Neil Warnock has again waxed lyrical about Newcastle United defender Dan Burn. The retired manager was one of the first public figures to eulogise the Blyth-born centre-back following his Tyneside move.
Last month, Warnock even referred to himself as the “original Dan Burn fan” by suggesting he should be in Gareth Southgate’s England team. Unfortunately, that dream never came to fruition for the 30-year-old - despite desperate pleas from Toon supporters.
Burn has proven to be one of the most important signings at St James’ Park in recent years. Before his arrival in January, Newcastle had one of the leakiest defences in the Premier League.
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However, new-found defensive steel built the foundation for a surge towards survival in the second half of the campaign. While many feared the end for Burn after Sven Botman’s arrival, the 6ft 7in Geordie has continued to excel in defence - discovering a new role at left-back.
Just 11 goals conceded is the joint fewest - alongside league leaders Arsenal - of any side in the division. Speaking on his Die For Three Points podcast, Warnock praised Newcastle’s post-takeover transfer business - and paid a special mention to Burn.
“What I like is how they’ve gone about it in a calm way,” Warnock said. “I didn’t expect Trippier to be his first signing. You’d expect them to spend millions and have everyone raving about the money they’ve got.
“I think their signings have been good, me. You know me, I love Dan Burn. I really should be the secretary of his fan club because I think he’s fabulous.”
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