BURNLEY’S game at Chesterfield is not just a chance for the Clarets to build momentum for the new season, it is a walk down Memory Lane for manager Sean Dyche too.

The surroundings might be different, with the Spireites now playing at the Proact Stadium just two miles south west of their old Saltergate ground.

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But Dyche is still relishing a reunion with his former club, and the chance to show his wife and two children an area that is etched in his own playing history.

For it was with Chesterfield that former defender Dyche scored a penalty in an FA Cup semi-final against then Premier League side Middlesbrough in 1997, to earn a 3-3 draw.

“My kids don’t know a lot about my football past,” said the Burnley boss ahead of tomorrow’s friendly (3pm). “I don’t do memorabilia in my house, I’m more interested in their lives, not mine.

“They don’t know that much about the football side of my career, they know me more as a manager, so my kids are going to come up and we’re going to take them where I used to live, where I used to play, or at least the site of the old ground.

“I went to the closing of the old ground for a big dinner, and that was the last time I was there.

“I’ve been to the new ground twice, once to watch Luke O’Neill when he was on loan, and the Under-21s had a game there.

“It’s a fantastic ground for the club and a town that has always backed the team, so I look forward to it.”

As ever, though, Dyche will be more focused on the football than the occasion, as his players move a step closer to the start of the new season.

And it is likely that Lukas Jutkiewicz will once more lead the attack, with Sam Vokes, Jelle Vossen and Marvin Sordell expected to be rested.

“On the football side of things rather than my personal side, I’m looking for the team to slowly but surely get back to where they need to be – tactically, physically, mentally, everything. We need tactical sharpness,” said Dyche.

“There were signs of it against Rangers once we settled the game down after about half an hour and we got stronger as the game went on.

“I’m not sure whether the ones who have got knocks are going to be right for that because it’s going to be hard to risk them for that. We’re very hopeful on the Fleetwood game (on Tuesday) though.”

Tom Heaton is also doubtful with a minor finger injury.

There was bad news for development squad striker Jason Gilchrist though, as the club confirmed he had suffered a broken ankle in the behind closed doors game at St Mirren on Wednesday and will require surgery.

“There was no malice in the challenge, it was an awkward fall as much as anything,” said Dyche.

“The players here are always looked after well by the medical team. Hopefully it will be a straightforward one.”