Burnley are busy making preparations for life back in the Barclays Premier League for next season, and as such, Sean Dyche has had some decisions to make. They may have been celebrating the Championship title a few weeks ago, but they have now submitted their retained list.
A total of six first-team players haven’t been offered new contracts, although one of those is centre back Michael Duff, who is retiring from playing and will become a coach with the Under-18s at Turf Moor.
Two more have also been offered new contracts. One of those is central midfielder Joey Barton, who played a major role for the Clarets since joining earlier in the season after being a free agent. It has since been well-documented that he is in talks with Rangers about potentially moving to the newly-promoted Scottish club, and a decision is expected in the coming days.
Cover goalkeeper Paul Robinson has also been offered an extension. Once again, he will again be expected to play as second-fiddle to Euro 2016 bound Tom Heaton.
Fellow goalkeeper Matthew Gilks has been allowed to leave after struggling for regular football during his time at the Lancashire club. Another goalkeeper in the form of Danijel Nizic has also been allowed to move on. As mentioned, Duff will now join the coaching staff, whilst mid-season signing Lloyd Dyer will also exit. Young striker Jason Gilchrist leaves, as does wide midfielder Matt Taylor, who was a regular substitute during the title-winning season and exits after two seasons.
Dyche revealed that it is never easy to make decisions like this, but ultimately it is his job and needs to make calls of this nature,
“There are always tough decisions to make at the end of every season.
“But in football you have to keep moving forwards and on behalf of everyone at the football club, I would like to thank the players leaving us for all their efforts and professionalism.
“We wish them well in their careers elsewhere and we look forward to working again with those who will remain at Turf Moor.”
