Burnley's away record not a cause for concern for manager Sean Dyche

07 April 2017 12:39

Sean Dyche claims Burnley's dismal away record could be a bigger issue for Middlesbrough than his own players this weekend.

The Clarets are yet to register a Premier League victory on their travels despite a positive campaign that sees them close to securing their place in the top flight for another season.

Saturday's trip to struggling Boro - who are 19th in the table, without a win in 13 games and still to appoint a full-time manager following Aitor Karanka's departure - offers a chance to end that unwanted record.

But manager Dyche insists his team are not bothered by the matter and are only interested in winning matches wherever they are played. He thinks if any side are affected by it, it could be their opponents at the Riverside Stadium.

Dyche said: "I don't think it's necessarily about ending a winless run, that's just a story. It's points on the board, that's what you want. If they come away, great, if they come at home, great. It's not a big thought of mine.

"Moving forward is important, building is important, improvement is important. Getting to the end of the season and reflecting on where we're at, and our drive is to be in the Premier League, that's our main thing.

"Probably the thing they're thinking is - and we're working hard for it to come true - is that statistically we're a bit of an anomaly and that will end with someone.

"Every team we play will be thinking they don't want to be the side we beat. They know people will be reminding them of the fact that we haven't won away. That will play a part in their thoughts.

"They don't want to be the team we win against because it will make a story at some level.

"The other week that was pronounced as mind games. It isn't. It's purely because it's a fact."

Burnley moved to 35 points with Tuesday's victory over Stoke, a tally that already eclipses their efforts in their two previous Premier League campaigns.

The victory was a first since January and eased fears they could be pulled into the relegation battle.

Burnley are strengthening off the field, notably with a new training complex opening, but Dyche knows it is league position on which the club, and he, are ultimately judged.

He said: "The only thing people really bother with is the pitch and winning the next game.

"All the work about contracts, aligning the club, community work, building a training ground, a new ground - the only thing that you get measured by is the pitch.

"As a manager you're only judged on the outcomes, whether that's any given match or a season's work.

"So to get to a record points total in the Premier League, albeit for only three seasons, with seven games to go is another marker that we're moving forward as a team and a club."

Source: PA