Sean Dyche speaks for first time since surprise Burnley sacking

Dyche was sacked as Burnley boss last week

Sean Dyche has spoken for the first time since he was sacked as Burnley manager last week where he reflected on the "incredible times" he had at Turf Moor. Dyche was surprisingly relieved of his duties after 10 years in charge at the club, with the Clarets currently trying to avoid relegation. Burnley have only won four games this season and are four points adrift of safety, however they can close the gap to 17th-placed Everton with a win against Southampton on Thursday.

Dyche has spoken for the first time since his sacking

Both the club and Dyche had previously been quiet on his dismissal, however the 50-year-old has broken his silence in a statement released by the League's Manager Association (LMA). He said: "I would like to thank the people of Burnley and fans of the club for their incredible kindness and support since I joined the club in 2012.

"The town has become a huge part of my life, and myself and my family thank you for everything we have all experienced together during my time as manager. Amongst the many challenges, there have been some truly incredible times, which are never to be forgotten.

"I would like to express my gratitude to all players and staff, past and present, for the hard work and commitment they have shown throughout my time at the club. The memories of promotion campaigns, European travels and competing against some of the best teams in the world will always stay with me." https://twitter.com/LMA_Managers/status/1517066151385260033 "I would also like to thank the directors and owners who I have worked with for their help over the past decade," Dyche added. "The club has changed so much during this time, with improvements across the infrastructure, training ground and academy ensuring the future of the club is protected both on and off the pitch. "The successes and building process from where the club was, to where it is now has been by no means by myself. The help of so many people has made it happen and I thank them all, particularly my football staff who have worked so diligently over the years. "Finally, I would like to thank people across football who have been so positive about my career in recent days. I appreciate the kind words of my colleagues in the game and I look forward to the next phase of my career." Michael Jackson is currently working alongside club captain Ben Mee as Burnley's caretaker manager, with the Clarets' chairman Alan Pace hinting that he would like to make a short-term appointment until the end of the season before finding a long-term successor. Related links:

• Jamie Carragher slams Burnley decision to sack Sean Dyche
• Sean Dyche sacked by Burnley after nine years in charge
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