Former Burnley winger David Eyres: 'If there was a 50/50 and it was Sean Dyche coming towards you then I'd think twice. You knew exactly what was coming!'

Sean Dyche of Chesterfield receives the congratulations for his goal during the FA Cup Semi-Final against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. The game was drawn 3-3. Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport

Dyche's performances as a defender were typically robust, full of blood and thunder, and Eyres confirmed that his opponents were made to feel the full force of such physicality.

The pair locked horns four times during the Liverpudlian's time at Turf Moor with Dyche, then at Chesterfield, coming out unbeaten in all those meetings.

Eyres, who converted a 44th minute penalty during a 4-2 defeat at Saltergate in Division Two on September 23rd, 1995, said: "He was horrible. He roughed you up, he'd boot you, threaten you and he'd tell you what he was going to do.

David Eyres of Oldham tussles with Kevin Nolan of Bolton during the FA Cup fourth round tie between Oldham Athletic and Bolton Wanderers at Boundary Park, on January 30, 2005 in Oldham, England. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

"As a player he was a bit of a jobsworth centre half who did exactly what it said on the tin. He would kick it, head it, but he was a good player and a good professional.

"He's a lovely guy, but footballer's are different animals on the pitch. You fought on the pitch, but you were polite and courteous off it. You had to do whatever you could to be better than your opponent and that's what Sean did when you played against him.

"He played to his strengths and he had a successful career at some big clubs at a good level. That Chesterfield side that reached the semi-final of the FA Cup was a great side, they were all men, they bullied you and he was the main instigator.

"Then as soon as you came off the pitch he was a gentleman. I tried to give as good as I got, but if there was a 50/50 and it was Sean Dyche coming towards you then I'd think twice. You knew exactly what was coming!"

Eyres, however, has the utmost respect for Dyche and he's delighted to see his old rival enjoying so much success with the Clarets.

February's Premier League Manager of the Month is closing in on a fifth successive season in the top flight of English football.

"I see him when I'm at the training ground or when I'm working with the BBC," said Eyres. "He always made a fuss, he's a great bloke.

"I've got the utmost respect for him, he's a perfect gentleman and I'm glad we've got someone like him in charge of our football club.

"As a manager, what he's done for Burnley Football Club, with the way things have changed, it's just grown. He's been a part of that success at the football club, he's lifted them into the Premier League and consolidated that.

"All the foundations are there and the club is in a good position. He's a really good bloke, he's animated on the sidelines, but he's just genuine. He's down to earth and he does things properly, that's how he runs the football club, and long may that continue."