Lowton’s Special bond with Dyche

MATT LOWTON faces Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham today – but for the Burnley defender the real “Special One” is Sean Dyche.

The Clarets boss has loomed large in Lowton’s football life ever since

Dyche’s heroics almost left the young Chesterfield fan with a broken ankle when he was only seven.

Lowton said: “I was at the semi-final of the FA Cup against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in 1997.

“Sean was captain of Chesterfield and there was pandemonium when he scored a penalty. I was stood on a seat because I was only small. Obviously they flip back, so when it folded I had my foot stuck and someone pushed me forward.”

Dyche (below) has made amends since, signing Lowton from Aston Villa in 2015, playing him more than 160 times for Burnley and handing him a new two-year contract last month at 31.

Lowton added: “It’s strange how it worked out. I have learned so much from him, on and off the pitch.

“He’s great to work with and I cannot imagine working with anyone else better. He’s the Special One for me, no doubt at all.

“That’s why I was absolutely delighted to sign a new deal because I have loved every minute here.”