As the new Championship season draws ever closer, Sports Mole looks ahead to Burnley's prospects under the management of Sean Dyche.
With the Championship season beginning this weekend, Sports Mole casts its eye over Burnley's summer and their prospects for the 2013-14 campaign.
In:
Ryan Noble (from Sunderland, Free), Alex Cisak (from Oldham, Free), Tom Heaton (from Bristol City, Free), Nick Liversedge (from Whitby, Free), Joseph Mills (from Reading, Free), Daniel Nizic (from Sydney FC, Free), Scott Arfield (from Huddersfield Town, Free)
Out:
Lee Grant (to Derby County, Free), Wes Fletcher (to York City, Free), Chris McCann (to Wigan Athletic, Free), Alex McDonald (to Burton Albion, Free), Shay McCartan (to Accrington Stanley, Free), Martin Paterson (to Huddersfield Town, Free), Chris Kettings (to York City), Josef Jackson (Released), Brian Jensen (Released), Seamus McCartan (Released), Jon Stewart (Released), Aryn Williams (Released), George Porter (to AFC Wimbledon, Loan), Dane Richards (Released)
Last Season: 11th
Manager: Sean Dyche
Three key players:
Tom Heaton - For the past three seasons, Burnley had one of the safest goalkeepers in the division between the posts in the form of Lee Grant. He exited Turf Moor on a free transfer earlier this summer, though, and so 27-year-old Heaton has been drafted in as a replacement. He knows the Championship well from his spells with Cardiff City and more recently Bristol City. Although the Robins were relegated, Heaton was regarded to be one of their better performers last term.
Jason Shackell - At the age of 29, former Norwich City defender Shackell is in his prime years as a footballer. He is a solid defender who can also weigh in with the odd goal. Such is his influence that just a month after his arrival last year, he was made Burnley's captain. The centre-back is also not a player to suffer from injuries, having missed just four league matches over the last three campaigns. His leadership qualities will be vital if the Clarets do get sucked into a relegation battle.
Sam Vokes - In all competitions,
Charlie Austin has fired in 45 goals in 90 outings for Burnley. He saw a move to Hull City fall through on medical grounds earlier this month and consequently is still a Burnley player. He could yet leave, though, and if he does, Dyche will need one of his current crop of centre-forwards to step up to the mark. Vokes only scored four times last season, but he did play second fiddle to Austin on a number of occasions and was often moved out wide. He showed during his early years with Bournemouth that he can score goals when presented with the opportunities.
First game: Bolton Wanderers (H), Complete fixture list
Sports Mole says: The Clarets rarely looked in danger last year, but likewise they never gave off the impression that they would mount a serious challenge to the top six. It could well be a similar story this time around. The departure of Austin would hurt them, but there is still enough proven Championship quality among Dyche's squad for them not to be heavily involved in the relegation fight.
Predicted finish: 14th
