DYCHE: EXTENDING MY STAY WAS NEVER IN DOUBT

Burnley manager Sean Dyche is excited to see what the future holds after signing a new long-term deal until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Thursday lunchtime brought the news that Dyche and trusted assistant manager Ian Woan have committed their futures to Turf Moor, with the Clarets currently competing in a sixth successive season in the Premier League.

The 50-year-old is already the longest-serving manager in the top flight, having taken the reins in October 2012 when the club were in the Championship. His first game since the announcement comes against Arsenal at Turf Moor this weekend, with his side looking to kickstart their season with a first league win of the campaign.

Dyche said: “Extending my stay was never in doubt. The new ownership made it clear from the first Zoom meeting, they wanted me to be part of it.

“Talks have been ongoing since we secured our safety last season, but it was always very probable from the offset.

“I think we are trying to reshape the squad over the next few windows, but we are in the process of that. That takes time but we have made a good start with the signings we have made.

“Also layering up the squad size and quality – not only for the now, but what comes next in the future.

“We want to just continually develop the team on the pitch, and improve it of course. There is always a lot more to do.

“Football never stands still it doesn’t wait for anyone, so you have to react to what is happening.

“We need to continue in the Premier League, continue to keep the club in good health and mature in this league.”

Whilst the ink still dries on his new deal, the gaffer isn’t standing still on what has been achieved so far, with two top-ten Premier League finishes secured during his tenure.

His attentions are focused on Saturday afternoon, where he is looking for a big performance against Mikel Arteta’s Gunners. Dyche added: “We have had a challenging start to the season, but that can happen. It has happened to us before, but we need to correct that.

“The performances have been pretty reasonable, if not better than that. The detail at both ends has let down.

“We have just unfamiliar spells in that have cost us. But I think we were unfortunate against Leeds.

“They (Arsenal) are a good side with talent. Obviously they’re also a club in transition, but obviously they have a high expectation level and have a lot of challenges.

“We don’t take them having a tough start for granted, trust me. They’re a good side with strong individuals’ players.

“We have had a tough start ourselves. But now we have to make sure we start turning, what I think are reasonable performances, into results.”

The manager could have more options on the bench for the visit of the Gunners, following on from Maxwel Cornet’s first inclusion in the matchday squad for Monday’s defeat at Everton.

“Nathan Collins should be back in amongst it,” Dyche said when giving an injury update.

“Kevin Long came through 90 minutes in the week, but has a way to go to true match fitness. So they are on the way back and showing good signs.

“Maxwel has been playing this season don’t forget, but the Premier League is different. He certainly is available, as we saw the other night, but pitching him in at the right time is important.”