Sean Dyche breaks silence after Burnley axe with classy statement paying tribute to former club

Sean Dyche has broken his silence following his shock sacking as Burnley manager last week as he reflected on the ‘truly incredible times’ he enjoyed at Turf Moor.

Dyche was dismissed by the relegation-threatened Clarets on Friday after 10 years at the club following a poor run of form that has plunged them closer to the drop.

Burnley have won only four Premier League matches all season and are four points adrift of safety with seven games remaining, starting with the visit of Southampton on Thursday night.

Sean Dyche was controversially sacked by Burnley with the club fighting to avoid relegation

Dyche was sacked two days before Burnley’s 1-1 draw with West Ham at the London Stadium

Dyche – who is thought to be in talks with Burnley over a £15million contract settlement – has been replaced on a temporary basis by caretaker boss Mike Jackson.

Sportsmail revealed this week that insiders within the club had expected Dyche to be given an ‘Arsene Wenger-style send off’ after he was sacked two days before Burnley’s 1-1 draw at West Ham on Sunday. 

In a statement released through the League Managers Association, Dyche said he was now ‘looking forward to the next phase of my career’ following Burnley’s controversial decision to part ways with the 50-year-old.

Dyche paid tribute to the fans, owners and directors in a classy statement following his sacking

‘I would like to thank the people of Burnley and fans of the club for their incredible kindness and support since I joined the club in 2012,’ said Dyche. 

‘The town has become a huge part of my life, and myself and my family thank you for everything we have all experienced together during my time as manager. Amongst the many challenges, there have been some truly incredible times, which are never to be forgotten.

‘I would like to express my gratitude to all players and staff, past and present, for the hard work and commitment they have shown throughout my time at the club. The memories of promotion campaigns, European travels and competing against some of the best teams in the world will always stay with me.’

Dyche, who was the longest-serving manager in the Premier League after taking over in October 2012, guided Burnley to two promotions and into Europe for the first time in 51 years in 2018 during his time at Turf Moor.

‘I would also like to thank the directors and owners who I have worked with for their help over the past decade,’ added Dyche.

‘The club has changed so much during this time, with improvements across the infrastructure, training ground and academy ensuring the future of the club is protected both on and off the pitch.

‘The successes and building process from where the club was, to where it is now has been by no means by myself. The help of so many people has made it happen and I thank them all, particularly my football staff who have worked so diligently over the years.

Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder is the bookies’ favourite to succeed Dyche at Turf Moor

‘Finally, I would like to thank people across football who have been so positive about my career in recent days. I appreciate the kind words of my colleagues in the game and I look forward to the next phase of my career.’

Joey Barton, who made 38 appearances for Burnley under Dyche, said his former boss had done an ‘incredible job’ at the club.

LMA chief executive Richard Bevan also praised Dyche for his work at Burnley and claimed he ‘will continue to compete as one of the country’s elite managers for many years in future’.

Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder is the bookies’ favourite to replace Dyche in the hot seat at Turf Moor ahead of Derby boss Wayne Rooney.