Sean Dyche has admitted being “flattered” at being linked with the Newcastle United job – and says under-fire Steve Bruce has to “roll with the punches”.
The Burnley manager has been tipped as a future Toon boss under Mike Ashley who has a history of appointing mainly British managers.
Dyche says Newcastle are “without doubt” a “big club” but saying turning that potential into results is a “huge challenge.”
Burnley can deepen Bruce’s misery on Sunday by adding to the Geordies’ tally of winless games.
Asked if he was a potential Newcastle manager one day, Dyche said: “I am Burnley manager, I am still here currently. I am always flattered by links from all clubs but particularly Premier League clubs, because that is one of the highest value league in the world, in terms of quality football.
“If you are linked to clubs like Newcastle, then very flattering. But I keep doing my job at Burnley.
(Image: Jan Kruger)
“Turning huge potential into actual performances and wins are different things. It is not an easy task. If it was easy, clubs like Newcastle would be up there every season. They haven’t been.
“They are a big club – doesn’t give you a divine right to win games. It takes process and quality players, not just saying you are a big club.
“The difference between being one and delivering one, that is the biggest challenge. A real big challenge.”
Dyche respects “solid fella” Bruce for his long service as a manager but reckons no boss can complain too much about the abuse they get these days.
On Bruce’s plight at St James’s Park, Dyche said: “Everyone is fair game so you take what comes your way.
“Steve Bruce is well rounded enough in his views on footballI don’t think there is such a thing as unfair in football management anymore.
“Society is changing and the way you get treated by society is changing. You have to roll with the punches. Steve gets a few knocks on the way. I have had my fair share. You deal with that and stay focused. You are not going to be a manager and avoid getting knocks on the way.”
Dyche reckons bossing Newcastle always brings “expectation.”
He added: “There is always a big expectation no matter what the situation… manager player, budgets, even without fans in the stadium.
“Steve is a very good manager and a very good bloke around you and a solid fella to know.
(Image: Alex Livesey)
“He was helpful when I started at Watford. Saw a young manager and helped us out financially. He is a really good guy, and his lovely wife. You sometimes forget they are human beings as well as football managers. He gets the balance right.
“It has been up and down like a lot of teams. Outside the top teams you get long spells, indifferent spells. It happens to everyone outside the top. Even Arsenal, Spurs, Everton have tough spells.
“It is no good talking about Newcastle, we have to be ready, they are a good outfit, good manager and we have to be on top of our performance.”
Dyche is targeting wins not only in bottom of the table clashes, adding: “You have to target every game for a win. Every game is winnable, some are more difficult. Our home record for our level in the league has been strong.”
