Clarets waiting for the dust to settle in these uncertain times, says boss Sean Dyche

Burnley boss Sean Dyche wouldn’t want to second-guess what kind of knock on effect the Covid-19 pandemic will have on future business transactions.
Jeff Hendrick of Burnley has a shot blocked by Adam Smith of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and AFC Bournemouth at Turf Moor on February 22, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)Jeff Hendrick of Burnley has a shot blocked by Adam Smith of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and AFC Bournemouth at Turf Moor on February 22, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Jeff Hendrick of Burnley has a shot blocked by Adam Smith of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and AFC Bournemouth at Turf Moor on February 22, 2020 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

But the Turf Moor chief knows that the club will be in a much better position to assess their options if the season was to reach a conclusion.

Dyche was referring to activity in the transfer market, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, as well as in-house contractual situations.

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February’s Premier League Manager of the Month understands the disruption will have financial implications whatever the outcome, but the reality is that they’re in no place to tie up any lose ends as things stand.

Ashley Westwood and Robbie Brady recently triggered extensions in their contracts, though deals for others in the squad are yet to be resolved.

The futures of Republic of Ireland international Jeff Hendrick, goalkeeper Joe Hart, full back Phil Bardsley, winger Aaron Lennon and Adam Legzdins are still in limbo.

Top flight clubs could face huge losses from TV broadcasters if the season isn’t played out with the majority of sides still having nine games to complete.

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And that’s the cause of such uncertainty. “It is helpful if the Premier League does finish,” said Dyche. “I have no clue what the financial angle is but it is fair to say it will benefit the clubs if we can finish the season.

“There may be some adjustments in the finance due to the strange times that this has brought upon us but, generally thinking, if we can finish the season then it is a positive because the finance will continue to come in. That is one simple part of it.

“And that it is how early we can affect situations - when everyone grows in confidence to make sure the season is delivered.

“That way the money is more guaranteed to come in, which means you can start planning on contracts and longer term situations.

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“It is waiting for the green light to confirm the season will go ahead and complete. If that happens then hopefully I can get the chairman understanding how important some of these situations are.”

With nothing set in stone regarding a date for the Premier League’s return, it remains impossible for Dyche to plan too far ahead.

The fabric of the market could be impinged in a variety of ways but, once again, individual clubs won’t know how the land will lie until the dust begins to settle.

“No-one quite knows yet,” Dyche said. “It is one of the strange things; business wise we don’t know how it will affect it and how quickly it can come back to some form of normal.

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“You still have people who see opportunity and there will be owners who might see opportunity and might be thinking they can get players cheaper than what we thought we could.

“That won’t be everywhere but in certain situations at certain clubs they might feel the need to offload players. There is a risk and reward scenario.

“Are clubs going to be more financially prudent and keep money in house a little bit longer or do they see it is an opportunity to go and get players cheaper from clubs that need the money?”

He added: “I don’t know at the moment and it is too early to say, but I think there is a balance and the next step will be trying to get a balance right on when you think you can get a genuine deal on a player.

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“Then you have to try and get that deal done and find the balance - which we don’t have to find as a club - but generally making sure the finances are run in a manner that the club can hold back for the what ifs.

“This has been such an out of the blue situation so it maybe gives a little bit of a prudent edge to running businesses.

“That is for others to decide but I know how we run ours.”