This promotion is sweeter because we balanced the books, says Burnley boss Sean Dyche
Burnley manager Sean Dyche insists his team’s second promotion to the Premier League in three years tastes sweeter than the last because the club achieved it while balancing the books.
The Clarets clinched a return to the top-flight at the first attempt on Monday with a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Queens Park Rangers earned by striker Sam Vokes’s second-half header.
Promotion is worth £100m to Burnley in guaranteed revenue alone owing to the rising value of broadcast contracts but the total uplift could be around double that once other benefits are calculated.
Read more: Title win could be worth £250m to Leicester
Dyche spent more than £16m on signings last summer but also lost stars Kieran Trippier and Danny Ings and believes his team have punched above their weight compared to some rivals.
“People have been having a real go financially, putting money into it. We’ve balanced the books and been successful again. I couldn’t be more proud,” he said.
“It’s definitely better [than in 2014]. It’s been a different challenge. The expectation rises from everyone, the money available to the club for its future – all of the things that it brings.
“Last time we were under the radar, it was a fairytale. This one was organised, business-like and well-fashioned from all involved, especially the players.”
Burnley will win the Championship title if they beat relegated Charlton on Saturday. Brighton, held to a 1-1 draw by Derby yesterday, must win at Middlesbrough on the final day if they are to pip the Teessiders to the other automatic promotion place.