Burnley vs Watford - Burnley boss Sean Dyche holds no grudge against former club Watford

Posted Monday, September 26, 2016 by PA

Burnley boss Sean Dyche holds no grudges against his former club Watford and believes the Pozzo family's unusual methods are yielding success.

The Italians took over at Vicarage Road in 2012 and quickly made Dyche an early casualty, immediately after he led the side to their highest league finish in four seasons.

They are currently on their seventh manager since Dyche's dismissal, incumbent Walter Mazzarri following in the footsteps of Gianfranco Zola, Giuseppe Sannino, Oscar Garcia, Billy McKinlay, Slavisa Jokanovic and Quique Flores.

That revolving door policy has raised plenty of eyebrows but ahead of his first Premier League encounter against the Hornets, Dyche sounded a conciliatory note.

"It's well-documented I've always had respect for the club. The situation, the business changed etc etc but I mean every word when I say I had a fantastic time there as player, youth coach, assistant manager and manager," he said.

"Because business changes and you lose your job it doesn't mean I hold any baggage at all, I certainly don't. It's a lot of water under the bridge and they've gone on to become a Premier League club so their model of working has worked for them.

"They're a different animal yet again because they've changed their manager yet again. Their model is completely different to most in football but so far they've got a good start so it seems to be working for them."

A player Dyche will urge Burnley to keep a close eye on in Monday's fixture at Turf Moor is Watford captain Troy Deeney, who Mazzarri claims should be handed an England call-up.

With Tottenham striker Harry Kane facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after he sustained an ankle injury earlier this month, England manager Sam Allardyce will be on the lookout for a replacement ahead of the World Cup qualification double-header against Malta and Slovenia in October.

Deeney, who courted the interest of Premier League champions Leicester in the summer before agreeing a new five-year deal at Watford, has scored in his side's successive victories against West Ham and Manchester United.

And while Mazzarri admitted he had not spoken to Allardyce about Deeney, he believes the 28-year-old striker deserves what would be a first cap for his country.

"I would be proud and really happy if Deeney went to the national team," said Watford boss Mazzarri. "He has improved physically and he is much fitter now.

"He is a strong striker, he just needs to look after his fitness, but of course he is international level."

Italian Mazzarri, speaking through an interpreter, added: "I respect the England manager and his decision, and I am biased as he is one of my players.

"The FA can call me with the help of an interpreter, but they haven't called up until now."

Deeney will line up for Watford at Burnley with the Hornets bidding for a hat-trick of consecutive wins.

But Mazzarri, whose Watford side temporarily moved into the top half of the Premier League following their impressive 3-1 victory against Manchester United, is not expecting an easy ride.

"I have big respect for Burnley and they're a strong team," he added. "It's a different type of game and not necessarily an easier game. We have big respect for Burnley and the way they play.

"They won against Liverpool and that shows they are strong. That's what we need to reflect on and that they won against a big team like Liverpool. It's a difficult away game and not an easy away match."