Phil Bardsley on Burnley spell and Sean Dyche impact

But the Clarets had a remarkable campaign under Sean Dyche, finishing seventh and booking their spot in the Europa League qualifying rounds.

Bardsley says Dyche built a “tight-knit group” at Turf Moor and believes it was key to the success they enjoyed.

“It was good. I had three really successful years at Stoke. Obviously, I was in my last year of my contract there and got wind of interest from Burnley,” he told betTOM.

“I knew what they were trying to do, the players that they were trying to recruit, which was really appealing. When I got in there, I really enjoyed it.

“Very simple the way he worked, Sean, but very good. He doesn't take any nonsense from anyone. Everyone in there, everyone in the group bought into what he was trying to do.

“His philosophy, the way he wanted to play and the hard work that used to go in, day in, day out, during training. 

“I think that brought a great team together and a tight-knit group. We had great success from doing the basics well and it stood us in good stead for the future seasons.”

Burnley made an impressive start and were briefly in the Champions League places in December, but most neutrals and pundits still expected them to tail off.

“Finishing seventh was incredible,” Bardsley recalled. “I think we just got momentum at the right times, the team was playing well. 

“I think Sean was very fair with his team selection and if you were playing well, he stuck with you for a period of time until a few defeats crept in. 

“He was really loyal in that way. I think that brought good chemistry within the squad and allowed us to kick on that year.

“The following season, obviously being in Europe was difficult and we started really poorly in the league. I think the European campaign took its toll a little bit with the travel.

“I don't think we had the strength in depth at the time to deal with competing on four fronts. That was pretty challenging at the time but we found a way to get through those difficult moments.

Dyche spent a decade in charge at Turf Moor (Image: PA)

“I think that comes from resilience within the squad and a great togetherness. They're things that we prided ourselves on. We looked to kick on from there and we finished the season really strong from that point.”

Bardsley went on to spend five seasons in the Premier League with the Clarets, but Dyche’s time in charge came to a surprising end in 2022.

The 41-year-old admitted it came as a “shock” to the players and insisted Dyche deserves huge credit for what he achieved at Turf Moor.

“He had been there for 10 years and laid the foundations with Premier League status, a new training ground, new infrastructure, the players that he attracted to the football club,” he said.

“But things happen in football. People move on and it comes to the end of the road, should we say, of what they can do.

“But for Sean and his staff, the way they look back, they should be immensely proud of what they delivered for the club and for the fans. 

“If you go down to the training ground now, it's pretty special. That all comes from probably sacrificing a couple of seasons where they did go back down to the Championship, finances and stuff like that.

“We were always on a tight budget there with players that we could bring in. Doing what we did, five years in the Premier League was a great achievement.

“We had difficult stages there as well with the run of Covid, no fans in the stadium, and all of that plays its part.

“But he got the fundamentals right by getting the right players through the door and having a great dressing room.”

Since relegation in 2022, Burnley have gone back up twice under Vincent Kompany and Scott Parker but haven’t been able to stay in the top flight.

Now, they are aiming to get back to the Premier League under Nicky Hayen, who oversaw a spirited comeback against West Ham in his first Championship game at the weekend.

“It was always going to be tough last year,” Bardsley continued. “Obviously, the recruitment is key. Without being disrespectful, I think they're more suited now to the Championship with the group they've got. 

“I think they might enjoy it a little bit more. I think they'll be strong in that division like they were a couple of seasons ago.

“I think they'll be in for a good season. If they can add a couple more to it, they've still got some really good experience in and around the squad there, who know the league. 

“Hopefully, they can have a good push, get promotion and then have a good go next year if they do, and try and recruit in the right areas to sustain that Premier League status.”