Burnley boss Sean Dyche set to hit another Premier League milestone at Turf Moor

The Premier League's longest-serving manager will take charge of his 200th game in the top flight on Saturday when Everton come to town.

The Turf Moor chief joins the likes of Joe Kinnear (Wimbledon), Alan Curbishley (Charlton Athletic), Rafael Benitez (Liverpool), Sam Allardyce (Bolton Wanderers), David Moyes (Everton), Harry Redknapp (West Ham United), Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) and Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) in reaching that total in the same spell.

It's an exclusive club and one that Dyche could never have envisaged joining when succeeding Eddie Howe more than eight years ago.

He said: “200 games... I am pretty proud of that because it is not easy for British, English managers to get 200 games in the Premier League.

“I could never have imagined being here 200 games on.

“Not because I didn't know what I was doing... I believe I do know quite a lot about what I'm doing! It is just the challenge, and the realities of the game now, it is a very unforgiving place sometimes, is football management.

“It is enjoyable in a strange way, finding your way through those tough times. When you do get it right, and find a way and help players and staff to perform, it is very rewarding. Not just financial, but working hard and getting it right.”

Dyche said his longevity was down to sticking to his guns, trusting the process and ignoring outside interference.

“The hardest thing is to do nothing, because now everyone is telling you you should be doing this or that," he said.

"The hardest thing is to do nothing and believe you are right and stand by what you believe in.

“The balance is when to stick with it and when to make a change. It is not a breakthrough or turning point, you just learn over time in sports management, management generally, when you stand true, and the moment when you change.”

Dyche understands that another 200 won't be as easy to come by, but if things fall his way then another uninterrupted stretch at the club isn't out of the question.

He said: “Carrying on is not about hunger it is about successes and winning games and working hard. Learning things you need as the game changes and you still need a bit of luck on the way.

“You need a door to open at the right time. That doesn't mean exiting here by the way. It means the right player comes in, the right owner comes in."