Sean Dyche yesterday signed a new deal with Burnley that will see him committed to the club until the summer of 2025.
A manager signing a new contract is always good news for football clubs but for Burnley, Dyche committing his future could be the difference between staying in the division or not. He has been in charge of the Claret's for almost nine years and is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League today.
He is the figurehead of the football club, the face of the town and a god-like figure for the club. His talent is hard to argue with, keeping the club in the top division with little investment, ageing players, and constant tips for the club to go down is one of the best achievements in the league.
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Why it's so important
For the last couple of season's Dyche's future has been hanging in the balance. Under Mike Garlick and his board, Dyche felt he had almost done all he could with the ownership looking unlikely to give Dyche what he wanted off the pitch.
However, under the new ownership of Alan Pace and the ALK investment group, Dyche looks comfortable and supported, which is crucial for Burnley's success. The group of players at Burnley play for Dyche and the respect he earns in the dressing room is crucial. Keeping him on side and at the club will help keep some of those players happy as well as the fans, who would hate to see Dyche leave.
On those group of players, a fair few of the club's senior players are out of contract in the summer but Dyche's new deal could trigger a chain of new deals for the key players.
The list of players includes both starting central defenders Ben Mee and James Tarkowski, attackers Jay Rodriguez, Matej Vydra and Aaron Lennon, midfielder Dale Stephens and full-backs Erik Pieters and Phil Bardsley.
Jack Cork and Ashley Barnes are also on the list but those two do have a clause giving them an option of a year extension on their current deal.
It's clear to see Pace and Dyche are working together, building a vision for the club. Since the new owner has taken over the club has been more active on social media and the owner himself uses his platforms to communicate with the fans.
He has also introduced a new scouting plan, has plans to improve the club's stadium and is building their reputation globally. To see him and Dyche work well together is pleasing and the partnership could be the club's best way of taking that next step.
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Dyche's thoughts
Speaking on his new contract, Dyche told ClaretsPlayer: “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.
Having Dyche at the club for the next few years will bring hope to Pace and fans that he will now be able to recruit better with the funds given to him.
This season five new signings were made with Lennon returning, Wayne Hennessey as in the number two, Nathan Collins bought into future proof the defence, Connor Roberts to add depth and Maxwell Cornet to add that level of quality. These are deals that help Burnley in the future which is the target for Dyche.
“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.”