No window of opportunity but Dyche sees progress at Toon

SEAN Dyche believes the “biggest breakthrough” at Newcastle United this season was the summer transfer window closing.

The Burnley manager stresses speculation over transfers and Rafa Benitez’s frustrations at United’s summer business had proved destabilising at St James’ Park.

Yet once the window shut and the focus returned to football, Newcastle have flourished - and are seventh in the table, one point and one place above Burnley.

The two sides meet on Monday evening and Dyche admits he expects a stern test from the Magpies.

He said: “It seems to me the biggest breakthrough for Newcastle was the transfer window closing.

“Everything then seemed to calm down and they could get on with it with the players they had.

“They have a good solid structure and shape with Rafa, which he is renowned for.

“Rafa also has good players, players who want to do well in this division. It will be a difficult game, as they all are, and we will have to be on top of our game again. “We have seen how tough this league is, it goes to show the sides who have had tough starts this season, that just shows the quality in the Premier League.” Dyche is among the favourites to succeed Ronald Koeman as Everton manager but insists the links to the Goodison Park post have not distracted him. Instead, his focus is only on the clash with Newcastle. He added: “Nothing has changed. You are flattered by the fact the work you do is recognised but it is not our story. “I have been through it several times and I just continue to get on with the job here. “I would surprised to be here for five years but I don’t think fans want managers changing every week.”