Burnley have proved doubters wrong, says manager Sean Dyche
Saturday 6 May 2017 18:47, UK
Sean Dyche believes his Burnley side have proved the doubters wrong after a 2-2 draw with West Brom moved them onto 40 Premier League points.
Burnley's safety is yet to be officially confirmed, but the odds-on favourites to be relegated at the start of the season are now eight points above the drop-zone.
Dyche's side fought their way to a point at Turf Moor, having gone 2-1 down to West Brom despite taking the lead through Sam Vokes.
The Welsh striker was on hand to head in a late equaliser, and having reached the coveted 40-point mark in the league, Dyche is focused on more points in their final two games.
"I'm sure there's a statistician out there who will tell us we are safe, but I prefer not to until it's definitely done," said Dyche.
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"Everyone recognises 40 points as a strong marker in the Premier League, and it has been less than that [to stay up] in the last 10 years or so.
"I am very pleased to reach that mark with two games to go, for a team that was given no chance at the start of the season.
"The team deserves a lot of credit, myself as well. We've still got two games to go and we will be working hard to get more points without a shadow of a doubt."
Burnley were without the influential centre-back partnership of Ben Mee and Michael Keane for their match with West Brom, but Dyche was delighted with the performances of Kevin Long and James Tarkowski in their stead.
Dyche was keen to praise the overall efforts of his side, insisting they do not lean on any one "outrageously good" player.
"We've had a few knocks in the season but you have to believe what you are about. We saw that today. A group who believe in how we can play," Dyche added.
"We know there are sides with more talent, but with our organisation, fitness and mentality, I think we're a strong unit.
"It's a team. We haven't got an individual who is outrageously good and we build around. We build around every player here.
"It's an old-fashioned trait, character, but it is never more modern in my eyes. You need people with a strength to their character, and I think we have that here.
"If we can add more talent and continue to build, then there's a bright future for all at the football club."
