‘They’ve done a brilliant job, but…’ – Sean Dyche delivers verdict on Leeds, makes £60m claim
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has used Leeds United as an example to show how well the Clarets have done in the Premier League this season.
Burnley could finish as high as eighth if results go their way on Sunday to cap off what has been yet another really good season at Turf Moor.
Leeds are set to join the Clarets in the Premier League next term after winning the Championship title but Dyche has been discussing the financial gulf between the two sides even though they have not been playing in the same division.
“I’m not going to over-egg it,” Dyche said when talking about Burnley’s strong season, as quoted by LancsLive.
“But you think of budgets, finance in the club against the market – I just saw Leeds. They have been fantastic by the way, they’ve done a brilliant job, but, equally, their accounts suggested they had a £60m wage bill, with bonuses, so it’s fair to say that’s pretty high in the Championship.
“We’re still not there financially, but we’re very secure as a club. Finding that balance, along with the team, to go and get wins and do well in the Premier League, it’s difficult.”
We’re not sure what Dyche has seen to make that £60million claim because LeedsLive reported in April that Leeds’ wage bill is £46.2million.
It is still a big wage bill for a Championship club but Burnley’s most recent figures show their wage bill being at £82million [LancsLive].
Burnley are paying more than Leeds for wages but when you consider that one of those is a Premier League club, who played in the Europa League last season, and Leeds are a club that is just returning to the top-flight after 16 years, you can see what Dyche is getting at.
Leeds’ wage bill will more than likely surpass what Burnley are spending once the Premier League season kicks off in September.
That’s down to the investment of Andrea Radrizzani and 49ers Enterprises, plus the fact that the club brings in a lot more revenue than Burnley.
No disrespect towards Burnley because they are one of the most well-run clubs in English football but they do not match up to Leeds in terms of the size of their fanbase and the potential of their brand.
Dyche is doing a great job at Turf Moor but he shouldn’t be comparing himself to others.
Everyone knows he’s doing great with what he’s got.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are eyeing a teen sensation who’s rejected a new deal at a Premier League top-four club.