Dyche, Lennon give Burnley big boosts

Burnley enjoyed a double boost yesterday as they build for an extended stay in the Premier League.

Manager Sean Dyche signed a new four-and-ahalf-year deal, hours after Everton winger Aaron Lennon joined for an undisclosed fee.

Dyche, in charge of the Clarets since October 2012, has twice led them to topflight promotions.

This season, Burnley – currently in seventh place – are on course for their highest Premier League finish.

“I am quite young in management terms. I am still learning and still improving, I believe, so for my personal reasons, as well, I think it’s the right place to be,” Dyche told burnleyfootballclub.com.

“It’s a very good environment and I enjoy it and I enjoy the connection I’ve had with this area.

“There’s lots of work to be done, but I’m definitely ‘in’ for the work to be done.”

Assistant Ian Woan and first-team coach Tony Loughlan, Roy Keane’s assistant during his time with Sunderland, have also signed similar deals.

Dyche will now set about getting the best out of new signing Lennon after he made the move from Everton.

The winger, 30, played 77 matches for the Toffees in two and a half years, but the arrival of Theo Walcott last week pushed him further down the pecking order under Sam Allardyce.

“I think I’ve still got a lot to offer. I am only 30 and I still want to play at the highest level,” said the former England international.

“The team has done brilliant. There are 14 games to go and hopefully we can kick on and maintain a place in the top half, which would be brilliant for the football club.

“Burnley was the club I wanted to come to and I can’t wait to get started.”