What every Championship manager has had to say about leaders Burnley — from Paul Heckingbottom and Alex Neil to Tony Mowbray and Michael Carrick
Vincent Kompany’s Clarets are on the cusp of a Premier League return after losing just twice in 37 games in the second tier.
The club’s 17-game unbeaten run in the league, which included a record equalling 10 wins on the bounce, has taken the table toppers 13 points clear of Sheffield United at the summit.
And, having stretched their advantage over third place Middlesbrough to 16 points, while owning a game in hand, they could theoretically wrap up promotion on Good Friday, should they win at the Riverside.
Burnley have accrued 83 points, they’ve averaged two goals-per-game, and they’re well on course to become only the sixth club in the history of the second tier to reach a three-figure points return.
Here’s what the manager of each Championship club has said about the champions elect this season.
And, having stretched their advantage over third place Middlesbrough to 16 points, while owning a game in hand, they could theoretically wrap up promotion on Good Friday, should they win at the Riverside.
5. Jon Dahl Tomasson (Blackburn Rovers)
"A game against Burnley is a massive game for the area. From the first minute I came in, it was about Burnley. "It was a difficult afternoon, Burnley were better. It's a good side, we shouldn't forget that!" Photo: Naomi Baker
6. Gary Rowett (Millwall)
"They’re a good side, they’re the best side in the league. They move the ball better than anyone else in the league. Burnley are a good side, they've got some very good players, they've got good quality." Photo: James Chance
7. David Wagner (Norwich CIty)
"Burnley deserved the win. I think you can compete against Burnley, who are a top side, but you've got to make sure you don't make errors. "It is no secret, they are top of the league for a reason and the Championship team of the season. “They play energetic, intensive football. They are brave, they do not give the opponent a lot of time with the ball." Photo: Henry Browne
!["I said a couple of years ago that Norwich were the best team, or one of the best teams to have played in the Championship ever.
"These [Burnley] are right up there, right up there! He [Vincent Kompany] has got a really good squad, he uses them really well, they're really intelligent."](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/webimg/b25lY21zOjVlMDdlMTBjLTc2MWEtNDdlMi1iY2YzLThlMzc5NWQ2Yjk5Nzo1ODAzOGFjYy1lNDA4LTRhMWMtOWNlMy1lYmZlODFhYjQ5ZmM=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. Mark Robins (Coventry City)
"I said a couple of years ago that Norwich were the best team, or one of the best teams to have played in the Championship ever. "These [Burnley] are right up there, right up there! He [Vincent Kompany] has got a really good squad, he uses them really well, they're really intelligent." Photo: Clive Brunskill