FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 KEEP THE MANAGER

It remains to be seen where Dyche could go should he leave Burnley, and he has two years left on his contract. The 49- year- old has vented about his continued battle to eke more cash out of his chairman, though – firstly, to keep his squad together, then to make sufficient additions. The club would be wise not to risk undoing his remarkable work.

2 PROTECT THE JEWELS

Burnley have been excellent in their succession planning. When Charlie Austin left in 2013, Danny Ings and Sam Vokes more than filled the void. Ings was replaced by Andre Gray, Gray by Chris Wood. Michael Keane left for Everton and James Tarkowski filled his boots admirably. Nick Pope’s emergence meant that Tom Heaton could be sold. This time, it’s different: the Clarets must hold on to Tarkowski, Pope and Dwight Mcneil, with no clear replacements within their squad.

3 SHARE THE GOAL BURDEN

Only 11 players scored for Burnley last season. For the June trip to Crystal Palace – when they were without Ashley Barnes, Chris Wood and Jay Rodriguez – the starting line- up had netted only seven times between them all year. Captain Ben Mee stepped up to make it eight that night, but the Lancastrians need more goals from midfield – especially out wide. Their ever- present threat from set- pieces could and should ease the load next term.

4 DON’T LOSE CONTRACT WAR

Jeff Hendrick, Aaron Lennon and Joe Hart left at the end of their deals in June. By summer 2021, Matt Lowton, Johann Berg Gudmundsson, Jack Cork, Ashley Westwood, Robbie Brady, Phil Bardsley and Kevin Long are out of contract, with a number of others on deals with an additional year’s option. Dyche will want most to stay – time to get busy.

5 WIN SOME PENALTIES

Burnley have won only five spot- kicks in 114 matches across the last three league seasons – the lowest tally in 35 European leagues. They have scored all five of them, mind you...