nuno Espirito Santo will leave Wolves after Sunday’s match against Manchester United. Dyche laughed off a question suggesting Burnley’s trip to Sheffield United on the last day of the season could prove to be his final game with the Clarets. “Unless I’m told by the powers that be, I’m not planning on that at the moment,” he said. “I’ve been asked that many times over my time here, probably since our first promotion I’ve been linked with other places and I’m still here. “Equally I always say times change in football, it’s very rare you’re in a job for life apart from the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger. Life does change but I’m still here and let’s see where the future goes. “I’ve had lots of highlights at Burnley and let’s hope there’s more to come.” Chairman Alan Pace, whose ALK Capital group took over at Turf Moor midway through the season, has this week promised to back Dyche in the transfer window this summer, but Dyche said it would come down to finding the right players. “I don’t know if it was music to my ears because it needs to come to fruition,” Dyche said. “The chats I’ve had have been positive. It’s not a situation of ripping it up and starting again, but they’re talking in the right way in the sense of finding out how the finances work and how we can take it forwards. “The club has been well run, we’ve got a healthy bank balance on the turnover and now it’s about how can we stretch it without breaking it. “The truth is it’s about what players are available. It’s not just about an amount of money, you need the right players. We could have spent money in January but we didn’t feel the players were there that could have pushed us forwards. “It’s not just about money, it’s about finding the right players.” Dyche will also hope the changing situation behind the scenes will strengthen the club’s chances of keeping key players – not least James Tarkowski as the defender heads into the final 12 months of his contract. “There’s no reason not to,” Dyche said when asked if he thought the 28-year-old would be at the club next season. “He knows his situation and what we think of him as a player. He’s knows he’s an important player here.” Burnley will finish their campaign at Bramall Lane – where Nick Pope could return in goal – seeking a seventh away win that would match the club record in the Premier League. “That’s a nice positive because everyone keeps talking about the home form,” said Dyche, whose side have not won at Turf Moor since the end of January. “It’s been a very strong season away from home, but joking apart the home form has suffered, partly because of the lack of fans because the fans reward us with support through thick and thin.”
Sean Dyche Burnley
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Burnley boss #SeanDyche on progress and club’s ambitions #BURNLEYFC

May 20, 2021
Sean Dyche has insisted that staying at Burnley would not represent a lack of ambition as he is once again linked with Premier League rivals. The 49-year-old is high on the bookies’ shortlist of candidates to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace following confirmation that the former England boss will step down this summer. Dyche declined to be drawn on the speculation but said he expected to hold talks with the Burnley board on a new contract in the coming weeks as he nears the last 12 months of his existing deal. Having worked under financial restraints at Turf Moor for so long, securing what will be a sixth-consecutive season of Premier League football next term despite a relative lack of resources, Dyche could be forgiven for having his head turned. But he insisted it was not as simple as all that. “It depends how you measure ambition,” he said. “People could say sticking at Burnley is not ambitious but the work that has been done here is enormous. The club is a massively different club to the one I walked in to. “That is not just down to me obviously, it’s down to lots of people. That’s ambition – to build a club – but it’s a different kind of ambition. “People think it’s about just purely trying to go to the top of the game, to win trophies, and of course that’s the name of the game, but there’s more behind that. “The number of jobs created here, the feel-good factor around the town, the recognition that the whole town gets here, that’s all ambition too. That’s meant a lot around these parts and I don’t lose sight of that… “You can have all the ambition you want but you need the opportunity and I’ve got a good opportunity here to continue with these ambitions, to continue growing this club, and to see where this goes.” While the exact ambitions of the ownership group who bought Burnley at the turn of the year are not yet clear, there is certainly hope that the club will soon be setting their sights higher than simple survival. Their place in the Premier League for next season was secured with victory at Fulham last Monday, but results at Turf Moor remain disappointing. The 4-0 defeat to Leeds on Saturday was a club record ninth top-flight home game without a win – and few will back them to end that run when 3,500 fans return for Wednesday night’s match against Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s side have perhaps been feeling the pressure of their Champions League chase, needing Alisson Becker’s dramatic last-minute header to win 2-1 on Sunday. Asked if he had been working on defending against goalkeepers from corners as a result, Dyche laughed. “I’d have seen him off, don’t worry about that,” he said. “It was a great finish though. “It’s not that easy when the keeper comes up last minute. I don’t know if you expect (West Brom manager Sam Allardyce) to get his iPad out, ‘Right, we planned on this’. I don’t think the manager can be blamed for that one.”  
Posted in2020-2021-Season Daily News

#PLStories – Burnley boss #SeanDyche does not want to think about moving to other clubs and explains his satisfaction at Burnley #BurnleyFC

May 19, 2021
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has indicated he expects to hold talks over a new contract at the club in the coming weeks. With one year left on his existing deal, speculation over Dyche’s future is sure to ramp up following confirmation that Roy Hodgson will leave Crystal Palace this summer, but the Clarets’ owners ALK Capital are keen to keep the 49-year-old. “I made it clear the main focus for me was making sure we were in the Premier League,” said Dyche, who should now find his negotiating position strengthened considerably. “Now that’s achieved, it’s different on that score, so I’m sure over the coming weeks they will be speaking to me. They’ve certainly mentioned that they want to.” In his eight-and-a-half years at Turf Moor, Dyche has twice guided Burnley to promotion to the Premier League, and next season will be a sixth consecutive campaign in the top flight. Dyche guided Burnley into Europe three years ago, and has defied the club’s financial restraints to establish them in the top flight. The attraction of leaving for better-funded employers could potentially lure Dyche, frequently linked with jobs elsewhere, though following the takeover over Burnley by Alan Pace’s investment group earlier this year, the picture appears to be changing for the better. “I’ve always maintained the same thought: Eventually things in football change,” Dyche said when asked if he was happy at Burnley. “I’m always flattered by any links because I respect the whole of football. I played through my career up and down the levels of football, smaller clubs, bigger clubs, etc etc, so my respect has always been there. “My role here is still what it is, I’m working hard, I think that’s been shown this season with myself, my staff and my players and I never lose sight of that. Things can change in the future, who knows? You can’t guarantee things in football. “It’s not easy to plan a future in football – doors open and doors close. At the moment I’m still the Burnley manager. I must have said that down these eight and a half years a number of times.” Dyche has declared this season a success with safety assured despite a lengthy injury list, but the odds will be against them ending what is already a club-record run of nine home top-flight games without a win when they host Champions League-chasing Liverpool tonight. England goalkeeper Nick Pope could again be missing with a knee injury after sitting out Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Leeds, with Robbie Brady, Kevin Long, Phil Bardsley and Dale Stephens all ruled out. Injuries have hit Burnley hard this term after a lack of investment across previous transfer windows even as the contracts of several first-team players were allowed to run down. A willingness to address that could be key to the club’s chances of persuading Dyche to extend his stay. “We’ve got to make sure we’re securing the right players, and then looking outside of our group to secure players too,” Dyche said. “I think any work we can that benefits the team is a major plus. It is tricky. We do have open lines of communication here with all our players and their agents, and trying to recruit is a tricky side of the industry – probably the toughest. “That’s part of the challenge. We’ve been down this road before and we’re going to go down this road again.”