Barton – Clarets Will Be Fine

Fleetwood Town boss Joey Barton is adamant former employers Burnley will enjoy a successful 2019/20 Premier League campaign. Having battled relegation last season, the Clarets are expected to endure another difficult top-flight campaign and they could find it a real challenge to avoid dropping down to the Championship.

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Sean Dyche has only managed to add two new players to his squad in the shape of Jay Rodriguez and Erik Pieters, although the English tactician is still hopeful of bringing in some more new faces. Certain individuals could also be heading for the Turf Moor exit door following reports England international goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Joe Hart are being targeted by rival Premier League clubs.

Barton, who had two spells at Burnley, is feeling relaxed about the season ahead for the Clarets and is confident they have the quality in their squad to finish high in the table. “It’s exciting times for Burnley fans, you look again and I think they’ll be absolutely fine,” he said after seeing his side losing 2-0 to the Clarets in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly. “You’re looking and thinking can they break into that top 10 more consistently, with the talent they’ve got, you see no reason why not.”