Burnley have secured promotion again to the Premier League on the first time of asking the previous thrice they have been relegated [Getty Images]
Unimaginable. Boring. Document-breakers. Particular. These are all of the phrases which were used to explain Burnley on their solution to successful promotion to the Premier League this season.
Captain Josh Brownhill himself even joked that Burnley have “bored our solution to the Premier League” after the on Monday night confirmed their return to the highest flight.
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Brownhill was referencing the actual fact the Clarets are set to develop into the very best defence in Championship historical past having conceded simply 15 objectives this season, smashing the document of 30 objectives allowed by Watford in 2020-21 and Preston in 2005-06.
They’ve additionally saved 29 clear sheets, beating Wigan Athletic’s EFL document of 27 in League One in 2017-18.
With 12 goalless attracts and 15 of their 26 wins by a one-goal margin, Scott Parker’s facet has been largely constructed on exceptional defensive stability and consistency.
However that takes nothing away from the actual fact Burnley are on track to achieve 100 factors and match Studying’s document 33-game unbeaten run within the second tier set in 2005-06, ought to they win their last two video games towards QPR and Millwall.
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Prime goalscorer Brownhill led by instance at Turf Moor towards the Blades – as he has carried out for a lot of this season – with two objectives to assist his facet to the victory that sealed Burnley’s place within the Premier League for the 2025-26 marketing campaign.
Burnley have solely conceded 15 objectives within the Championship – 14 fewer than Leeds (29) who’ve the second strongest defence [Rex Features]
‘It takes a complete workforce’
“I am speechless. All that arduous work this season,” the 29-year-old instructed Sky Sports activities.
“We have been written off so many instances, folks calling us boring. We have bored our solution to the Premier League.
“It takes a complete workforce – it isn’t only a again 4, a goalkeeper, it takes all people.
“I do not suppose loads of the lads will sleep. I am so buzzing for the lads that have not performed Premier League soccer.”
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Head coach Parker stated the “ambition and goal initially of the season was to get again to the Premier League”.
“We have managed to do this so I am vastly pleased with the squad,” he instructed BBC Radio Lancashire.
“It is come all the way down to actual, pure dedication from each one of many gamers, their dedication and the sacrifice that they’ve made, that leads us so far.
“I defined to the lads there may be emotion from me as a result of I see the dedication that everybody has introduced.
“We reside in a world the place you win otherwise you lose and also you get judged and on the finish of the season you are both promoted or not and that is how rapidly folks will choose it.
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“I am simply delighted that each one that work, all that effort, all that sacrifice has been price it and other people can see it. The info are if you aren’t getting promoted folks can see it.”
‘This one feels particular’
Parker was appointed Burnley boss in the summertime following 15 months out of administration, having been sacked by Belgian facet Membership Brugge in March 2022 after simply 12 video games in cost.
The 44-year-old stated his third promotion as a supervisor means “every part” and stated the journey Burnley have been on is “nothing in need of unbelievable”.
“This one feels particular,” he instructed Sky Sports activities, having beforehand gained a spot within the prime flight with Fulham and Bournemouth.
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“I’ve had some bumps within the street as a supervisor, to not make this about me. I made a decision to take a yr out and got here again to this, I knew it could be a problem.
“The highlight usually shines on the gamers and myself however the sacrifices that households make – they absolutely deserve it.”
There are solely two video games of the season remaining however with each Leeds and Burnley tied on 94 factors, Parker says they’re nonetheless aiming to win the title.
“We’re going to go for it,” Parker stated. “That is the goal and that is precisely what we’re going to do.”
Burnley chairman Alan Tempo described Parker as a “residing legend” who has “outperformed something he might have probably stated” earlier than he was employed.
Scott Parker has gained promotion to the Premier League for the third time as a supervisor [PA Media]
“He is proven a number of instances that he is aware of easy methods to deal with this league and easy methods to deliver a gaggle of males collectively and achieve nice issues,” Tempo instructed Sky Sports activities.
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“Even when there was negativity initially of the season from others, it by no means stopped him.
“He is wonderful and we’re so, so grateful, grateful and blessed to have him right here.”
Midfielder Josh Cullen stated promotion feels “completely wonderful” and added: “It is a day I will always remember.”