Burnley’s six-year Premier League stay was brought to an end on the final day of the season as a result of Leeds United’s 2-1 win at Brentford. They will join Norwich and Watford in the Championship next term as they finished three points adrift of safety.
Burnley made the bold decision to sack Sean Dyche with eight games left of the campaign and his interim replacement Mike Jackson was unable to get his side over the line. Speaking after the curtain came down on the 2021/22 season on Sky Sports, Roy Keane slated the decision to relieve the 50-year-old of his duties.
“Who said it was a good decision to get rid of Sean Dyche at Burnley? Crazy. Sean Dyche would’ve done a good job if he was given the opportunity until the end of the season.
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“He’s been there and he’s done it, him and his staff. When he left, we said ‘there’s been a reaction, there’s been a reset’, rubbish.
“They’ve paid a heavy price for it, they should’ve stuck with Sean Dyche. He’s a proven manager, great quality, done a brilliant job. No sympathy for Burnley.”
The response to the decision to sack Dyche received similar feedback amongst the Burnley fanbase as Leeds’ decision to replace Marcelo Bielsa midway through the season. The lack of a permanent replacement ultimately proved to be costly for the Clarets but Jackson did a good job, all things considered.
Burnley picked up 11 points in the final eight games of the campaign which equates to 1.36 points per game. Had they accumulated that average throughout the season, they would have finished with 52 points – the amount that eight-placed Leicester ended the season with.
As they prepare for a season in the Championship and hope for an immediate return to the top flight, Burnley will need to make a decision regarding a permanent replacement for Dyche.
