Defiant boss Dyche – ‘We are still right in the mix’

Burnley have failed to win in five games, but, conversely, have lost only once in 11.

They sit fifth in the Championship, five points behind Boro in second, with leaders Brighton a further two points better off, and Dyche is bullish ahead of the game at the Riverside: “Whichever way you want to look at it, I know the realities of the division, I know where it can be, we’ve been through it before.

“People quickly forget two years ago we had a spell of taking 21 points from 15 games, but you wouldn’t remember it like that, you’d think we won every week. We know the realities of what it is, how you’ve got to find different ways to win, and if you can’t win, find a way to get points, particularly on the road, and we’re doing that.

“We’re still right in there.

“We’re staying under the radar, one loss in 11, if you want to look at it that way, haven’t won in five, if you want to look at it that way - the fact is we’re still right in the mix.

“We’re happy to be under the radar. Not many people are bothering with us, just how we like it.”

Burnley won five of six before this current run without a win, and Dyche persevered with his starting XI for the goalless draw at QPR on Saturday, after last week’s home defeat to Preston.

He didn’t feel the need to make changes from the bench either, and he explained: “We’ve had a quiet spell of results wins-wise, but to be perfectly honest, you’ve seen some of the decisions we’ve had, and you’ve also seen the performances, and they’ve been pretty strong I think, overall. There have been some good signs, and we’re still getting people back in the mix as well, from the bench.

“We couldn’t get them on, it wouldn’t have been fair as the game went on because it was nip and tuck. But the group is ready. I said it’s not a never-ending situation, but I was pleased with the way the team played. I stuck with the team, it doesn’t mean I won’t change it in the future. The players know there is that demand. If there’s an expectation of, ‘oh well, I’m playing the same team’, they know it’s not like that, trust me.”