As Joey Barton settles back into life in the Premier League with Burnley, we should appreciate what a smart move this is by Dyche.
For many, Burnley’s rise into the top half of the Premier League has been an unexpected one.
Under manager Sean Dyche they have been thriving as the ultimate underdogs, taking advantage of complacency from rivals around them.
Whether you have enjoyed their rise or not, you can’t deny how successful they have been in the early stages of the season.
Now, the latest twist in their story is developing at a rapid rate. Following the controversial re-signing of former midfielder Joey Barton many people thought it could be the beginning of the end for the Clarets, but in reality it has had the exact opposite effect.
Barton scored the winner against Southampton at the weekend, showing that drive and fire that led to a number of interesting situations for the Englishman down the years.
With his return in full swing, it seems clear that this has been a masterstroke by Dyche.
Barton clearly has a point to prove following the many allegations being thrown his way, and he is channeling that anger onto the pitch which Dyche was clearly anticipating. Plus, it allows this group to have another experienced head in the squad that knows what it takes to survive and thrive in this division.
Barton knows the system at Burnley and Dyche knows, for the most part, how to control the midfielder.
The partnership looks set to work brilliantly once again and all things considered, this is just another footnote in what is becoming a Manager of the Season caliber year for the Burnley gaffer.
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