Burnley boss hopes to maintain momentum from last season

David Cooper - Writer 06:39 18/08/2014
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  • Ready for the test: Sean Dyche and his newly-promoted Burnley side.

    Burnley boss Sean Dyche hopes the experience of earning promo­tion against the odds can stand his players in good stead for the tests to come in the Premier League.

    The Clarets have no chance to ease themselves into the top flight with likely title challengers Chelsea the first visitors to Turf Moor.

    Much has been made of the con­siderable differences between the two clubs, but Dyche expects his players to meet what is a huge chal­lenge head on.

    Looking back to the 2-0 win over Wigan in April that clinched pro­motion for Burnley, the manager said: “There were some big games last year, people forget that.

    “We played Wigan and delivered a fantastic performance, and that’s probably the biggest game these players have played in a long time, because that one clinches what you’re trying to do, and that means a lot to the club, a lot financially, a lot to the area, and of course the kudos of getting promoted.

    “It’s fair to say the first one against Chelsea, massive club, com­ing to Turf Moor under the lights with the TV cameras, that’s a big game in itself.

    “So it’s how the players respond. We work hard on the training pitch to allow them the chance to deliver when that moment comes.”

    Dyche knows they must make the most of Turf Moor to give them­selves the best possible chance of survival.

    In their only previous season in the Premier League, in 2009/10, Burnley picked up 26 points at home, but only four away and were relegated.

    “I got the feeling last season that there was a true belief with the fans and the player connection,” said Dyche.

    “I think they really felt they had a group who were totally motivated towards the shirt and the club and the cause. They’ve come to really understand that and the positivity around that.

    “They certainly will know we need that because the task has gone up again. We want the fans to stay with us of course and they did do last season, even when we had a couple of testing times at home.”

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