Sean Dyche is considering leaving Burnley at the end of the season due to his strained relationship with chairman Mike Garlick.
Dyche has worked wonders since taking the Turf Moor hot seat in 2012, securing two promotions to the Premier League, while ultimately establishing the Clarets as a competitive top-flight side.
However, the club’s situation with player contracts has been frustrating, with Jeff Hendrick set to leave Turf Moor at the end of June when his contract expires.
Jeff Hendrick’s contract situation has been frustrating for Dye / Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images
According to the Daily Mail, that frustration has been compounded after it was revealed that there will be little in the way of funds available for new additions when the transfer window opens next month.
Dye could only name seven substitutes, two of them goalkeepers, during Burnley’s 5-0 defeat by Manchester City on Monday evening.
The Burnley manager still has two years left on his current contract, but could leave early if he is unhappy with the situation at the club.
Dyche has had great success at Burnley / John Kruger / Getty Images
The Mail report that the Burnley team are in the picture regarding Dye’s feelings, and that his possible exit would be ‘devastated’ for the players.
The Clarets are starting to discuss arrangements for such a scenario, with Bristol City manager Lee Johnson and former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes earmarked as possible replacements.
Johnson has been with Bristol since 2016, and his side are challenging for a play-off place this season. The longevity he has enjoyed at Ashton Gate and the stability he has brought is not dissimilar to Dyche’s at Burnley.
Burnley lost 5-0 to Man City on their return to Premier League action/Pool/Getty Images
After his side’s defeat to Man City, Ditch did not hold back in his criticism of the club’s handling of player contracts.
“These situations didn’t need to arise. It’s something the chairman and the board should learn from,” the 48-year-old said, via BBC Sport.
“The Covid crisis certainly hasn’t helped but it’s not the cover story because I’ve been talking about it for 18 months.”
Phil Bardsley has since signed a new contract, but Hendrik will leave the club on a free at the end of the month, with Milan surprisingly linked with a move for the midfielder.