Pace Programme Notes

[RVclaret]

Interesting - makes out like it was a results based decision, which I find quite odd given the timing and there's no one else lined up.

Having said that, it's hardly likely he comes out in the programme notes and tells us what 'may' have happened behind the scenes to cause a sudden decision.

"Last Friday we announced the news that we had parted company with manager Sean Dyche, assistant manager Ian Woan, first-team coach Steve Stone and goalkeeping coach Billy Mercer.

I wanted to take this column to firstly explain just how difficult a decision this was, but as one that fell on me to make I wanted to expand on it directly to you. Firstly, Sean and his coaching staff are all fantastic men and true professionals, respected by myself and throughout the Club and community and I honestly wish them all the very best for the future. The Club enjoyed great moments under Sean’s tenure and those achievements will always be fondly remembered by everyone associated with Burnley FC. What Sean has done for the Club over the past decade means that he will rightly be regarded as a true Clarets legend and should be held in the highest esteem.

However, there can be no denying that it has been a difficult season on the pitch and results and performances have been disappointing. Therefore, while the decision to part ways was not one that was taken lightly at all; with four league wins this season, we felt that a change was necessary to offer us the best chance to try and secure our Premier League survival.

It is undeniable the affection that Sean and his team are held in by supporters and I recognise and understand this. However, it is now our job to identify a new manager and coaching team that can come in to build on his legacy and take the Club forward into a new era.

We are in the process of recruiting and will provide supporters with any updates as soon as we have them."

[Ric_C]

Something still doesn't quite add up for me

[Guller Bull]

Something still doesn't quite add up for me

I suspect (I don't know) but I think that is how the vast majority feel.

I was a Dyche fan but like others was becoming weary with the style. I love the guy for all that he achieved with us, on and off the pitch and wish him the very best but I also feel sure there is far more to the decision to part ways at a very odd time. Also the subsequent silence and lack of anything of substance so far makes me wonder.

Anyways onwards and wherever that takes us.

[Cirrus_Minor]

I still don’t get why they included Billy Mercer, talk about killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

[Billyblah]

Fully agree Buller. "Secure our Premier League survival" ? Tonight we go into another crucial league game with nothing of substance in place. Alan Pace has not thought this through.

[Milltown1882]

Any other manager would’ve been fired with the results he’s had over the last 18+ months. I agree with the decision but think not having a backup in place ready to go was very naive. Hopefully it all works out as people had already resigned themselves to relegation with Dyche in place. Back the boys.

[RVclaret]

Any other manager would’ve been fired with the results he’s had over the last 18+ months. I agree with the decision but think not having a backup in place ready to go was very naive. Hopefully it all works out as people had already resigned themselves to relegation with Dyche in place. Back the boys.

Agree with this. It’s similar in some ways to Bielsa leaving Leeds. He was a complete legend to their fans, finally got them back in the PL, finished 9th last season, multiple England internationals etc, played attacking football - then sacked. As disappointing as it was for their fans, at least the board had an immediate replacement ready and that planning has been rewarded with not just getting the right guy, but also in immediate results.

[Newcastleclaret93]

Fully agree Buller. "Secure our Premier League survival" ? Tonight we go into another crucial league game with nothing of substance in place. Alan Pace has not thought this through.

Apparently he has a plan

[chadders]

Ya snooze ya lose. Was hoping for a plan.

Time will tell

[Rowls]

There might or might not be anything additional in it.

But we might never know if that's the case, and we can choose to take it on face value or not. It won't make much difference.

[Stu]

Apparently he has a plan

Well I wish he would share it then .

[MACCA]

Fair enough, I don't think anyone can argue with the reasons for the sacking, however the timing is questionable.

If it had been Monday after the dismal display and Norwich, there was now a man in charge, I don't think could question it.

Hopefully they're doing a thorough and proper search to get the right man for the job, and if that's the case I'd rather they didn't rush.

Who knows, our situation could look a whole lot rosier come 21:45 tonight, and we might well have a bit more appeal to the new man.

[Paul Waine]

1) Alan Pace had to say something in tonight's programme notes;
2) It's no coincidence that Sean Dyche and LMA released their statement this morning;
3) Club in relegation battle - and looking like they are more likely to lose it - part company with manager;

4) So, possibly, Alan Pace and Sean Dyche has a conversation and SD said there was nothing more he could do... in one form of words or another;
5) So, AP still wants to fight to avoid relegation - as I imagine several of the players do, because they've got bonuses and want to avoid relegation pay cut next season - so, SD departs.

UTC

[Vegas Claret]

Usual American BS

ridiculous comment

[NRC]

Usual American BS

would it not be BS if it had come from an English Chairman?

[Newcastleclaret93]

1) Alan Pace had to say something in tonight's programme notes;
2) It's no coincidence that Sean Dyche and LMA released their statement this morning;
3) Club in relegation battle - and looking like they are more likely to lose it - part company with manager;

4) So, possibly, Alan Pace and Sean Dyche has a conversation and SD said there was nothing more he could do... in one form of words or another;
5) So, AP still wants to fight to avoid relegation - as I imagine several of the players do, because they've got bonuses and want to avoid relegation pay cut next season - so, SD departs.

UTC

Paul why don’t you just leave it as what the owners have said.

Why mention points four and five when you clearly have no idea

[Leisure]

Any other manager would’ve been fired with the results he’s had over the last 18+ months. I agree with the decision but think not having a backup in place ready to go was very naive. Hopefully it all works out as people had already resigned themselves to relegation with Dyche in place. Back the boys.

Speak for yourself, as I certainly haven't resigned myself to relegation! 4 points behind Everton and 21 points to play for!

[Paul Waine]

Paul why don’t you just leave it as what the owners have said.

Why mention points four and five when you clearly have no idea

Because some fans are asking not just "what went wrong," but also "who is to blame." I'm saying there's been a parting of the ways because AP no longer thought SD gave us the best chance to stay up.

UTC

[Newcastleclaret93]

Because some fans are asking not just "what went wrong," but also "who is to blame." I'm saying there's been a parting of the ways because AP no longer thought SD gave us the best chance to stay up.

UTC

Your also implying that Dyche had given up on staying in the premier league. Which none of us know.

[Devils_Advocate]

Paul why don’t you just leave it as what the owners have said.

Why mention points four and five when you clearly have no idea

1) Alan Pace had to say something in tonight's programme notes;
2) It's no coincidence that Sean Dyche and LMA released their statement this morning;
3) Club in relegation battle - and looking like they are more likely to lose it - part company with manager;

4) So, possibly, Ian Woan knobbed Mr Paces niece and got her pregnant after a double date with Dyche and Ulrika Johnson
5) So, AP wants Ian Woan to do the decent thing and marry his niece - as I imagine several of the family do, because they love a big wedding and p*ss up - but Sean is having none of it so, SD departs.

UTC

[IanMcL]

The results were poor before the new contract. Doesn't make any sense.

I would say that the ALK board, or whoever owns them, just said, get rid, as a shareholder, business decision. Nothing to do with football.
Shits.

[Jakubclaret]

Because some fans are asking not just "what went wrong," but also "who is to blame." I'm saying there's been a parting of the ways because AP no longer thought SD gave us the best chance to stay up.

UTC

The general consensus appeared to be see it out until the season had finished & then assess it depending what league we start next season in, AP caved in to the aftermath post Norwich without even properly thinking.

[FCBurnley]

would it not be BS if it had come from an English Chairman?

It would be BS from anybody

[jedi_master]

Wait, hold on - you’re telling me it appears that there WASN’T some crazy reason for the on a whim sacking at an insane time other than Pace getting scared of what relegation means? With no succession plan in place?!

Well, I, for one, am shocked. Shocked to my core!

[Paul Waine]

The general consensus appeared to be see it out until the season had finished & then assess it depending what league we start next season in, AP caved in to the aftermath post Norwich without even properly thinking.

Leaving things to see how they worked out over the last 8 games is not a great plan. 8 games is (a little over) 20% of the season. Yes, a big turn around in performances required to get another 12-14, or more, points on the table. But, from the West Ham game it appears the players are still "up for it."

It may be that "general consensus" is content for Championship football. I'm glad that the club still wants to give it a go and want to remain Premier League.

UTC

[jedi_master]

Leaving things to see how they worked out over the last 8 games is not a great plan. 8 games is (a little over) 20% of the season. Yes, a big turn around in performances required to get another 12-14, or more, points on the table. But, from the West Ham game it appears the players are still "up for it."

It may be that "general consensus" is content for Championship football. I'm glad that the club still wants to give it a go and want to remain Premier League.

UTC

All fair Paul - why do this now and not after Brentford to give a fair chance? Why not get a manager in place to go in as soon as the sacking has happened (we all know this is what happens in practise, it’s rare - mid-season anyway - for there to be a recruitment process commencing AFTER the sacking)?

I won’t criticise those who were fed up with performances and the results this season had been dire (although, I’d have given Dyche the chance to have a crack at the Championship again if he had the appetite for it, due to his record at that level) but the timing and seeming lack of succession plan is very poor.

[clarethomer]

ridiculous comment

At least this poster kept their religion out of the comment.

It's a carefully crafted piece of work that aims to try and front up to the fact that there hasn't been anything else going on other than he had to make a decision based on performances.

Whether it's the right one or not - we will never know and wherever we end up at the end of the season, there will still be a difference of opinion on the decision that has been made and whether this was a catalyst for whatever happens. Stay up - we would(nt) have done it with SD depending on your view of the situation. Same for if we go down. That's football and the benefit of having different views I guess.

The decision cannot have been made lightly but I think it has been made quickly and this is a subtle but important difference.

I think that explains the reason it wasn't done quickly after Norwich. The thinking time was taken and a decision made and executed. Knowing SD, he probably has more respect for Pace for doing that in say comparison stringing him along whilst they went behind his back and lined another manager up and getting things agreed and finding out through the press. He has potted him respectfully and with dignity and whoever comes in - does so knowing that SD was firmly out of the door before their appointment.

The only thing Pace hasn't done is given the fans the opportunity to say their goodbyes at the ground following a game. It would have been easier to do once we knew our fate and he could let him see the season out if that was the decision still. Not so easy if your decision is to gamble on getting a bounce to lift you out of the relegation zone with 8 games to go.

I really hope there is something that can be done to make this right (as much as it can be put right at this stage). I suspect it will be as difficult to do then though if we have someone new in at this point though.

[Paul Waine]

All fair Paul - why do this now and not after Brentford to give a fair chance? Why not get a manager in place to go in as soon as the sacking has happened (we all know this is what happens in practise, it’s rare - mid-season anyway - for there to be a recruitment process commencing AFTER the sacking)?

I won’t criticise those who were fed up with performances and the results this season had been dire (although, I’d have given Dyche the chance to have a crack at the Championship again if he had the appetite for it, due to his record at that level) but the timing and seeming lack of succession plan is very poor.

Hi jedi, the only way I can square that is that AP believed in SD being the man, right up until Thursday afternoon following with Norwich defeat. Their conversation(s) may have happened a little sooner, but beating Everton gave everyone a lift etc etc. Quite possibly SD believed he was the man, also, right up until that Thursday. However, I've watched back his post-match comments after Norwich and, ok, with all the benefit of hindsight, I didn't think SD was quite as "we go again" as he usually is.

Yes, it leaves the club with unplanned filling of the manager's role, but still better to go with that than someone who you/they no longer believes they can get the results.

UTC

[Jakubclaret]

Leaving things to see how they worked out over the last 8 games is not a great plan. 8 games is (a little over) 20% of the season. Yes, a big turn around in performances required to get another 12-14, or more, points on the table. But, from the West Ham game it appears the players are still "up for it."

It may be that "general consensus" is content for Championship football. I'm glad that the club still wants to give it a go and want to remain Premier League.

UTC

Give it a go how exactly? I can’t see anybody better placed than the man we’ve just let go to do that, apart from BFS is he coming?

[Belgianclaret]

Truth is the club hasn't been proactive after our successful season ending in the European campaign.

Instead of investing in a few quality players then, the club slowly went downhill under Garlick's (and SD's) tenure.

Don't know how much input SD had in transfers, but transfer policy was insufficient to say the least. SD kept the leaking ship afloat longer than I imagined, but the writing was on the wall.

ALK also left it too late to bring in reinforcements. I fear that their recent reaction has come too late to save us this season, hopefully Pace will convince us of his ambitions next season...

[spt_claret]

Wait, hold on - you’re telling me it appears that there WASN’T some crazy reason for the on a whim sacking at an insane time other than Pace getting scared of what relegation means? With no succession plan in place?!

Well, I, for one, am shocked. Shocked to my core!

My understanding is that Sean had some Friday morning bevvies with Alan (who was on coffee, of course) and as a prank dared him to sack him.
Never one to be outdone for banter, Alan did it, the absolute madman.

[Lancasterclaret]

I hope ALK know what they are doing

We will know by Sunday afternoon I feel

[NewClaret]

Give it a go how exactly? I can’t see anybody better placed than the man we’ve just let go to do that, apart from BFS is he coming?

4 wins over a season suggests he might not have been though.

Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance.

I’m not saying I’d have made it, but I can certainly understand why Pace felt he must.

[Newcastleclaret93]

4 wins over a season suggests he might not have been though.

Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance.

I’m not saying I’d have made it, but I can certainly understand why Pace felt he must.

Someone was arguing the point that they are not inexperienced the other day.

This all just shows the level of inexperience, I don’t think anyone is arguing that the sacking itself was totally crazy. The timing is crazy given how few games are left and the lack of reinforcements lined up. But ultimately it comes down to the January window, ALK seriously failed and unlike the previous owners they have blamed Dyche for there failures and sacked him as a result.

I am still awaiting the extra funds that were promised when ALK came into the club. 5m net spend over 3 windows is actually less than Garlick.

[BurnleyFC]

Sorry, Alan, but all that is at odds with what you’ve told us previously - “relegation wouldn’t be the end of the world”, “I want Sean to be here for the next ten years” etc. etc.

The timing is completely off. It is bull ****.

[ClaretLoup]

It might have been a good idea to pot Dyche with eight games to if they had a replacement lined up but patently they haven’t. Assuming they find someone daft enough to take the job on short term they will have five games left, as the way it’s going I can’t see there being an appointment before the Wolves game.

The new bloke (or lady!) will need a couple of games to weigh things up then make some changes assuming we haven’t picked up 15 points. So then there’s three games left.

If they were going to pot Dyche it should have been after the Newcastle game when we lost to the worst team in the league by some distance. They hadn’t kept a clean sheet or won a game until Burnley rocked up and then they didn’t really have to do anything to win it.

That would have been leadership.

[NewClaret]

But ultimately it comes down to the January window, ALK seriously failed and unlike the previous owners they have blamed Dyche for there failures and sacked him as a result.

I am still awaiting the extra funds that were promised when ALK came into the club. 5m net spend over 3 windows is actually less than Garlick.

No arguments from me there!!!!

[CharlieinNewMexico]

Usual American BS

Absolutely no need

[CharlieinNewMexico]

Sorry, Alan, but all that is at odds with what you’ve told us previously - “relegation wouldn’t be the end of the world”, “I want Sean to be here for the next ten years” etc. etc.

The timing is completely off. It is bull ****.

Maybe there was a critical event that meant it had to be done right then. A termination offence.

You don’t know, I don’t know. But it would be one explanation for the timing.

If I go into work tomorrow and do something ridiculous after my boss praised me all last year, do you think I’d survive? No. Would he be to blame for not foreseeing it? No.

[boatshed bill]

would it not be BS if it had come from an English Chairman?

No, because it would then not be typically American.

You could have just posted "Typical Bullshit" and many would have agreed with you

[Blakesboots]

Usual American BS

How is it ‘American’? Don’t think that’s fair!

[Blakesboots]

1) Alan Pace had to say something in tonight's programme notes;
2) It's no coincidence that Sean Dyche and LMA released their statement this morning;
3) Club in relegation battle - and looking like they are more likely to lose it - part company with manager;

4) So, possibly, Ian Woan knobbed Mr Paces niece and got her pregnant after a double date with Dyche and Ulrika Johnson
5) So, AP wants Ian Woan to do the decent thing and marry his niece - as I imagine several of the family do, because they love a big wedding and p*ss up - but Sean is having none of it so, SD departs.

UTC

Doubt there would be a **** up…

[Blakesboots]

Someone was arguing the point that they are not inexperienced the other day.

This all just shows the level of inexperience, I don’t think anyone is arguing that the sacking itself was totally crazy. The timing is crazy given how few games are left and the lack of reinforcements lined up. But ultimately it comes down to the January window, ALK seriously failed and unlike the previous owners they have blamed Dyche for there failures and sacked him as a result.

I am still awaiting the extra funds that were promised when ALK came into the club. 5m net spend over 3 windows is actually less than Garlick.

You pick any drum to bang if it gives you a point to argue.

In a post above you call out a poster for posting something they couldn’t know. Then I’m this post you say ALK have blamed Dyche for the recruitment in January and sacked as a course. This is something you can’t know.

You’re like Farage in that way, pick which ever way the wind blows and do as I say not as I do.

Also; it’s their, not there.

You or I know nothing about how many approaches were made, how much money was available and how many failed bids we made. It’s a difficult market to work in and made harder by the league position. Would you rather they made a token signing, to prove intent?

[elwaclaret]

Not sure what Alan Pace was likely to say that would appease fans to be honest. He’s hardly going to air Burnley’s dirty washing in the programme, is he?

I take more notice of the fact Westwood made a point of thanking the Chairman personally for is actions.

Actions speak louder than words
.
Maximum points to then end of the season, peoples opinions will change.

[Blakesboots]

Sorry, Alan, but all that is at odds with what you’ve told us previously - “relegation wouldn’t be the end of the world”, “I want Sean to be here for the next ten years” etc. etc.

The timing is completely off. It is bull ****.

Does that not indicate that there might have been a unexpected issue that forced the hand of a party to act as they have?

These aren’t irrational business men prone to emotional outbursts. Even if that were true, there’s enough about the board to be able to voice reason and calmness of that was an option.

[CharlieinNewMexico]

How is it ‘American’? Don’t think that’s fair!

Exactly. Poster Elizabeth did it on the “owners don’t get the club” thread.

Absolutely no need to keep including American in anything.

Just jumped up jingoism and bigotry as if British people would fair any better.

[Newcastleclaret93]

You pick any drum to bang if it gives you a point to argue.

In a post above you call out a poster for posting something they couldn’t know. Then I’m this post you say ALK have blamed Dyche for the recruitment in January and sacked as a course. This is something you can’t know.

You’re like Farage in that way, pick which ever way the wind blows and do as I say not as I do.

Also; it’s their, not there.

You or I know nothing about how many approaches were made, how much money was available and how many failed bids we made. It’s a difficult market to work in and made harder by the league position. Would you rather they made a token signing, to prove intent?

I think you have misread. I am saying that Alk failed in January not Dyche. I stating that the poor results due to continued poor recruitment has resulted in Dyche losing his job.

No I would expect them to do there jobs and strengthen the team

[elwaclaret]

Exactly. Poster Elizabeth did it on the “owners don’t get the club” thread.

Absolutely no need to keep including American in anything.

Just jumped up jingoism and bigotry as if British people would fair any better.

I don’t think many posters are thinking anything but ‘nob’. It’s there for all to judge.

[Blakesboots]

I think you have misread. I am saying that Alk failed in January not Dyche. I stating that the poor results due to continued poor recruitment has resulted in Dyche losing his job.

No I would expect them to do there jobs and strengthen the team

Okay

[CharlieinNewMexico]

I think you have misread. I am saying that Alk failed in January not Dyche. I stating that the poor results due to continued poor recruitment has resulted in Dyche losing his job.

No I would expect them to do there jobs and strengthen the team

Do you not think it’s possible that Dyche was responsible for the poor recruitment by a) knocking back anyone suggested that wasn’t a seasoned veteran b) creating a style and culture where players were literally turning us down before being asked?