Sean Dyche says he has relished taking on the challenges he has faced this season. 

The Burnley boss saw his side finish 15th in the top flight after a final-day 3-1 defeat at home to Arsenal on Sunday. 

The Clarets started the season with a Europa League adventure but struggled in the league. 

A fine 2019 however quelled any relegation fears with attentions at Turf Moor now firmly on a fourth straight season of top flight football. 

“We’ve had a lot going on this season and I’m not going to go through it all, but it’s been a big challenge, and from where we were at Christmas to where we are now, is fantastic," Dyche said.

“I don’t throw that word around lightly but it’s a fantastic achievement.

“It’s difficult in the Premier League, we all know that, we’ve all seen sides who have started well and disappeared, and I think the strength and mentality - things that have been built over a long time here - have served us well. 

"It isn’t tactics, it’s culture and environment.

“On a daily basis we're protecting what we do and the players know how to take games on. They’ve been super strong mentally when people were asking questions, and they’ve delivered performances to get points on the board.

“Every season is a tough season, and this definitely was, but it’s kind of been strangely enjoyable, certainly for me as manager, because you’re at stretch.

“We were in bad shape at Christmas and turned that around.

"I’ve been very pleased with the work of myself, my staff and the players and the fans."

Dyche was full of praise for the Clarets supporters who were sweating about their side's Premier League status at one point. 

The 5-1 defeat at home to Everton on Boxing Day left Burnley 18th and three points adrift of safety. 

“The fans have been calm all year," said Dyche. 

"Twelve points from 19 games is not what anyone wants, but I don’t remember too much negativity.

“They have a real positive outlook, they know they have a team, staff and players who will give everything.

“And I think they believe, and they were rewarded for that belief with a strong second half of the season."