Bikey scoffs at Cats spree

18 September 2009 16:36
Burnley defender Andre Bikey has reminded big spenders Sunderland that money does not always buy success on the field. The two sides go head to head on Saturday afternoon with three points between them in a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1. Sunderland, who hold a three-point advantage over their rivals, spent big during the summer transfer window by bringing in the likes of Darren Bent, Lee Cattermole and Michael Turner. In contrast, Burnley spent a small amount with only Steven Fletcher, a £3million record buy from Hibernian, the only player the Clarets broke the bank for. But Bikey, who joined Turf Moor from Reading for an undisclosed fee, feels the comparison will be unnecessary when the players take to the field this weekend. "Just because you spend a lot of money it doesn't make you the best team in the world," said the Cameroon international. "You can have money to spend on everything you want but let's see what happens on the pitch because it's about the players and the football. "We've got a lot of quality ourselves and we will give everything to win the game against Sunderland." Burnley have enjoyed a bright start to their debut season in the Premier League with wins over Manchester United and Everton and Bikey believes their survival is currently in their own hands. "This club had 33 years outside of the top flight and coming into the Premier League means we are playing for everyone connected with the club," he said. "Right now, everything is still in our hands and we can still stay in the Premier League if we want. "It's not going to be easy but we are lucky to be playing in this league because it is the best in the world and we will not give it up lightly. "I will give everything I can to stay in the Premier League," he added. A win for the home side would likely lift the Clarets into the top half of the table, a position which Bikey desires early on to ease their safety worries psychologically as the season unfolds. He said: "I think if we win it will be a very big result because we'll be in the top half of the table which will be good because if you try and get that position in the first half of the season it will be good for us in the second half. "Sunderland are a very good team, but we have a good team too and I'm confident we can get a result. "Our home form will be important this season to help us stay in the Premier League."

Source: SKY_Sports