The Big Picture: Burnley FC 2011-12

When you look at it all you want to do is stay in the league. We've taken that on this year, ticked that off and now we'll see where it takes us. In the time that I've been here it's something that we've never dreamed of. We've not achieved it yet but it's something that we can look to achieve.

Burnley striker Sam Vokes: We never dreamed of Europe, until now | Lancashire Telegraph

Two years on from Leicester's own miracle season, when the Foxes won the Premier League, the Clarets are producing a tale to remember as well in this campaign. They are already nine points better off than last season and with just six games to go Sean Dyche's side are only five points behind Arsenal in sixth. While Vokes admits the title success of Claudio Ranieri's side is never likely to be topped, he believes the win at Watford last weekend, which made it seven away wins for the season, is another sign of the progress at Burnley.

The Clarets could land a knockout blow to Leicester in the race for seventh this weekend by making it five successive Premier League wins, and Vokes admits confidence is flowing through the ranks at Turf Moor at the moment.

For us it's important that we keep this going," the year-old said. Burnley striker Sam Vokes: We never dreamed of Europe, until now 6.

We never dreamed of Europe, until now. Burnley lost England goalkeeper Tom Heaton to a long-term shoulder injury in September, but Nick Pope, who had never played in the Premier League, has been outstanding. The central defensive partnership of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski has been excellent, though if any individual player epitomizes Burnley it is playmaker Steven Defour. Dyche favors a no-nonsense, low-risk style of defending and Burnley has the second-most clearances and the highest amount of long passes in the league.

2011–12 Burnley F.C. season

He prefers quick passing rather than running at the opposition with the ball to reduce the chances of losing possession. Dyche, whose voice gives the impression he gargles with gravel, is a belt and braces, down-to-earth no-frills manager. Burnley trains as it plays on match days. No bobble-hats, no gloves, no track-suit bottoms, just a training kit whatever the weather. When Burnley plays on the road, players wear club track suits, club trainers, club socks and no headphones.

Dyche believes that players talking to each other is better than them listening to a group he would probably never have heard of. Burnley has used fewer players than any other Premier League club, Dyche favoring continuity rather than rotation, which most managers are addicted to. Given his success it is puzzling that Dyche is still at Burnley.

Sean Dyche has Burnley moving in right direction

He should not be pigeon-holed as a small club manager who can only operate at the lower end of the transfer market, because he does that so well it is surely logical his judgment would be every bit as good with a bigger budget. Sorry, but your browser needs Javascript to use this site. If you're not sure how to activate it, please refer to this site: Burnley manager Sean Dyche's team features one of the Premier League's best defenses.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi garners record fifth Golden Shoe award Lionel Messi received his record fifth Golden Shoe award on Tuesday for leading all of Europe's leagues in scoring last season.

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