Big news coming soon from the Turf (Sean Dyche sacked)

[NewClaret]

Who's Matt Williams ?

He was head of football operations, then promoted to COO when Hart left, then strangely was Co-COO on the website, with the young Chief of Staff also moved in to a Co-COO role.

From my personal experience, when people start sharing roles the writings on the wall for one of them. Hence my guess.

[Father Jack]

Tbf I think that's been obvious just watching us this season. Hasn't looked a happy camp to me.

Agree. But it’s the confirmation of the fact. When posters have said they’ve heard this previously it’s been widely shot down.
How much effort they show in the final 8 matches will be very telling now.

[NewClaret]

One of the most telling parts:

“It reached the point that upon Dyche’s exit yesterday multiple sources told The Athletic that he had lost the full support of the dressing room and that fresh impetus and ideas were needed.

This was not a mutiny but a feeling among some players that they no longer wanted to run through brick walls for the manager.”

Saw that at Leeds with Mee jogging back for their third. I’d never seen that before.

[Billy Balfour]

What a pathetic response. We are Burnley FC supporters, not Dyche FC supporters. If it bothers you that much that people aren't as bothered as you that he's gone, why not hand your season ticket back in and follow Dyche with wherever he goes?

I think you should take a look at your own post before banging on about pathetic responses. Judging by the reaction to Dyche's sacking, I'd say he still had the vast majority of fans backing him. I mean, there were hardly any 'Dyche out' chanting from the stands. We have a history of letting managers know when their time is up. Are you going to tell thousands of angry fans on Thursday evening to hand their seasons tickets back? Nope, thought not.

[Swizzlestick]

Woke up this morning, after a good night's sleep. My covid-19 is getting a lot easier - though still some regular coughing. Thought of West Ham v Burnley this weekend, then remembered that Sean Dyche won't be picking the team. Onwards and upwards, new adventures ahead.

UTC

Get well soon, Paul.

[Belial]

Saw that at Leeds with Mee jogging back for their third. I’d never seen that before.

Was just going to post the same - it was the most obvious showing of players 'giving up' since Junior Stanslas pulling up rather than chasing the ball

[ClaretTony]

Matt Williams is my guess.

Not heard from Matt but I think he's still there - maybe better concentrating on someone who is occasionally on the pitch during a game.

[Murger]

I think you should take a look at your own post before banging on about pathetic responses. Judging by the reaction to Dyche's sacking, I'd say he still had the vast majority of fans backing him. I mean, there were hardly any 'Dyche out' chanting from the stands. We have a history of letting managers know when their time is up. Are you going to tell thousands of angry fans on Thursday evening to hand their seasons tickets back? Nope, thought not.

Is Wile E Coyote going to ask everybody if they're pleased he's gone, just so he can avoid them?
And you're point about anger in stands is relevant (in a way), that there isn't anything in the stands, just boredom.

[RVclaret]

Not heard from Matt but I think he's still there - maybe better concentrating on someone who is occasionally on the pitch during a game.

Has to be of the physios then

[Pearcey]

Not heard from Matt but I think he's still there - maybe better concentrating on someone who is occasionally on the pitch during a game.

Physio?

[fidelcastro]

i'm ok bud, hope you are ??

Replacing Dyche, honestly mate I don't have the foggiest idea who they should go for. Do they go short term to try and stay up or go with a longer term vision, younger guy who is happy to bring in younger players ? I'd choose the later personally but can't give you a name as I don't see any outstanding candidates. Do you have any thoughts ? (on Burnley, not in general !!)

I'm battling on, Viva, cheers!

Like you, I don't think there's a standout candidate. I guess I could live with Wilder, but that's not going to happen in short term. I'm still trying to take all this in tbh. Some of the rumours about him losing the dressing room seem wide of the mark your me, but it's the timing of this decision that is the most bizarre aspect. It will be interesting to see how it plays out, if nothing else!

BTW, I'm in Vegas next late next month, if you fancy going for a beer?

[NewClaret]

Not heard from Matt but I think he's still there - maybe better concentrating on someone who is occasionally on the pitch during a game.

Vyds???

[BurnleyFC]

Not heard from Matt but I think he's still there - maybe better concentrating on someone who is occasionally on the pitch during a game.

Vydra?

[kentonclaret]

I actually posted on last Summer's transfer thread that one of the positives of bringing in new players was to refresh the group as well as to strengthen the team in key areas. I posted that Dyche may have increasing difficulty in motivating a group of players who have been at the club for so long adopting the same tactics and playing style. Fine, when it all works and when the team is winning matches but when results are poor frustration grows.
As pointed out in today's Guardian Ten of the squad that beat Chelsea on the opening day of the 2017-18 season and took us to a seventh-placed finish are still at the club with the plan rarely changing week-to-week and season-to-season. Players such as Phil Bardsley have been kept on, rather than being replaced. Bardsley has appeared four times in two seasons in the Premier League, and not since February 2021. Dybhe has not called on him in the PL this season despite naming him on the bench on 24 occasions.
Senior players grew frustrated that areas of weakness were not addressed in recent years, leaving the squad short of depth and in need of revitalising.
Not all of the failings are down to Dyche and the owners have to accept a portion of the blame when adequate funds were not mace available. But it is easy to understand how frustration has boiled over with the same old players and same old tactics being employed even when the team was not winning. We had become too predictable and opposing teams, coaches and managers knew what to expect when they played Burnley.
Time to hit the "Refresh" button.

[fidelcastro]

Physio?

If that's true, does it mean Pace is blaming him for all the injuries?

[Hipper]

See CP's post 185 on this thread timed at 12.31pm.

Chester interprets the situation in exactly the way I do, rightly or wrongly, that under the current curcumstances ownership will necessarily revert to the original ownership of Mike G and John B. Of course matters may change in the the ensuing four months but as things stand that is a highly unlikely scenario.

as for what comes next - one scenario I have is that the previous administration will be back in control by late July, VSL will still have a sizable shareholding just not necessarily enough to be in control - the first trigger for that has already been actioned in the last 10 days or so (and no I cannot relay to you what that is), there is a sequence of other events that have to occur for it to pan out but we are past the starting post.

It comes down to a lack of money (or at least an unwillingness to spend monies that they must surely have accumulated for themselves in their careers) - for now excepting the very strange timing of this announcement, the greatest failing ALK and their friends have made is delivering on the fundamental essential of their plan which is finding additional investors - and that is likely to be down to the fact that the market believes they have overpaid in the first place. The on field struggles since takeover will have not helped to change that view

[brexit]

I think you should take a look at your own post before banging on about pathetic responses. Judging by the reaction to Dyche's sacking, I'd say he still had the vast majority of fans backing him. I mean, there were hardly any 'Dyche out' chanting from the stands. We have a history of letting managers know when their time is up. Are you going to tell thousands of angry fans on Thursday evening to hand their seasons tickets back? Nope, thought not.

The opposite actually most of the fans who don't post on this board are looking forward to a new approach and a chance to stay up.
This board represents a a very small group of opinionated fans who hold diverse and extreme views that don't reflect the opinions of the majority of burnley fans.
As a footnote the feeling in the corporate boxes is one of relief that we may have football worth watching - it has been embarrassing recently trying to entertain clients with hoofball. This was a factor in Pace's decision.

[Spijed]

Saw that at Leeds with Mee jogging back for their third. I’d never seen that before.

But the effort to win the Everton game suggests the players hadn't downed tools entirely.

[taio]

The opposite actually most of the fans who don't post on this board are looking forward to a new approach and a chance to stay up.
This board represents a a very small group of opinionated fans who hold diverse and extreme views that don't reflect the opinions of the majority of burnley fans.
As a footnote the feeling in the corporate boxes is one of relief that we may have football worth watching - it has been embarrassing recently trying to entertain clients with hoofball. This was a factor in Pace's decision.

How do you know the majority of Burnley fans wanted it? That seems so far wide of the mark from what I see.

[NewClaret]

But the effort to win the Everton game suggests the players hadn't downed tools entirely.

Entirely agree.

Not reading anything in to this media post-mortem whatsoever. When an influential person leaves a post there will, sure as night follows day, be some folk disappointed and others ready to stick the knife in.

But I think as a general position, effort levels have been off what they were in previous seasons. Some games more than others.

[fidelcastro]

The opposite actually most of the fans who don't post on this board are looking forward to a new approach and a chance to stay up.
This board represents a a very small group of opinionated fans who hold diverse and extreme views that don't reflect the opinions of the majority of burnley fans.
As a footnote the feeling in the corporate boxes is one of relief that we may have football worth watching - it has been embarrassing recently trying to entertain clients with hoofball. This was a factor in Pace's decision.

Never mind. They have their prawn sandwiches to soften the blow.

[ClaretTony]

Physio?

Believe so - told Ally Beattie went yesterday morning and I've just read today that they also got rid of Martin Hodge (senior scout) recently. Ally, came in during the summer of 2010 to replace Andy Mitchell who had joined the biblical exodus to Bolton. They didn't report Hodge and they probably won't report Beattie. That's been the case with a lot of the departures in the last fifteen months.

[NewClaret]

Not heard from Matt but I think he's still there - maybe better concentrating on someone who is occasionally on the pitch during a game.

This reassures me in some respects. If you’re taking out that level, it’s to replace them with a new managers team, I’d say. Which would suggest to me that they have a plan.

Are you hearing anything on replacement Tony?

[RammyClaret61]

Believe so - told Ally Beattie went yesterday morning and I've just read today that they also got rid of Martin Hodge (senior scout) recently. Ally, came in during the summer of 2010 to replace Andy Mitchell who had joined the biblical exodus to Bolton. They didn't report Hodge and they probably won't report Beattie. That's been the case with a lot of the departures in the last fifteen months.

Doesn’t feel like our club anymore.

[ClaretTony]

This reassures me in some respects. If you’re taking out that level, it’s to replace them with a new managers team, I’d say. Which would suggest to me that they have a plan.

Are you hearing anything on replacement Tony?

Nothing at all

[ClaretTony]

Doesn’t feel like our club anymore.

I wouldn't disagree with that

[bumba]

But the effort to win the Everton game suggests the players hadn't downed tools entirely.

Effort!?!?
Everton handed it us on a plate and we still nearly messed it up!!
The result and atmosphere glossed over yet another poor performance.
Where was the effort against Brentford, Newcastle, Leeds, Huddersfield, Norwich, Watford etc etc etc could go on and on.
I've seen maybe 3/4 good performances since last season

[Paul Waine]

Believe so - told Ally Beattie went yesterday morning and I've just read today that they also got rid of Martin Hodge (senior scout) recently. Ally, came in during the summer of 2010 to replace Andy Mitchell who had joined the biblical exodus to Bolton. They didn't report Hodge and they probably won't report Beattie. That's been the case with a lot of the departures in the last fifteen months.

Do these staff want the club to announce their departure? I'd choose "no publicity" especially if there's a suggestion I'd been "let go" for one reason or another.

[fidelcastro]

Nothing at all

Sounds like the owners know what they're doing.

[DCWat]

Nothing at all

Where’s that bloke that sends out the emails when we are desperate?

[bumba]

Doesn’t feel like our club anymore.

Still feels like Burnley to me, feels like we've a guy in charge wanting to take the club to the next level.
Posters on here who was once well in the loop maybe out of it now so go against the guys in charge because they think they have a god given right to be involved.

[ClaretTony]

Still feels like Burnley to me, feels like we've a guy in charge wanting to take the club to the next level.

I love that one - what is the next level? It no longer has any money remember.

[taio]

Still feels like Burnley to me, feels like we've a guy in charge wanting to take the club to the next level.
Posters on here who was once well in the loop maybe out of it now so go against the guys in charge because they think they have a god given right to be involved.

I've never been 'in the loop' but I have serious concerns about how Pace is operating the club and I fear it won't end at all well.

[Colburn_Claret]

The opposite actually most of the fans who don't post on this board are looking forward to a new approach and a chance to stay up.
This board represents a a very small group of opinionated fans who hold diverse and extreme views that don't reflect the opinions of the majority of burnley fans.
As a footnote the feeling in the corporate boxes is one of relief that we may have football worth watching - it has been embarrassing recently trying to entertain clients with hoofball. This was a factor in Pace's decision.

Do you read your own posts, what makes you an expert on what all the Burnley fans who don't post on this board think.

It hurts the way SDs tenure has come to an end, which is probably as much cause for the disappointment as his sacking itself. If anyone had asked me 4 months ago, should Burnley sack Dyche, I'd have laughed at them. The last 8 games, especially Brentford and Norwich, show that things have moved on a lot, for the worse. Whether you blame SD or the players, something had to change. I'm surprised, sad, but not shocked. I thought SD was making too many mistakes that left us on the back foot, wrong team, definitely wrong tactics , it couldn't go on.

That said I can empathise completely with those who are upset and angry, a part of me feels it too.

[bumba]

I love that one - what is the next level? It no longer has any money remember.

Which is why we need taking to the next level to generate more money, we don't increase revenue playing unattractive football that the fans can't even bear to watch.
If a new manager gets the results to keep us up then Pace has pulled off a masterstroke and we can rebuild to keep that revenue coming in.
The alternative was to sit back do nothing let Dyche take us down carry on playing unattractive football and be really in the sh*t.
Pace has given us a chance and if rumours are true it's what the players wanted

[taio]

Which is why we need taking to the next level to generate more money, we don't increase revenue playing unattractive football that the fans can't even bear to watch.
If a new manager gets the results to keep us up then Pace has pulled off a masterstroke and we can rebuild to keep that revenue coming in.
The alternative was to sit back do nothing let Dyche take us down carry on playing unattractive football and be really in the sh*t.
Pace has given us a chance and if rumours are true it's what the players wanted

Pace hasn't demonstrated anything to suggest he can take us to the level. In fact the opposite is true. I wish he'd never arrived in the first place.

[Blakesboots]

Believe so - told Ally Beattie went yesterday morning and I've just read today that they also got rid of Martin Hodge (senior scout) recently. Ally, came in during the summer of 2010 to replace Andy Mitchell who had joined the biblical exodus to Bolton. They didn't report Hodge and they probably won't report Beattie. That's been the case with a lot of the departures in the last fifteen months.

It’s a poor do when you can get more information from following the youth team players on Instagram than you can officially from the club.

The youth team are good at supporting one another when they’re at the club and when they move on from the club on social media. I’d give a released junior control of the clubs media channels!

[ClaretTony]

Which is why we need taking to the next level to generate more money, we don't increase revenue playing unattractive football that the fans can't even bear to watch.
If a new manager gets the results to keep us up then Pace has pulled off a masterstroke and we can rebuild to keep that revenue coming in.
The alternative was to sit back do nothing let Dyche take us down carry on playing unattractive football and be really in the sh*t.
Pace has given us a chance and if rumours are true it's what the players wanted

What revenues will keep coming in? They've been here over a year now and they can't get investment which was their plan. The club is in a shocking financial state and it's not due to what's being played on the pitch I can assure you. Money gone from the club to help them move in along with a huge loan taken which needs to be funded. Pace has already pulled off one masterstroke, buying a Premier League football club without hardly having to dip into his pockets. And then he gave the manager and his assistant four year contracts just over six months ago, another masterstroke that we are now going to be paying heavily for.

[ksrclaret]

Of course Pace will take us to another level.

It won't be one in which we aspire to be at, though.

I just hope to God the rumours of the previous shareholders (as much as I'm disgusted at their decision to sell to these chancers in the first place) taking back control are true, because we're heading into the land of Derby and Pompey with this lot.

[Hedontplayforyou]

If this is the case about no investment and the way they “bought” the club, then how on Earth has this been allowed to happen?

Also, what exactly are the terms for Garlick and co to re-take control of the club? Is this even true?

[bumba]

What revenues will keep coming in? They've been here over a year now and they can't get investment which was their plan. The club is in a shocking financial state and it's not due to what's being played on the pitch I can assure you. Money gone from the club to help them move in along with a huge loan taken which needs to be funded. Pace has already pulled off one masterstroke, buying a Premier League football club without hardly having to dip into his pockets. And then he gave the manager and his assistant four year contracts just over six months ago, another masterstroke that we are now going to be paying heavily for.

Would you pump money in to be associated with us with our brand of football?
We now might see revenue increase if the football becomes watchable

[daveisaclaret]

It's interesting that the people who think that sacking Dyche was a good idea effectively come across as fantasists when talking about the future, isn't it?

[bumba]

Pace hasn't demonstrated anything to suggest he can take us to the level. In fact the opposite is true. I wish he'd never arrived in the first place.

What has he done to say it's the opposite?

He's improved the stadium and made big calls which needed to be made and brought in a better calibre of players but Dyche couldn't manage them right

[Zlatan]

What has he done to say it's the opposite?

He's improved the stadium and made big calls which needed to be made and brought in a better calibre of players but Dyche couldn't manage them right

Improved the stadium? All I see is the same place with glitter on.

[taio]

Would you pump money in to be associated with us with our brand of football?
We now might see revenue increase if the football becomes watchable

He hasn't got money to pump in. That's the problem.

[bumba]

Hospitality sections have improved to a much higher standard, it's impressive and if the football improves we might see an increase in people coming through the door

[taio]

What has he done to say it's the opposite?

He's improved the stadium and made big calls which needed to be made and brought in a better calibre of players but Dyche couldn't manage them right

The only thing he's done of note is to take huge financial risks against the club because he hasn't a pot to **** in.

[fidelcastro]

What has he done to say it's the opposite?

He's improved the stadium and made big calls which needed to be made and brought in a better calibre of players but Dyche couldn't manage them right

Improved the stadium how? By creating confusing signage and health and safety hazards?

[Chester Perry]

That Jack Gaughan report in the Daily MAil yesterday made me think of this - from Offthepitch.com

Amazing European qualification for Burnley last year - but financially it was bad business
8 May 2019 6:39 AM

• Burnley paid out £20 million in bonuses following Europa League qualification.

• Europa League revenues remarkable lower than the bonus expenses.

• Also, a dip in form - maybe due to a hard summer with qualification matches in Europa League - cost the club in the league, meaning decreasing league merit payment.

ALEX MILLER contact@offthepitch.com

Burnley’s fairy-tale qualification for the Europa League cost the club £20 million.

The club’s wage bill grew by £20 million in 2017/18 due to last season’s seventh-place finish and qualification for the Europa League.

According to the club’s latest accounts:
“Wages grew from £61 million to £81 million as a result of our determination to be more competitive in the market, coupled with increased bonuses for both players and coaching staff due to our 7th place finish.”

Failed to reach group stage
Sources close to the club have revealed to offthepitch.com that the wage bill for this season (2018/19) will return towards the wage bill of 2016/17.

Europa League qualification may have indirectly cost the club a further £15.5 million.

They failed to reach the group stage after being knocked out by Olympiakos in the play-off round elimination.

Participation in this season’s tournament appeared to hamper Burnley’s early season form.

The club played in three rounds of the competition against Aberdeen, Istanbul Basaksehir and Olympiakos. They failed to reach the group stage after being knocked out by Olympiakos in the play-off round elimination.

Burnley’s first Europa League game took place on 26th July and the club had already played six Europa League matches before the end of August.

A fall of eight places
In the Premier League, The Clarets picked up just one point from their first four games, several of which were played within days of their European matches.

Sean Dyche’s team went on to pick up just 12 points from their first 19 games, before turning their season around in the second half of the campaign.

The club’s points tally since the turn of 2019 has been in line with last season.

Burnley are likely to finish 15th in the league this season - a fall of eight places compared to 2017/18, a fall that will see a substantial reduction in their Premier League merit payment.

Last season, Burnley earned £121.5 million in Premier League payments.

Boosting matchday revenues
Within that amount, their merit payment for finishing seventh came to £27 million. By comparison, Brighton earned £11.5 million for finishing 15th.

Similar Premier League payments for 2018/19 would see Burnley receive a £15.5 million dip in their merit payment.

Qualifying for the Europa League gave the club three additional home games this season, which boosted matchday revenues.

A look at Burnley’s matchday income from the latest club accounts offers a strong indication of the likely revenues the club will have earned during their Europa League adventure.

According to official UEFA figures, Burnley will have earned €260,000 (£223,000) for appearing in the second qualifying round, €280,000 (£241,000) for appearing in the third qualifying round, and €300,000 (£258,000) for appearing in the play-off round elimination.

Matchday income in 2017/18 came to £8.2 million from 22 home league and cup games - an average income of £373,000 per game.

Evident in next years accounts
With ticket prices frozen this season, the three home games in the Europa League may have earned the club £1.1 million from ticket sales and catering.

The club will also collect prize money from UEFA.

According to official UEFA figures, Burnley will have earned €260,000 (£223,000) for appearing in the second qualifying round, €280,000 (£241,000) for appearing in the third qualifying round, and €300,000 (£258,000) for appearing in the play-off round elimination.

The three rounds will have generated a combined total of €840,000 (£722,000) in prize money for the club’s coffers, as well as increases from sponsors relating to European qualification. Sponsorship revenue increases will be evident in the club’s next set of accounts.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and this is how OffthePitch.com reported the next set of accounts

Financial Report: Burnley's profitability falls on lack of player sales
7 April 2020 1:43 PM

• Having recorded a large profit the season before, Burnley last season didn't manage to sell big, meaning their pre-tax profit fell by more than £40 million.

• The club's wage bill rose by £5 million as they increased their number of employees by a third.

• Burnley expect to lose £50 million if the season doesn't finish but have said they will not be furloughing staff.

EMIL GJERDING NIELSON nielson@offthepitch.com

Burnley's pre-tax profit fell by £40.1 million to £5 million last season due to no significant player sales, but the club managed to keep their wage bill among the lowest in the league as they competed in their fourth consecutive season in the Premier League.

Having secured a surprising seventh place in 2017/18, last season saw Burnley compete in Europe for the first time in over 50 years, though it was a brief spell which didn't see them qualify for the group stages of the Europa League. Domestically, after a poor start, Burnley ended in 15th place – but that was enough to secure another season in the English top flight and crucial prize money.

Owing to that drop in placements, Burnley's turnover fell by £2 million to £137 million, despite managing to increase their commercial income by £4.6 million to £16.5 million.

Hiring explosion
During the season, Burnley increased their number of employees by a third – from 184 to 255 – likely to help ensure future participation in the Premier League does not come under threat.

"We are confident that this increased investment will slowly but surely develop our ability to identify and sign players that can improve our first team squad, whilst at the same time helping to maintain our financial sustainability as a club for generations to come," said Burnley's chairman, Mike Garlick, in the report.

In accordance with the rise in number of employees, Burnley's wage bill rose by £5 million to £86.6 million. That is well below the Premier League average of £140.8 million in the 2017/18 season and equates to a wages-to-turnover ratio of 63.2.

Amortisation rose from £27.8 million to £37.5 million and the club made a profit on player sales of £7 million. That was significantly lower than the season before, in which they sold Andre Gray and Michael Keane and made a profit of £30.7 million.

Potential £50 million shortfall
Burnley now, as most others do, face a significant challenge as the coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt major industries.

The club last week said they could lose up to £50 million if the season is cancelled now - £5 million from missing matchday income and the remaining from missing broadcasting income.

"It’s now not just about Burnley or any other individual club anymore, it’s about the whole football ecosystem from the Premier League downwards and all the other businesses and communities that feed from that ecosystem," Garlick said at the time.

Some clubs have opted to furlough staff in order to make use of the government's coronavirus job retention scheme, but the chairman told the Daily Mail Burnley won't be pursuing such measures. He also said the club would not impose wage reductions on players or other staff without their accept.

 

[fidelcastro]

Hospitality sections have improved to a much higher standard, it's impressive and if the football improves we might see an increase in people coming through the door

Oh good. Have they improved the prawn sandwiches too for all the ponces in there?