Burnley boss Vincent Kompany hails their return to the Premier League
‘It’s Easter… and we’re already celebrating!’: Jubilant Burnley boss Vincent Kompany hails return to the Premier League after win at Middlesbrough – and says his players are AHEAD of schedule after stunning Championship campaign
- Vincent Kompany said Burnley’s return to the top flight was ahead of schedule
- Clarets chairman Alan Pace expected it to take up to three years to get back up
- Burnley confirmed their spot in the Premier League with win at Middlesbrough
Vincent Kompany admitted Burnley’s return to the Premier League was way ahead of schedule as a 2-1 win at Middlesbrough sealed promotion.
The Belgian was tasked with picking up the pieces when the Clarets’ six-season stint in the top-flight came to an end 12 months ago amid financial worries.
Few tipped them to bounce straight back but Kompany’s side have dominated the Championship, sealing their return with seven games left thanks to goals by Ashley Barnes and Connor Roberts.
‘We didn’t expect it. We wanted to experience it someday but we had a different timing on it,’ said Kompany.
‘It’s Easter and there’s seven games to go and we’re already celebrating. Quicker is better sometimes.’
Vincent Kompany has hailed the unexpectedly quick return of Burnley to the Premier League
Clarets chairman Alan Pace said the club had expected to wait longer to return to the top flight
Chairman Alan Pace agreed that an immediate return wasn’t part of the plan back in pre-season.
‘Vincent has done a phenomenal job. He is one of the most incredible people I have ever met, something very, very special.
‘This is a complete surprise, this wasn’t our plan. We gave ourselves two or three years and I just think what you see is a lot of magic coming together.’
Kompany said he would allow his players to celebrate promotion but also wanted them focused on Monday’s clash with Sheffield United with the title yet to secure.
Burnley goalscorer Ashley Barnes said ‘this is the end of my era’ with the North-West club
‘In the morning they still have to come in. I’m not a monster, they’ve earned it,’ he said.
‘I’ve experienced these moments myself and I hope the emotional momentum is worth a lot more than anything. Celebrate, be happy and then tomorrow the coaching staff will be ready.’
Scorer Barnes said: ‘This is the end of my era as a Burnley player, I’m quite emotional to score. To bounce back and get straight back up phenomenal.’
The defeat all but ended Middlesbrough’s automatic promotion hopes but boss Michael Carrick said: ‘Huge credit to Burnley, they’ve been the best team over the course of the season.’
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