Sean Dyche says Burnley will use experience of fighting to retain Premier League status

Sean Dyche says Burnley are not in “new territory” as they battle for points to avoid relegation from the Premier League, a year on from competing for European football.

The Clarets defied expectations to secure a return to European football for the first time in 51 years as their seventh-place finish last term saw them earn a place in the Europa League play-offs.

Burnley missed out reaching the group stages for Europe's second tier competition before struggling for form domestically, but three league wins on the bounce have lifted the club out of the bottom league.

This season represents their fifth in the Premier League and since suffering relegation on both of their first two campaigns, they are aiming to maintain their top-flight status for a third straight season.

"We are fortunate in the sense other than the last season, which was clearly a strong season, the other seasons we have always been in and around it and searching for wins to make sure we got points on the board," Dyche said.

"It is not new territory. [We have] had a lot of different demands this season. I think we have come through that somewhat.

"[But] there are no guarantees. I mentioned that last week so the next one doesn't owe you anything."

Burnley will aim to make it five wins in a row in all competitions when they visit Vicarage Road to face seventh-place Watford and Dyche is expecting a stern test against his former side.

"We are going down to a decent Watford side. They have had ups and downs in their season so far themselves but they are a good outfit," he added.

"They have potential going forwards and they can open up a game. They have been pretty defensively strong other than the ups and downs that a lot of Premier League teams have so we certainly have got to be right on our performance there.

Dyche insists the squad always retained their belief they could address their form, even when they were labouring in the bottom three during the festive schedule, during which they suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at home to Everton on Boxing Day.

"The feel-good factor in the camp has stayed pretty strong considering we have had a pretty up and down time this season. But it [the run of wins] definitely enhances it, of course," he said.

"At the end of the day you are a professional. You work all week to get ready for a game and then once that game starts you want to win and you, at least, want to play your part in that win as well.

"I have been really pleased actually because [even with] all the demands we have had through injuries, suspensions recently, the changes we have to make - whether I have chosen to make them or we have had to make them - everyone's mentality has been clear-minded on doing what they needed to do to get a result.

"I am not suggesting it wasn't there earlier in the season but I just think there has been an increased clarity and I think that has been really important in getting the results we have had."

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