Burnley were more or less self-sufficient when they entered the transfer window and critics praised Sean Dyche’s work after what he has done with the Clarets. They have a compact squad and have impressed against the bigger teams. However, it was the horrific injury to Dean Marney suffered in the disheartening loss against Arsenal which forced Dyche to get midfielders in January.
TRANSFERS
INS
- Joey Barton – released from Rangers (free)
- Ashley Westwood – Aston Villa (£5m)
- Robbie Brady – Norwich (£13m)
OUTS
- Lukas Jutkiewicz – Birmingham (£1m)
- Danny Lafferty – Sheffield United (undisclosed)
- Chris Long – Bolton (loan)
- Aiden O’Neill – Oldham (loan)
- Michael Kightly – Burton (loan)
Source: Sky Sports
Except for Joey Barton, who came to the side early after Rangers released him on disciplinary grounds, Burnley’s other two arrivals were right on the last day of the window. Given their tight budget, the available players like Fonte, Snodgrass and Berahino were an improbability for Dyche and he focused more on the Championship stars.
And full marks should be given to Sean Dyche for successfully landing Robbie Brady at Turf Moor, who was the target of quite a few clubs. A left-midfielder by nature, Brady has also impressed in the central role whilst at Norwich City. He has scored three goals and three assists in Championship this season and his composed left foot makes him dangerous from set-pieces, which could be a huge asset to the Burnley side.
Except for Scott Arfield, Dyche didn’t have a natural left-winger till now. Brady’s perfectly chipped in crosses and sublime dribbling abilities can be best utilised by Dyche who has proved his mettle with an average squad this season.
Dyche was a long-term admirer of Westwood and the Clarets were planning a move on him for weeks before Marney’s injury rushed it. He could actually be a level up on Marney in the middle of the park for his unparalleled stamina and knack of doing the hard work. Quite similar to Kanté, Westwood’s forte is his tenacity and Dyche could use him to full potential with Defour and Hendrick (although he will miss a few games through suspension) in front him.
T4O Verdict: 7
Given how Dyche has managed Burnley so far, we hardly doubt the new signings would be a failure at Turf Moor. Hence, although low-profile, Dyche seems to have struck gold with the signing of these two Championship stars, who could help Burnley reach their target of finishing in the top-half.
