Burnley manager Owen Coyle admitted he can’t wait to savor life in the Premier League after his side won promotion with a 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in Monday’s Championship play-off final.
The 42-year-old was ecstatic after Wade Elliott’s superb first half goal ensured Burnley will play top flight soccer for the first time since 1976.
The Clarets had one of the smallest squads in the Championship and finished two places below United in the table, but they never looked second best at Wembley and now Coyle is itching to see how his players fare against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
PHOTO: AFP
“We’ve got a great adventure to look forward to,” said Coyle, who 14 years ago was among the goalscorers in an epic play-off final as Bolton came from 3-0 down to beat Reading 4-3.
“I think you’ve seen the effort the players gave, it was a great game, end-to-end and we had chances to put the game to bed,” he said.
“We don’t have quantity but I believe we have quality. I’m obviously delighted with what we’ve achieved,” the Scot said. “I’m immensely proud and delighted for everyone in the town but my heart goes out to Sheffield United.”
Elliott settled the tie early in the first half when he curled a perfectly placed shot past Paddy Kenny from just outside the penalty area.
The midfielder said it was the most important goal of his career.
“In terms of importance — no contest. It’s far and away the best goal I’ll ever score, probably,” he said.
“I think it will take a little while for it to sink in but I’m delighted for all the lads,” Elliott said.
“When it [went in] I thought about running up to my mum and dad but they were in the opposite corner and it was so hot!” he said.
United manager Kevin Blackwell hinted that he would consider his future at Bramall Lane after his second defeat in the Championship final.
“It’s not a place to come and lose and now we’ve got to start all over again,” said Blackwell, who lost at the same stage when he was Leeds manager.
“I’ll go home and think about it. I know the ramifications. It’s food for thought,” he said.
Promotion for Burnley, who operated on one of the smallest budgets in the Championship, means an estimated windfall of around £50 million (US$79.68 million).
It also means 7,000 of the club’s fans will be watching Premier League soccer free of charge next season courtesy of a pre-season pledge from chairman Barry Kilby to fans who bought season tickets for the current season before Aug. 8 last year.
Burnley, a founder member of the Football League, almost slipped out of the professional ranks 22 years ago when they needed to win their final game to avoid dropping out of the old fourth division.
However, their fortunes have gone full circle and they have impressed with their stylish play.
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