Burnley boss Sean Dyche dismayed by contract situation

And he revealed that he has had to explain to the rest of his squad the situation regarding Jeff Hendrick, Phil Bardsley, Joe Hart, Aaron Lennon and Adam Legzdins.

None of that quintet were involved as the Clarets returned to Premier League action at Manchester City, going down to a 5-0 reverse, with Dyche only able to name seven of the nine available substitutes.

The club has until Tuesday to agree an extension to the end of the season with the players, whose deals run out at the end of June.

Dyche, who has injuries to Ashley Barnes, Chris Wood, Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady, had two goalkeepers on the bench, and youngsters Jimmy Dunne, Bobby Thomas and Max Thompson, and he explained: "Not the perfect timing with contracts, but we carry on regardless.

“And the contract situation is just the club decided to offer monthly contracts very late in the day, and haven't cleared up Jeff Hendrick's contract situation, so those players had to make a choice, and their choice is not to be involved.

"We are in incredible financial shape, so there is a balance, we are a club that has been run very well financially down the years I've been here, and that's allowed us to come through this period without any questions.

"There's certainly not a question financially, but, decisions have to be made.

"I can only advise, as I have done, and the chairman decided to make different decisions if you like.”

Asked whether he felt a deal for Hendrick could be done, Dyche said: "I don't know, I'm not informed on where it's all at.”

And whether the five players had played their last game for the club, he added: “I really don't know. I am waiting on news.”

Burnley could have real issues going into the last eight games, but Dyche hopes something can be resolved: “Life at Burnley is tough at times financially, we are in very good shape financially so that is the only thing i am wondering is that when we are in such good shape can we make decisions that make sure that we come into the last eight games in really good shape, and those decisions have been later in the day with the players that were mentioned.

“That has affected the situation and they have decided it is not for them, so we will see how the dust settles over the next 24-48 hours and then I might find out some more news.”

Dyche had to discuss the situation with the dressing room, and said: “The players have asked me a few questions about why certain things have not been done and I have tried to explain as best I could.

"I have been here seven and a half years and it is never an easy ride with finance, it is always a challenge with contracts here.

“I can't sign them, I can only advise which I have done. It is not my first rodeo with trying to stretch things here.

“The club have a restricted, at times, but a stringent look at finances. I think our average net spend since we have been in the Premier League is about £9million so we don't throw money around.

“It is fair to say we have got a healthy return with the players and the talent we have got now.

“But at the end of the day the chairman still makes the decisions. I can only advise on what I think is correct and then it goes above me to the powers that be and their decisions have been different.”