By Chidozie Ehirim
Editor
While fans and pundits alike waxed lyrical about the exploits of the all conquering Manchester City last season, it is the dizzying heights to which another club have reached, that have other observers impressed.
Some might argue that this club's own achievements in relative terms, are just as significant as that of Manchester City.
In October 2012 when Sean Dyche was appointed manager of Burnley Football Club, he no doubt had a goal in mind and a road map with which to get there.
At the time, Burnley were a fixture in the Championship. Their last foray in the Premier League came four years previously. They were eager to eat again at the top table and Dyche's arrival was a key catalyst in them finally getting there.
His tenure certainly started well. Dyche spearheaded the club to initial success, breaking a number of long standing records in the process. Ultimately, the club won promotion to the Premier League in the 2013/14 season and after being relegated they returned to the elite divsion in 2015, where they have remained ever since.
Just before the start of last season many had predicted where the club would finish with some even having them finishing in 16th place. Burnley instead finished the season and impressive 7th and few could have asked more from them. Their success so far has culminated in them qualifying for the Europa League next season with the Lancashire club turning into somewhat of a fixture in the Premier League
It remains to be seen how far Burnley can go. As for the fans, they have been more than happy with their progress. The club have gone about their business under the radar and have every right to be proud of what has been accomplished.
Behind every success story there is a plan, a strategy that is the basis for achievment. In Burnley's case this is no different. Their modus operandi has been discussed by pundits and fans alike. The success can essentially be boiled down to simultaneous success both in the board room and on the pitch.
In an exclusive interview with Zee Media, former Burnley Member of Parliament and lifelong fan, Peter Pike, shared his thoughts on what he believes have been the key components of the club's success under Sean Dyche.
Pike, who has been a Claret supporter since 1946 and is currently Chairman of the Clarets Trust, Burnley FC's supporter's organisation, has seen the progress of the club over many years. He has been more than struck by the club's run under the leadership of Dyche in particular and shared his thoughts on what he believes to be the key reasons behind Burnley's success, starting with the board.
He explained, " When we were relegated, the board didn't panic. They didn't get rid of the manager like other clubs would have done. They kept their faith in him"
He went on to add that the board's sensible strategy has had a positive impact on the wider success of the team."The board don't pay mad wages. The entire infrastructure, the new training facility is first class and they have helped to build a good, strong, all round team."
Pike also provided insight in to the backgrounds of the individual board members and explained why this was also a key component in the fortunes of the club. "They are all Burnley supporters and have local connections. Every one of them is just like me, a Burnley fan."
Indeed, this factor has resulted in Burnley FC becoming a well oiled machine. Lead by devoted Chairman Mike Garlick, their patience and faith in Dyche has given him time and space to implement his philosophy on the team. As a result, this has paid dividends.
Pike who has seen many managers come and go was particularly pleased with the strategy on the pitch, explaining how it's simplicity was key. With many teams opting to play a myriad of different formations, varying in complexity, Burnley have opted to play with a well organised and well drilled 4-4-2.
"To some, we may not play as attractive football as others or score as many goals but we play solidly and it's very difficult for teams to score against us", said Pike, who also believes their good defending has been key to the improvement in their away form.
"The biggest change this year has been that we've won so many more away games away from home. We started off the season beating the defending champions Chelsea away. I'm sure not sure many would we would end up finishing 7th and be in Europe" Pike also believes their good away form is partly due to consistency in player selection. He said, "He (Dyche) makes very few changes. He doesn't chop and change and shows confidence in his players. His players also have confidence in him. There is an absolutely great spirit there."
As for the future, Pike, like many other supporters is optimistic about where Burnley can go from here. It will certainly be interesting to see how the added pressure of European competition will affect the team but he certainly welcomes the opportunities it will bring.
"Playing in Europe will help put Burnley on the map again. We know it will be challenge. We're under no illusions, we're not a Barcelona but we'll give it our best"
He added, "In terms of the future the best we can do is be a good, attractive, Premier League club. Realistically its difficult for a team like ours to break into the that top six bracket but I'd love us to secure our place in the Premier League long term."
The upcoming season will no doubt be an interesting one for Burnley and it will be intriguing to see what they go on to achieve.
With the way in which club is currently run though, the future looks very bright.
Editor
While fans and pundits alike waxed lyrical about the exploits of the all conquering Manchester City last season, it is the dizzying heights to which another club have reached, that have other observers impressed.
Some might argue that this club's own achievements in relative terms, are just as significant as that of Manchester City.
In October 2012 when Sean Dyche was appointed manager of Burnley Football Club, he no doubt had a goal in mind and a road map with which to get there.
 |
| Sean Dyche |
His tenure certainly started well. Dyche spearheaded the club to initial success, breaking a number of long standing records in the process. Ultimately, the club won promotion to the Premier League in the 2013/14 season and after being relegated they returned to the elite divsion in 2015, where they have remained ever since.
Just before the start of last season many had predicted where the club would finish with some even having them finishing in 16th place. Burnley instead finished the season and impressive 7th and few could have asked more from them. Their success so far has culminated in them qualifying for the Europa League next season with the Lancashire club turning into somewhat of a fixture in the Premier League
It remains to be seen how far Burnley can go. As for the fans, they have been more than happy with their progress. The club have gone about their business under the radar and have every right to be proud of what has been accomplished.
 |
| Peter Pike (right) |
In an exclusive interview with Zee Media, former Burnley Member of Parliament and lifelong fan, Peter Pike, shared his thoughts on what he believes have been the key components of the club's success under Sean Dyche.
Pike, who has been a Claret supporter since 1946 and is currently Chairman of the Clarets Trust, Burnley FC's supporter's organisation, has seen the progress of the club over many years. He has been more than struck by the club's run under the leadership of Dyche in particular and shared his thoughts on what he believes to be the key reasons behind Burnley's success, starting with the board.
He explained, " When we were relegated, the board didn't panic. They didn't get rid of the manager like other clubs would have done. They kept their faith in him"
He went on to add that the board's sensible strategy has had a positive impact on the wider success of the team."The board don't pay mad wages. The entire infrastructure, the new training facility is first class and they have helped to build a good, strong, all round team."
Pike also provided insight in to the backgrounds of the individual board members and explained why this was also a key component in the fortunes of the club. "They are all Burnley supporters and have local connections. Every one of them is just like me, a Burnley fan."
Indeed, this factor has resulted in Burnley FC becoming a well oiled machine. Lead by devoted Chairman Mike Garlick, their patience and faith in Dyche has given him time and space to implement his philosophy on the team. As a result, this has paid dividends.
Pike who has seen many managers come and go was particularly pleased with the strategy on the pitch, explaining how it's simplicity was key. With many teams opting to play a myriad of different formations, varying in complexity, Burnley have opted to play with a well organised and well drilled 4-4-2.
 |
| Chairman Mike Garlick (left) |
"The biggest change this year has been that we've won so many more away games away from home. We started off the season beating the defending champions Chelsea away. I'm sure not sure many would we would end up finishing 7th and be in Europe" Pike also believes their good away form is partly due to consistency in player selection. He said, "He (Dyche) makes very few changes. He doesn't chop and change and shows confidence in his players. His players also have confidence in him. There is an absolutely great spirit there."
As for the future, Pike, like many other supporters is optimistic about where Burnley can go from here. It will certainly be interesting to see how the added pressure of European competition will affect the team but he certainly welcomes the opportunities it will bring.
"Playing in Europe will help put Burnley on the map again. We know it will be challenge. We're under no illusions, we're not a Barcelona but we'll give it our best"
He added, "In terms of the future the best we can do is be a good, attractive, Premier League club. Realistically its difficult for a team like ours to break into the that top six bracket but I'd love us to secure our place in the Premier League long term."
The upcoming season will no doubt be an interesting one for Burnley and it will be intriguing to see what they go on to achieve.
With the way in which club is currently run though, the future looks very bright.
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