Saying that Burnley FC have had an incredible season would be very much an understatement. The bookies 6th favourite to get promotion to the top flight have done it in style.
In the early stages of pre season question marks were placed around the Lancashire club with them losing the heart of their defence in James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Nathan Collins and England international Nick Pope. However this wasn't the biggest change, after a long tenure at the club Sean Dyche left the Clarets towards the end of their relegation season and was replaced by four time Premier League winner Vincent Kompany.
The Belgian's only previous managerial experience was at the club he started his playing career - Anderlecht. Even with a respectable period at the Belgian club not everyone was convinced that he could take Burnley back to the Premier League.
As much of it was a glorious period under Sean Dyche many Burnley fans will be the first to admit that the football wasn't always pleasing on the eye in the latter stages under him. The current Everton manager had a very different approach to style and recruitment to Kompany with him playing more direct football and signing more experienced players such as Jonathan Walters, Peter Crouch and Phil Bardsley whilst he was in charge.
But it is safe to say that the new man in charge has had a complete new revamp of their squad and playstyle with star signings such as Nathan Tella, Josh Cullen and Jordan Beyer being integral parts to their team. This season for the Clarets has been nothing short of a success, the Champions have even had plenty of praise from their competitors such as Troy Deeney and Neil Warnock.
Neil Warnock (Huddersfield Town manager) on HTAFC YouTube channel (released February 2023):
"They're the best (Championship) side I've seen in 25 years... we have nothing to fear now there's no other Burnley in this league."
Troy Deeney (Birmingham City striker) on the Fozcast YouTube channel (released on the 19th of January 2023):
"Burnley are by far the best team, if they go again this January hand them the title now!"
Burnley FC were inches away from beating Readings record-breaking 106 point EFL Championship winning season in 2005/06. However due to a recent dip in form against Reading themselves, QPR and Rotherham United ; unfortunately for them they haven't been able to do so. Although some of the Turf Moor fans may have felt that they have won it in a more appealing situation - one that was at their rival fans beloved Ewood Park.
Last night saw the champions seal the title with a 1-0 win in front of their 2000 travelling fans and their play off pushing Lancashire rivals in blue and white. It will be interesting to see how Vincent Kompanys men perform next season in the Premier League with them hoping to sign their loan players such as Beyer and Tella permanently but one thing is for sure - it will be a completely different Burnley to the one the Premier League last saw.
Harry Lucas
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