Survival still name of the game for the Clarets

14/3/15 Alex Johnson of Guiseley battles for the ball with Frank Sinclair of Brackley Town .(GL1005/23h)

Sean Dyche guided the club to seventh place in the Premier League, and a first European campaign in 51.

Sinclair, who spent three seasons at Turf Moor between 2004 and 2007, believes that will be very difficult to replicate or better, and said: “The club and manager are in a great position, as they massively surpassed what their expectation of the season was at the beginning of the season.

“With success, there will always come greater expectations, but I think the owners will be sensible and see what Dyche has achieved with his time at the club before expecting too much.

“Burnley’s overall stats weren’t great, with games being very tight week in week out. On another season, certain results may have gone against them, and it could have cost them 10 points, which leaves the club in a completely different position.

“I think first and foremost, the expectations of Burnley are to remain in the Premier League, with anything else being a bonus.”

And, while Chris Wood effectively scored a goal every two games, finishing as the club’s top-scorer with 11, Sinclair thinks the club need to bolster their strikeforce: “I’m sure they’ll try and strengthen the squad in the transfer market, but I don’t know how much they’ll be able to do so with the funds that are available.

“Burnley’s starting 11 is not bad, but I think they need to get another goal scorer in to help Ashley Barnes, who was one of the most improved players in the Premier League last season, from where he was the season before.

“I think every club is looking for a 20 goal a season striker, which Burnley haven’t had for a while. If they can get someone in of that calibre, then they’ll always have a successful season.”

The Clarets are one of six Premier League clubs interested in West Brom forward Jay Rodriguez, and Sinclair thinks Burnley could bring in some new faces from relegated sides: “There’s some excellent players that could be available from demoted teams this year. The likes of Rondon and both Jordan and Andre Ayew would be fantastic additions to the team.

“If there was a chance for Burnley to sign Rondon, I’d bite your hand off.”