I WON’T ROLL THE DYCHE
Boss Sean will take no chances with the Clarets’ limited funds in this ‘crazy’ transfer market
SEAN DYCHE refuses to bankrupt Burnley by spending “crazy” money in the transfer market.
And the Clarets boss insists he is not jealous of similarsized clubs like Brighton and Fulham who have splashed the cash this summer while all his attempts to make a signing have been frustrated by spiralling fees and wages. Dyche worked miracles on the smallest budget in the Premier League to guide Burnley into seventh spot and earn their first European campaign for more than half a century. But success could come back t o haunt the Clarets who will need a bigger squad to cope with potentially 21 extra games if they go all the way to the final.
On top of a 38-game Premier League campaign, plus the two domestic cup competitions, Dyche knows something has to give – and it can’t be the club’s top-flight status.
Even though the club earned around £120million in TV, sponsorship and prize money from the Premier League last season, he agrees with chairman Mike Garlick and the board’s ‘balance the books’ policy.
With the transfer deadline just a week away, Dyche said: “I’m not concerned. The club is continuing to look after not just ‘year one.’ It has to balance the books and the numbers are crazy. It’s a seller’s market.
“There are players I’ve rung up about, you would be in dis- belief if I told you the numbers. I’ve a couple of players who have stayed here when people have tried to get them out.
“I’ve had agents who want players to come here because it’s right for them. But eventually, money wins the day.
“It’s tough to align the ones who fit the model, the culture, the club, the market and the wages – and can still develop.
“The challenge to that is still trying to be successful and to recruit well and that’s been as tough as it’s ever been.
“Brighton’s owner is wealthy, Fulham’s owner is virtually a billionaire. There’s no jealousy. I want to do that but I wouldn’t do it at the cost of a club.”
As for the extra games, Dyche still welcomes it because of what they mean.
He said: “If you’re a Burnley person and you’ve seen the progression over the last six years and you’ve got a chance of a mini-period in Europe, would you take it? I think you would.”
With Hick, Pope (top) and Tom Heaton injured, Anders Lindegaard will step in while the Clarets have asked UEFA if they can register No.4 keeper Adam Legzdins for tonight’s clash.