Burnley bounce straight back with Premier League promotion

Bringing in now veteran engine room operator Barton, whose bad boy reputation and troubled times on and off field precede him, caused some to question Dyche’s judgment in some quarters, but he has proved an astute and shrew signing on a free.

Speaking of money, the Clarets’ coffers are in rude health after record profits were announced at Turf Moor earlier this spring.

Dyche should have some money to spend, and there is already the feeling that Burnley looked better-equipped than two years ago to stay up. All this having suffered some relatively high-profile departures is quite remarkable.

The Clarets are a team that feel the sale of players keenly, but in Gray they have secured a replacement for Vokes’ erstwhile strike partner Danny Ings. Losing right back and proven Championship performer Kieran Trippier to Tottenham is barely noticeable either.

Vokes vindicated by decisive strike

In a way it was fitting Wales target man Vokes, cruelly denied an active part in promotions celebrations two years ago and a proper crack at the Premier League by a serious knee injury, netted the goal that confirmed Burnley were back in the big time.

A tense affair against the Hoops, who have by contrast undergone radical changes both on the pitch and in the dugout since last term’s top-flight campaign, was decided by one moment.

Following a pretty drab first-half, leading marksman Gray flashed wide from a tight and difficult angle, but Clarets centre forward Vokes rose highest on the hour to guide David Jones’ near post free-kick into the far corner.

Alejandro Faurlin, once a bone of contention in a QPR promotion, gave the Turf Moor faithful a nervy moment when he hit the post for the visitors, but Burnley hung on for a sweet victory.

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