Last season
Burnley return to the Premier League after a hugely successful Championship season, claiming the title by five points. In particular, Andre Gray was a revelation at that level, claiming the Golden Boot by some margin, with an impressive total of 25 goals.
Burnley return to the Premier League after a hugely successful Championship season, claiming the title by five points. In particular, Andre Gray was a revelation at that level, claiming the Golden Boot by some margin, with an impressive total of 25 goals.
Backroom setup
As was to be expected, nothing to report following the promotion, with Sean Dyche retaining his position as manager, and the backroom staff remaining largely the same as the club looks to maintain the strong performance that took them to the title.
As was to be expected, nothing to report following the promotion, with Sean Dyche retaining his position as manager, and the backroom staff remaining largely the same as the club looks to maintain the strong performance that took them to the title.
Pre-season
Unusually, with two weeks until the start of the season, Burnley have completed all of their pre-season matches, with the vast majority of them in the UK. Even more pleasing for the clarets will be that they've gone unbeaten during the five matches played, with Andre Gray in outsanding form. Starting with a double in Burnley's 3-1 win in France at Stade Nyonnais, Gray has scored eight goals in the five matches, including a hat trick in the final match at Ibrox in the 3-1 win.
Sandwiched between these results were a 1-1 draw at Morecambe, a 4-1 win at Bradford and a 2-1 win at Bolton. All lower league opposition, but building momentum nonetheless. Expect Turf Moor to be a fortress on the opening day against Swansea.
Unusually, with two weeks until the start of the season, Burnley have completed all of their pre-season matches, with the vast majority of them in the UK. Even more pleasing for the clarets will be that they've gone unbeaten during the five matches played, with Andre Gray in outsanding form. Starting with a double in Burnley's 3-1 win in France at Stade Nyonnais, Gray has scored eight goals in the five matches, including a hat trick in the final match at Ibrox in the 3-1 win.
Sandwiched between these results were a 1-1 draw at Morecambe, a 4-1 win at Bradford and a 2-1 win at Bolton. All lower league opposition, but building momentum nonetheless. Expect Turf Moor to be a fortress on the opening day against Swansea.
Squad and signings
Much has been made of the money floating around in football now, and while it has become obscene, you now have to spend money to make money. Sean Dyche clearly feels he doesn't have that option, with his thinly veiled criticism of the club's owners, suggesting that the money to make signings is not available to him. So far, he has made three signings - the duo of Nick Pope and Johann Gudmundsson from Charlton Athletic, recently relegated from the Championship, as well as youngster Jimmy Dunne from Manchester United - hardly groundbreaking!
In fairness, at least they have managed to keep the majority of the side that got them there, releasing a number of ageing stars and losing both Joey Barton and Matt Gilks to Rangers. But is a Championship quality side capable of keeping pace in the Premier League?
In fairness, at least they have managed to keep the majority of the side that got them there, releasing a number of ageing stars and losing both Joey Barton and Matt Gilks to Rangers. But is a Championship quality side capable of keeping pace in the Premier League?
Tactics
I think in order to compete on the highest level, Burnley may have to mix their tactics up, reverting to the old traditional English methods of long ball football. Making Turf Moor somewhere that no-one wants to visit is key, and using Tony Pulis's Stoke as a style to replicate would be best, assuming they don't find the money to invest in some flair players.
I think in order to compete on the highest level, Burnley may have to mix their tactics up, reverting to the old traditional English methods of long ball football. Making Turf Moor somewhere that no-one wants to visit is key, and using Tony Pulis's Stoke as a style to replicate would be best, assuming they don't find the money to invest in some flair players.
Predictions
As is the case with any promoted team, home form is going to be crucial. However, despite the form of Andre Gray, who will inevitably go through a lean spell in the Premier League at some point, I just don't think Burnley have the financial or playing quality to keep their heads above water. While this season will certainly line the coffers at Turf Moor, I don't see them staying for another one.
Final position: 20th
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