MARNEY RELISHING CLARETS COACHING OPPORTUNITY

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Burnley favourite on returning in coaching role with the academy

2023-06-22T17:08:45.841Z

MARNEY RELISHING CLARETS COACHING OPPORTUNITY

Burnley favourite on returning in coaching role with the academy

2023-06-22T17:08:45.841Z

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Dean Marney couldn’t be happier to be back amongst the claret and blue, using his years of playing experience to inspire the next generation.

The former Claret had been working with the Club’s academy following completion of his UEFA A & B Licence and is now working with the U15 & U16 age groups.

“It’s good to be back. Over time, I realised I enjoyed the daily interaction with the players and coaching them, you get that all the time. I then dipped my toe in with the hands-on coaching stuff at the beginning of the year thanks to Ian Jones [Burnley FC’s Head of Academy Coaching] and I have really enjoyed it.

“To be honest with you, I probably wouldn’t have gone down this route if it wasn’t with Burnley. Simply the relationship I already have with the Club, and I just feel like it’s a great opportunity for me here and a great environment to learn in. It’s perfect really.

“When I do something, I give it my all and this is the same. It’s the perfect time for me to get involved and I’ve had a taste for it now, I’d love a full-time role eventually doing it.”

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Midfielder Marney spent eight years with the Clarets, playing a key role in the team’s 2013/14 season return to the top-tier of English football. Injury problems plighted his final season in 2018, however he maintained a strong relationship with the Club.

“It’s such a unique place, it really is. As soon as I had the opportunity to get in and amongst it, I jumped straight at it. I spoke to my wife, and she said, ‘go for it!’. I’m so glad I did.”

Winning over a legion of fans during his time at Turf Moor, it’s this experience and first-hand knowledge that is proving beneficial to the young players coming through. However, he’s keen to add he isn’t missing getting on the pitch and playing himself!

“I don’t miss the playing side of football to be honest. I have got involved in a couple of the sessions and that’s enough for me! I love the interaction with the lads, and I enjoy helping the younger ones.

“I think having the playing experience certainly helps. Calling upon little scenarios and experiences of what I had as a player, can then hopefully help when I give the lads advice and help.”

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The Clarets have seen significant change over the past year, not least a remarkable return to the top-flight at the first time of asking under Manager Vincent Kompany and his coaching staff, and Marney has been impressed by what he’s seen so far.

“Every time I come in, I try and watch the first team training. I was lucky Craig Bellamy invited me in for the day with the coaching staff, to watch them and it was a real eye-opener. Every little detail that goes into the sessions was amazing to see.

“They were the best team in the league by a country mile. They have a young, energetic and exciting group who will certainly be able to compete in the Premier League next season for sure.”

This Premier League return sees a home game against treble winners Manchester City on the horizon early, with Marney believing timing could be advantageous to his former side.

“The Man City’s and Liverpool’s you would rather get at the beginning of the season when they may be a little bit rusty. Ultimately though, you have to play everyone across the season, so we’ll see what happens.”