FORMER Claret David Eyres has urged the Burnley board to give Sean Dyche every resource available to get the club back up, and lessen the lure of Premier League poachers.

Dyche has emerged as struggling Sunderland’s number one managerial target should head coach Dick Advocaat leave the club.

Advocaat’s future continues to be the subject of considerable debate, with the Dutchman confirming he would step aside if he felt another manager could do a better job of halting a run of two points from their opening seven games.

Dyche was the favoured replacement for Advocaat at the Stadium of Light in the summer, before the Dutchman performed a surprise U-turn on his decision to return to Holland.

Although there is no suggestion the 68-year-old is close to walking away from Wearside for a second time, it cannot be discounted.

As a result, the Black Cats’ board are weighing up the options for a replacement and, while Patrick Vieria has been discussed as an option, it is understood that Dyche would be their preferred choice.

Eyres says he is not surprised there are suitors for the Burnley boss, having guided the Clarets to the Premier League in 2014 and made a decent start in their bid to get back there.

And while he understands why Dyche might be tempted by the Sunderland role he feels it is now up to the Clarets to ensure leaving is not an option.

“It’s a worry. Sean Dyche has done a fantastic job at the club,” he said.

“I still think we have got every chance of going back up again this year and the way of doing that is keeping hold of our manager.

“I think he is as good as anyone in the Premier League, so it’s no surprise he is linked with Sunderland.

“Burnley have to give him every tool possible to get the football club back up. They have to give him the funds and the backing to invest in the loan market and in January to help make a push.

“Sean has to be convinced that the money is there and available to go out and get enough added quality. And maybe offer him a new contract as well - not just for another year or two but to secure his longer-term future at the club.”

He added: “The lure of the Premier League is a difficult one.

“The way Sunderland are going they look like being one of the favourites to go down again. It could be a difficult decision for Sean to make.

“But from a biased point of view I want him to stay, and if the funds are there and he is told they will be used I’m sure that will be a carrot for him to stay.

“He has done an incredible job with the club and hopefully he can continue to do that.

“If he is given the resources and backing and support from Burnley he might be in a better position to be in the Premier League next season.”