Burnley’s insane decision to sack Sean Dyche is illogical and ill-conceived

Just over a week ago, Burnley proudly announced that almost 12,500 fans had already bought season tickets for next season.

Owner Alan Pace can also save on postage… because half goes straight back.

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Even in the crazy, chaotic world of football, Pace’s insane decision to forfeit Sean Dyche’s ten-year tenure is the most illogical and ill-considered of them all.

It’s the kind of move that makes you believe that those who dismiss Americans as knowing the square root of everything about football are actually right.

With the sacking of Dyche, owner Pace not only got rid of a manager, he sealed relegation a month early.

Not only did he get rid of a manager, he ripped his heart and soul not only from the football club but also from the city itself.

Dyche will never be the hipsters’ choice. He will never tick any boxes for catchphrases and soundbites, for corporate speak and crap.

He is what everyone who knows and loves this game calls a “proper” footballer. Call the spade a spade, roll up your sleeves and get to work.

And what a job it was. Working on a budget that would make most Championship clubs roll their eyes, he brought Burnley into the Premier League and kept them there for six years.

He took journeymen and outcasts and made them internationals. Men like Jack Cork, James Tarkowski, Nick Pope… the list goes on.

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Of course there is talent in the ranks, but only to a certain extent. Beyond that, it was spirit, heart, togetherness, and unity that made them punch above their weight.

It’s hard to imagine a club with such a family atmosphere as Burnley. They were once compared to Wimbledon’s mad walk with class, and there’s something to it.

Yes, they have struggled this season and might have gone down even if Dyche had stayed. But not without a hell of a fight.

Bear in mind last week’s defeat at Norwich came as a shock. Had they won their two games in hand they would have been three points behind Leeds… with a decent run-in.

Well, thanks to Pace, there’s no chance. If fans had doubts about him 16 months ago when he drove into town, now they have none – they know exactly what he is.

STEP OUT OF ITS DEPTH

When it comes to football, the phrase “from its depths” springs to mind. Of course, the American would not accept that.

As you can see, Pace likes to be involved in everything at the club. Media, marketing… you name it, his finger is deep in every pie.

Most of Burnley’s staff weren’t just employees, they were lifelong fans. It doesn’t guarantee anything, of course, but it does mean going the extra mile is a given.

It is broken down slowly and systematically. Dissected by a man who just doesn’t realize – or doesn’t want to realize – how big this is.

The first they heard of Dyche’s sacking came when the news broke yesterday. You can imagine the reaction.

Whether the words “mutual consent” were mentioned or not, no one knows. But if they were, you know damn well what the manager’s response would have been.

“If you’re going to fire me, say so.” Don’t suggest that I turn my back on these supporters who have been with us through thick and thin.”

He’s such a messiah that four years ago, after securing European football – yes, European football – the pub on Turf Moor was renamed The Royal Dyche.

Instead of the sphere, they should build a statue. The only way Pace can do that is if they have something to throw eggs at. Rotten ones at that… the whole thing stinks.