It’s an incredible achievement
Burnley have been one of the biggest surprises of the season. Many tipped them to go down, as it was thought that second season syndrome would kick in and that they had not invested enough in their squad. But Sean Dyche is a shrewd manager, who may sound like a cement mixer, but knows how to manage a squad on a tight budget.
On Saturday, Everton’s draw against Southampton left a six point gap between the Toffees and Burnley, with just one game remaining for Everton. This consequently meant that Burnley cannot finish lower than seventh now, guaranteeing them a place in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
We're All Going On A European Tour!https://t.co/ABFj3pQbhx
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) May 5, 2018
Given their hugely inferior budget and their relatively basic, functional squad, that is an incredible achievement for which Dyche and his team deserve immense credit.
Their European tour might not last very long, it might end before the Premier League season restarts, but the Burnley fans will still get a European away trip – every bottom half club’s dream.
It will be only their second European campaign ever, having competed in the 1960-61 European Cup. Their first qualifying match will take place on July 26th, not long after the World Cup final, unless Arsenal collapse in their final games and allow Burnley to pip them to sixth.
Stranger things have happened.
